The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale sits in a period when Chevrolet’s heavy-duty pickups were expected to handle real work while still offering trim and comfort that made them practical everyday trucks. That matters when choosing tires, because this exact C20 Scottsdale can wear more than one fitment depending on GVWR, stud configuration, and wheel setup. Primary fitments here include radial sizes 7.50R16, 8.75R16.5, and 9.50R16.5, along with the bias-ply 950-16.5 used on 8600 GVWR versions. The decision is not just about size, but also 16-inch versus 16.5-inch wheels and whether a restoration or work-truck presentation calls for retaining the original construction style.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale
Four primary tire sizes apply to the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale, and they do not all fit the same truck configuration. Fitment varies by sub-model, with both 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheel diameters in use, so the first step is confirming the exact GVWR, stud setup, and wheel diameter on the truck before choosing a tire. Once that is settled, the decision becomes radial versus bias-ply construction and selecting the tire style that matches the truck’s intended use and appearance.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400) and (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16 in
7.50R16 is a vintage numeric radial size in which the 7.50 refers to nominal section width in inches, the R identifies radial construction, and 16 is the wheel diameter. On this C20 Scottsdale, it is one of the radial fitments used on certain 6400 GVWR sub-models with 16-inch wheels. This size is especially relevant when the truck still carries its 16-inch wheel setup and the goal is to stay with a period-style truck radial format rather than move to a 16.5-inch tire package. Wheel diameter should be confirmed before treating it as an option.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400) and (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16.5 in
8.75R16.5 uses the same vintage numeric radial convention, with 8.75 indicating nominal section width, R indicating radial construction, and 16.5 indicating wheel diameter. It serves as one of the radial fitments for certain 6400 GVWR C20 Scottsdale configurations that use 16.5-inch wheels instead of 16-inch wheels. This size is useful when the truck is equipped with the corresponding 16.5-inch wheel package and the owner wants to retain a heavy-duty radial presentation. Since 16-inch and 16.5-inch wheels are both used on this model, wheel verification is essential before selection.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400) and (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16.5 in
9.50R16.5 is another vintage numeric radial size, with 9.50 representing nominal section width and 16.5 identifying the wheel diameter. On the 1980 C20 Scottsdale, it appears on certain 6400 GVWR configurations that use 16.5-inch wheels and radial construction. This size matters when the truck carries the larger 16.5-inch radial setup and the buyer wants to preserve that style of fitment rather than convert to a different construction or wheel diameter. Careful matching to the actual wheel size and truck configuration is more important here than choosing by appearance alone.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600), (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600), Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front, Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear, Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front, and Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
950-16.5 is a traditional numeric bias-ply truck size in which 950 reflects a nominal 9.50-inch section-width class and 16.5 indicates wheel diameter. This is the bias-ply fitment used on 8600 GVWR C20 Scottsdale applications, including Bonus Cab front and rear positions. Available choices in this size include STA tires in the Traxion and Super Transport series, both with Blackwall styling and Military & Truck character. It is the size to evaluate when maintaining the truck’s original heavy-duty 16.5-inch bias-ply fitment is part of the restoration or use plan.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model fitment on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale is not one-size-fits-all. Tire choice depends on the truck’s GVWR, stud configuration, and whether it uses a 16-inch radial setup or a 16.5-inch wheel with either radial or bias-ply construction.
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1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
This 6400 GVWR configuration uses radial tire fitments rather than the 950-16.5 bias-ply size used on heavier versions. The key step is confirming whether the truck has the 16-inch setup or one of the 16.5-inch radial wheel packages before choosing a replacement.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600)
This 8600 GVWR C20 Scottsdale uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment on a 16.5-inch wheel. Tire selection here centers on staying with the proper heavy-duty bias-ply size and comparing available series within that fitment.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 6400)
This 6400 GVWR version also uses radial tire fitments, with size choice tied to the actual wheel package on the truck. Selection starts with wheel-diameter confirmation, then moves to choosing the radial size that matches the existing 16-inch or 16.5-inch setup.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600)
This heavier 8600 GVWR configuration uses 950-16.5 bias-ply tires on 16.5-inch wheels. Owners focused on preservation or work-truck authenticity will usually begin by retaining that construction and then comparing the available Blackwall truck tire series.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front
The front position on this Bonus Cab 8600 GVWR truck uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment. That keeps the tire decision centered on proper 16.5-inch wheel compatibility and the intended balance between restoration presentation and service use.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear
The rear position on this Bonus Cab 8600 GVWR application also uses 950-16.5 bias-ply tires. Matching the correct size and wheel width matters here, especially on a truck expected to carry weight or retain a consistent heavy-duty appearance front to rear.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Front
This front Bonus Cab fitment stays with the 950-16.5 bias-ply truck size on a 16.5-inch wheel. Choosing between available tires in that size comes down to maintaining the original construction style and confirming wheel compatibility before installation.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs)(GVWR 8600) Rear
This rear Bonus Cab position also uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment. Buyers should treat it as a heavy-duty truck application where size accuracy, wheel-width match, and overall tire condition matter just as much as appearance.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale Tires for Sale
Available 950-16.5 tires for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale come from STA in the Traxion and Super Transport series. Both are Blackwall bias-ply truck tires built for 16.5-inch wheels, with matching load figures and closely related rim-width specifications, and both are made to order.
These FAQs focus on the tire-size differences across 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale sub-models, 16-inch versus 16.5-inch wheel fitment, bias-ply versus radial construction, and the practical checks that matter before a restored or working truck goes back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale?
