I hear yah oldblue49.
I spent way too much money on my rims and tire combo. I think I was the only guy in North America who purchased a Firestone tire during the Ford Exploder tire problems several years ago.
I bought the tires from the Old Car Center in Langley, BC.
I got my rims straightened prior to purchasing my Coker Firestone bias-plies. The rims were repaired at Green's Automotive LTD. in Richmond, BC.
It is amazing the fellas who forget about how much wobble an old 50+ year old rim has. I believe a lot of guys restoring their rigs forget that detail.
Some fellows would say, "Why spend the $$$ to straighten the rims of an old truck that can only max out at 45 MPH?"
Well... a tire scrubbing on asphalt surface will wear rapidly and I am sure it will promote premature front end bushing wear plus give the "wandering down the road feeling or swaying side to side" we read here occasionally... and then folks say... it is your "kingpins"!
I was very disappointed in the quality of rubber used by Coker for their inner tubes...I had a flat tire after the first day. The inner tube they provide was no thicker than a condom
I replaced all the inner tubes with radial tubes.
Radial tubes are very thick. Very popular with the off-road guys. No flats since.
I have had about 3 thousand miles with my bias-plies...lots of thread remains.
Generally, I am very pleased with my purchase.
Amortized over the 7 years of owning my truck...the sticker shock has worn off!
You mileage may vary!
Greg
