The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe sits squarely in the era when heavy-duty 4x4 pickups were expected to work hard and still carry the unmistakable stance of a classic GM truck. For owners keeping one on the road today, tire selection is less about broad half-ton truck norms and more about matching the exact wheel and sub-model setup. This K20 Custom Deluxe uses either an 8.75R16.5 radial or a 950-16.5 bias-ply tire, both built around a 16.5-inch rim. That makes construction choice especially important, particularly because the available 950-16.5 options are blackwall STA truck tires in distinct series. Before choosing, confirm the exact configuration and whether the truck is being preserved for traditional appearance, utility use, or both.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe
Two primary tire sizes apply to the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe, and the correct one depends on the exact sub-model rather than a simple one-size-fits-all answer. Both sizes use a 16.5-inch rim, but one is a radial and the other is a bias-ply truck tire, so the first step is confirming the specific K20 Custom Deluxe configuration before comparing tire style, construction, and product series.
Fit(s): (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) and (9/16 inch studs)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 16.5 in
An 8.75R16.5 tire uses a vintage numeric radial format, with 8.75 indicating nominal section width and R identifying radial construction on a 16.5-inch rim. On this K20 Custom Deluxe, it serves as a primary radial fitment for certain standard sub-model configurations. Its role is important for owners who want to stay with the truck's radial-based setup rather than moving into a bias-ply alternative. The key decision with this size is confirming that the truck is one of the configurations that actually uses 8.75R16.5 before selecting any replacement.
Fit(s): Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Front, Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Rear, Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Front, and Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Rear
Construction: Bias Ply|Rim: 16.5 in
A 950-16.5 tire is a numeric bias-ply size, where 9.50 refers to nominal section width and 16.5 identifies the wheel diameter. On this K20 Custom Deluxe, that size is tied to Bonus Cab front and rear applications, making it a configuration-specific fitment rather than a universal one. Available choices in this size include STA truck tires in the Traxion and Super Transport series, both built as blackwall bias-ply designs. This size makes the most sense when the truck retains the Bonus Cab setup and the goal is a traditional heavy-duty truck presentation.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe Sub-Model Tires
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe because the tire size changes with the truck's specific configuration. Standard K20 Custom Deluxe models use one radial size, while Bonus Cab front and rear positions use a different bias-ply size, so identifying the exact version comes before choosing a tire.
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1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs)
This K20 Custom Deluxe configuration uses the 8.75R16.5 radial size on a 16.5-inch rim. Tire selection here starts with staying in the correct radial format and confirming the truck still has the wheel setup intended for that size.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe (9/16 inch studs)
This version of the K20 Custom Deluxe also uses the 8.75R16.5 radial size. That keeps fitment straightforward, but it is still wise to verify the existing wheel and overall setup before replacing tires on a truck that may have seen years of work or modification.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Front
The Bonus Cab front application uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply size rather than the radial size found on other K20 Custom Deluxe configurations. That points the selection process toward traditional heavy-duty truck tires and makes wheel compatibility and intended appearance more important.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe Bonus Cab (7/16 & 1/2 inch studs) Rear
This Bonus Cab rear position also uses the 950-16.5 bias-ply fitment. Choosing within that size comes down to selecting the appropriate truck tire series while keeping the 16.5-inch wheel and the vehicle's working or restoration-oriented use in mind.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Front
For this Bonus Cab front configuration, 950-16.5 is the correct primary bias-ply size. That means the buyer should focus on bias-ply truck tire options and confirm that the wheel width and overall truck setup still match the intended fitment.
1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe Bonus Cab (9/16 inch studs) Rear
The rear fitment on this Bonus Cab version remains 950-16.5 bias-ply. Tire choice is therefore centered on selecting the right heavy-duty truck series in that size rather than sorting through multiple different wheel diameters or modern passenger-style alternatives.
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 K20 Custom Deluxe Tires for Sale
Available 950-16.5 products focus on traditional heavy-duty truck use, with STA offerings in the Traxion and Super Transport series. Both are blackwall bias-ply tires on 16.5-inch rims, with the same 6.50 to 6.75 inch rim-width range and made-to-order status.
These FAQs focus on the tire sizes used on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe, how fitment changes by sub-model, and what to check when comparing radial and bias-ply setups, truck tire series, wheel compatibility, and road-use readiness.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
The 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe uses two different primary tire sizes: 8.75R16.5 and 950-16.5. The 8.75R16.5 size is a radial fitment used on standard K20 Custom Deluxe configurations, while 950-16.5 is a bias-ply fitment used on Bonus Cab front and rear applications.
That means the right tire size depends on the truck's exact sub-model rather than simply the year and nameplate. Before replacing tires, confirm whether the truck is a standard K20 Custom Deluxe or a Bonus Cab, and check that it still has the correct 16.5-inch wheel setup for the size being considered.
What size rim does a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe use?
Both primary tire sizes used on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe are built around a 16.5-inch rim diameter. That applies to the 8.75R16.5 radial size and the 950-16.5 bias-ply size, even though the construction and section width differ between them.
Matching rim diameter alone does not settle the full fitment question, especially on an older truck that may have had wheels changed over time. It still helps to confirm wheel width, the actual tire size currently on the truck, and any changes to suspension or ride height before selecting a replacement.
Why does the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe have more than one tire size?
More than one tire size appears on the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe because fitment changes by sub-model. Standard K20 Custom Deluxe versions use the 8.75R16.5 radial size, while Bonus Cab front and rear applications use the 950-16.5 bias-ply size.
That distinction matters because the two sizes are not just different codes on paper; they also reflect different tire constructions and selection paths. Identifying the exact truck configuration first keeps the search focused and helps avoid mixing a radial-based fitment with a Bonus Cab bias-ply truck setup.
