The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 17" Tire options

So there are a ton of threads on Tires here, especially 15"/16" wheels. However 17" seems to be less common and I have a few questions on this topic for those who know:

I currently have 7.00-17's on my '48 3600 original wheels. The rears have chunks missing bigger than my Fist! Safety inspection is coming soon and I have to turn my attention to tires. A call to my local distributor puts Firestone 7.00-17's at $450... PER TIRE. Not including tubes, but lifetime flat repair .

So needless to say, I need to look around. Other threads have suggested 265/70 R17, without much detail as to steering clearance. Still fairly pricey here, but not $450!. I also found (some on Ebay) but I'm not totally sure that they're good for trucks? Lastly, Coker has these 750-17's: http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/cok-71016/overview/?retaillocation=int. Are these compatible? I'm not much of a tire expert, if you haven't been able to tell, but I know there are a lot of opinions here! Thanks

The 264/70/17 would not be a good choice, for a few reasons. One is that the tire is simply too wide for the stock wheels. They really need at least an 8" wheel for correct fitment and sidewall support. The second is that you really need a tube type tire for your application, which the modern radials are not designed to be run with tubes. Those tires also may not be the proper load range, as they do come in both a P rated (1/2 tons) and LT E range (3/4 and 1 ton)ratings.
I would very leery of buying used, as you don't really know what the tires have been through.
The tires from Coker would be the right fitment, make sure you get new tubes and flaps to go with them.

Thanks Longbox, I forgot to add this link to my last post:(editor's note: No you didn't forget. It was deleted. Ebay links are not allowed in General Truck Talk.)

Is this a candidate? Also, what's the difference between the Coker 750-17 and my 700-17's?

I don't know how much you are in love with your original wheels? But, if you are open to options, I have 235x80's on my '47, first, and they look great, stock GM Al wheels, had to bore out slightly to fit 4wd front axle. Come in 6 and 8 lug. 17's are getting more popular in the States.

Ed

The picture in the ebay sale (7.00x18) doesn't match the title discription (650/700x17)...which is correct? The 650/700 is a tire designed to be used in place of either a 650 or 700, as demand for tire sizes fell the tire manufacturers started combining sizes...less inventory.

A 750 will be a little wider and taller than a 700.

Mike B

Well, my preference is to stay as close to stock look as possible. The issue is I need to get safied before July 1st, as that's when big changes to inspection requirements are coming. I have too much else to work on at the moment to focus on changing the wheels. If I can just get some replacement tires, without breaking the bank, I will be happy.

While the size on the Excelsior would be fine, I would be more concerned with its load capacity. Those are more of a passenger car tire, and may not really have the capacity to handle a truck, especially if it's loaded.

Looks like you have two choices. Both are 7.50-17, 8 ply bias. The STA Transport, Coker 710161 for around $190 and the Tornell Highway, Coker 71016 for $164. Either should fit with no problem. If you're running 2 or 3 piece rims you don't want radials. These rims require tubes, which are not recommended for radials.

Going by the pictures at www.cokertire.com I would prefer the 710161, it looks like it will be quieter at highway speeds, if that is a concern.
The 710161 is also available from www.millertire.com.

Thanks Fred et all, looks like my choices are narrowed down to just two. I wish everything was that simple!

So Coker has a few tubes to choose from. In an effort to get all the right bits at the same time, can anyone tell me if one of the tubes are better for stock wheels than the others? Also, are the 'flaps' really necessary? AND finally, is a 'Non-DOT Approved' tire an issue? These are going on a 3600 in Ontario.

Thanks!

I can't help with the DOT question, but Flaps are what protect the tube from chafing on the wheel. They protect the tube from rough spots and rust, so yes they should be used.

Mike B

Goach 2
Here,s another avenue,
http://stores.ebay.com/carpartjimm
go to the left column and click on 17" tires.
regards,
steve sr.

Thanks Mike\Steve. I will get flaps too, I guess reusing the old ones (if they exist) would be a bad idea.

I've been to that ebay store. Summit Racing still has him beat, plus free shipping. I was just wondering if I should be looking at the regular or offset valves for my wheels. Also the 68115's are half the price of the others...

I guess I will bring up the DOT question with a local mechanic. I was just hoping someone local to Ontario could comment, if they've been in the same situation.

If your old flaps are in good shape and free of anything (sharp edges and rough spots) that could damage your new tubes they can be reused...

Mike B

In the US, a non DOT tire would be for off road/racing use only, not street legal.

Thanks Longbox, that's what I've been reading too. The coker tires everyone is suggesting say non-DOT approved in the details.

http://www.summitracing.com/int/parts/cok-71016/overview/

What am I missing here?

Any Bolters, especially from Ontario, get a truck safetied with the non-DOT-approved tires?

Around here no one would look or care, ask whoever might care where you are if they'd be OK or not.

Seems strange though that they're selling tires that aren't technically legal to use how people will be using them.
"DOT-Approved: No"
"The quality of the restoration of your antique, vintage, or classic truck is in the details. That includes the tires. Coker vintage truck and military tires... "

Thanks Grigg. It probably wouldn't be an issue, except that I need tires for safety. After safety, I doubt anyone would ever look, like you say. I guess I will have to speak with a mechanic who does inspections. Thx