The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale uses four primary tire sizes: 7.50R16, 8.75R16.5, 9.50R16.5, and 950-16.5. The radial sizes appear on certain 6400 GVWR configurations, while the 950-16.5 bias-ply size is used on 8600 GVWR versions, including Bonus Cab front and rear applications.
Choosing correctly starts with identifying the truck’s exact sub-model and then confirming whether it has 16-inch or 16.5-inch wheels. Since both wheel diameters and both constructions appear on this model, the right approach is to match the truck’s actual setup rather than assume every C20 Scottsdale used the same tire.
What size rim does a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale use?
A 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale can use either a 16-inch or 16.5-inch rim, depending on the tire size and truck configuration. The 7.50R16 radial uses a 16-inch rim, while 8.75R16.5, 9.50R16.5, and 950-16.5 use 16.5-inch rims.
That distinction is critical because a 16-inch tire and a 16.5-inch tire are not interchangeable. A buyer should verify the actual wheel diameter stamped on the wheel or confirmed on the truck before choosing a tire, especially on older pickups that may have had wheel changes during their working life.
Why does the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale have more than one tire size?
The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale has more than one tire size because fitment changes with GVWR, stud configuration, and wheel setup. Some 6400 GVWR versions use radial tire sizes, while 8600 GVWR versions use the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment on 16.5-inch wheels.
That means tire selection is tied to how the truck was equipped, not just the model name on the fender. Looking at the truck’s exact sub-model, wheel diameter, and current wheel hardware helps prevent ordering a tire that matches the badge but not the truck’s actual heavy-duty configuration.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 950-16.5 tire for a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale?
Start with the basics: the 950-16.5 size, 16.5-inch wheel diameter, and bias-ply construction all need to match the truck’s 8600 GVWR configuration. In this size, available choices include STA’s Traxion and Super Transport series, both built as Blackwall truck tires with a Military & Truck character.
The practical comparison is less about changing fitment and more about matching the tire to the truck’s use and presentation. Rim-width compatibility, load figure, and whether the truck is being restored for a traditional work-truck appearance or driven regularly are the details that shape the best choice within this size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale tires?
For the currently available 950-16.5 fitment on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale, the sidewall style is Blackwall. That matches the heavy-duty truck character of the bias-ply options offered in this size and keeps the appearance straightforward rather than decorative.
Blackwall presentation tends to suit restorations that aim for a functional, period-style truck look. Sidewall style should still come after confirming the correct size and wheel diameter, because appearance matters only after the tire matches the truck’s actual 16.5-inch setup and intended load-carrying role.
What tire series are available for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale?
In the 950-16.5 size used on 8600 GVWR versions of the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale, the available tire series are STA Traxion and STA Super Transport. Both are bias-ply Blackwall truck tires intended for 16.5-inch wheel applications and both carry the same published maximum load capacity.
Series choice matters when comparing overall tire character within the same fitment, especially on a truck that may be restored, shown, or used lightly on the road. Once size and wheel diameter are confirmed, the buyer can compare the series for the kind of visual and service profile that best matches the truck.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale?
A period-style choice starts with the exact fitment your 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale uses. If the truck is an 8600 GVWR version, the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment keeps the original construction style in place, while certain 6400 GVWR trucks use radial sizes tied to their wheel setup.
The right restoration-oriented decision is usually the one that preserves the truck’s original size format, wheel diameter, and overall stance. When historical precision matters, checking model-specific literature, build information, or marque-club references can help confirm whether the truck should remain bias-ply or radial in its existing configuration.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale?
Tire construction changes the visual character of a restored 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale as much as the fitment itself. The 950-16.5 bias-ply setup used on 8600 GVWR trucks gives a distinctly traditional heavy-duty presentation, while the radial sizes used on certain 6400 GVWR models carry a different period truck look.
That difference matters because a truck restored for authenticity often looks most convincing when the construction matches its original type of fitment. Appearance should still be balanced against how the truck will be driven, along with wheel diameter, wheel width, and the exact sub-model that determines which construction belongs on the vehicle.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale. Wheel changes, suspension alterations, ride-height changes, brake conversions, or a switch from 16-inch to 16.5-inch wheels can all change what tire size and construction can be used safely and cleanly on the truck.
A modified truck should be checked for actual wheel diameter, wheel width, clearance at full steering lock, and room around the fenders and suspension. Older work trucks are often changed over time, so matching a tire to the truck as it sits now is just as important as knowing the original fitment range.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels for correct diameter and condition, make sure lug hardware matches the wheel and stud setup, and confirm the tires are mounted in the proper size and construction for the truck. It is also worth checking for visible tread issues, sidewall damage, air loss, or uneven wear on any tire already in service.
A collector or lightly used truck also deserves a close look at suspension condition, steering response, and brake function before taking it out at speed. Proper inflation, adequate clearance, and a short test drive can reveal problems early, especially on older C20s that may have sat for long periods.
How should 950-16.5 tires on a collector 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale be maintained?
950-16.5 tires on a collector 1980 Chevrolet Trucks C20 Scottsdale should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, cuts, bulges, and irregular wear, and protected from long-term exposure to heat, sunlight, and ozone sources. On a truck that sees limited use, condition matters just as much as tread depth.
Regular visual checks help catch aging before a road trip or show outing. Storage on clean, dry surfaces and periodic movement of the truck can help reduce flat spotting and stress from long stationary periods, while any sign of persistent air loss or structural damage should be addressed before further driving.