Bias-Ply & Radial Options
Is 950-16.5 a bias-ply or radial tire for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
On the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe, 950-16.5 is a bias-ply tire size. It is used on Bonus Cab front and rear applications, while the separate 8.75R16.5 size covers standard K20 Custom Deluxe configurations with radial construction.
That difference is important because construction affects both appearance and the type of replacement tires available in the correct size. A Bonus Cab using 950-16.5 should be evaluated as a bias-ply fitment first, with attention to wheel dimensions and the truck's existing setup before making any construction change.
Should I use bias-ply or radial tires on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
The starting point is the truck's actual fitment. Standard 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe configurations use the 8.75R16.5 radial size, while Bonus Cab front and rear positions use 950-16.5 bias-ply tires, so the original decision is tied to sub-model rather than preference alone.
Selection after that depends on how the truck is set up and how it will be used. Owners preserving a traditional truck presentation may want to stay with the original construction type for that configuration, while any change should be checked carefully against wheel dimensions, clearance, and overall vehicle condition.
What should I check before converting my 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe from bias-ply to radial tires?
Any conversion on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe should begin by confirming the truck's exact sub-model and current wheel setup. Bonus Cab applications use 950-16.5 bias-ply tires, while standard K20 Custom Deluxe versions use 8.75R16.5 radials, so construction changes should not be treated as automatic substitutions.
A careful check includes wheel diameter, wheel width, tire clearance at the front and rear, and the condition of steering and suspension parts. It also helps to compare the truck's intended use, since a restoration-oriented setup and a working road-use setup may lead to different decisions about construction style.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 950-16.5 tire for a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
A 950-16.5 tire for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe should first be matched to a Bonus Cab application, since that is where this bias-ply size belongs. From there, the main comparison points are tire series, blackwall presentation, rim-width compatibility, and whether the truck is being kept in a traditional heavy-duty look.
Available 950-16.5 choices include STA truck tires in the Traxion and Super Transport series, both intended for 16.5-inch rims. It is worth checking the actual wheel width on the truck and comparing product details such as load rating and overall tire character before settling on one series over the other.
What brands offer tires for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
Current product coverage for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe in 950-16.5 centers on STA. That brand appears in both available bias-ply truck tire choices for the Bonus Cab fitment, with options in the Traxion and Super Transport series.
Brand alone should not be the only deciding factor on a truck like this. It makes more sense to compare the exact size, construction, rim-width range, and the series character that best matches the truck's intended use, whether the goal is a work-oriented look, a restoration-minded presentation, or occasional road use.
What tire series are available for the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
For the 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe in the 950-16.5 Bonus Cab fitment, the available tire series are STA Traxion and STA Super Transport. Both are blackwall bias-ply truck tires built for a 16.5-inch rim and share the same load and rim-width specifications.
That means the choice is less about basic fitment and more about selecting the series that best suits the truck's desired character. Comparing the two by their intended truck-oriented presentation, along with wheel compatibility and how the truck will actually be used, is the most practical way to narrow the decision.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
A period-style tire choice for a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe starts with using the correct primary size for the exact sub-model. Standard K20 Custom Deluxe versions use 8.75R16.5 radials, while Bonus Cab front and rear positions use 950-16.5 bias-ply tires, so the period-style starting point changes with the truck's configuration.
For a restoration-oriented truck, keeping the proper size and construction family usually matters more than chasing a broad vintage look. Owners seeking exact historical accuracy should also compare the finished tire choice against model-specific photos, build records, or marque-club guidance before treating any one option as the final appearance standard.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
Tire construction can change the visual character of a restored 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe, especially on a truck with a tall sidewall and a 16.5-inch wheel. A radial fitment such as 8.75R16.5 and a bias-ply fitment such as 950-16.5 do not present the truck in exactly the same way.
That is why restoration-minded buyers often begin by matching the sub-model's original construction type before comparing brands or series. Bonus Cab applications using 950-16.5 also narrow the appearance choice to blackwall bias-ply truck tires, which helps maintain a traditional heavy-duty look without overcomplicating the selection.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe?
Yes, modifications can affect tire fitment on a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe even when the tire size itself is correct for the sub-model. Changes such as aftermarket wheels, altered ride height, suspension work, or body modifications can all influence how an 8.75R16.5 or 950-16.5 tire sits on the truck.
A truck that has been changed from its original setup should be checked for wheel diameter, wheel width, and clearance during steering and suspension travel. That is especially important on an older 4x4, where years of use or parts replacement may have altered the space available around the tire.
What should I inspect before driving a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe on new tires?
Before driving a 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe on new tires, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and the condition of suspension and steering components. It also helps to confirm that the mounted tire matches the truck's correct size and construction for its exact K20 or Bonus Cab configuration.
A short practical check should include inflation pressure, visible sidewall condition, tread seating, and clearance at full steering lock where applicable. Older trucks that spend long periods parked deserve extra attention, since age, corrosion, and prior repairs can affect road readiness even after fresh tires are installed.
How should tires on a collector 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe be maintained?
Tires on a collector 1980 Chevrolet Trucks K20 Custom Deluxe should be maintained with regular pressure checks, routine visual inspections, and careful storage habits. Even a truck that sees limited miles can develop age-related issues such as cracking, flat spotting, air loss, or sidewall damage if it sits for long periods.
Consistent care means checking the tires before road use, keeping the truck away from prolonged heat and sunlight when possible, and watching for changes in ride feel or stance. Any K20 that still carries older wheels or suspension parts also benefits from periodic professional inspection to catch fitment or safety concerns early.
