The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Questions about tires and stock rims...

I mounted 7.50 - 17 bias ply tires on my 1953 3600. I use the 3/4 ton to pull my vintage trailer (1957). Michelin offered radial ply tires for my application, but discontinued the tires by the time I was ready to purchase. I used a regional tire dealer, Les Schwab Tire Centers, to supply and install the tires (from STA) on my truck and they had no problem with these "split rims". After a few years of experience, my regret is that I installed bias ply tires. There is a lot of steering involved when trying to keep both the truck and trailer headed in a straight line. Any disturbance in road surface, cross winds or "just cuz they want to wander" causes some anxious driving moments from time to time. Although we have pulled the trailer at interstate highway speeds (which I won't mention here) just to keep up with the flow of traffic, I am now seriously ready to switch to radial ply tires. Finding a tire to fit my wheels is a difficult process. My rims are 17" originals. Because I installed front disc brakes suited to Chevy 2500 heavy duty suburban, 16" wheels from a C-20 (which would have been a good alternative) won't clear the brake housings. I am now ready to seriously explore other alternatives. I hope this information helps in your quest.