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| | | | Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 5 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Oct 2015 Posts: 5 | Greetings,
My 46 half ton needs new tires to replace the Coker bias plys that have been on the rig for the past five years. The truck is my local daily driver— even through our Montana winters. (It does great in the snow). I'm on a budget and have noticed the military tires are about the best deal around— both the FIRESTONE 600-16 NDT 6 ply and the even more affordable SPEEDWAY Military Tires 600-16. Both seem to be 6 ply.
Any thoughts on how these would ride, look, etc? I haven;t found any photos of them on a 40s or 50s Stovebolt.
There are many threads about various radial options— the Grantland Milestar or Michelin 215/85r16s. I guess I'm hesitant about then not fitting well and being unsafe.
Any input on the military tires or other affordable (plus safe and decent-looking) would be much appreciated.
PS- The people on this forum seem to be about the best group of folks I've even run into. Wish you all lived closer.
Daily driver 1946 Chevy 1/2 Ton
| | | | | Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,879 Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) | | Kettle Custodian (pot stirrer) Joined: Feb 2004 Posts: 29,879 | Those military lug tread tires are great for low-speed off-roading, but they can be deadly dangerous on pavement, particularly in the rain. They have virtually no directional stability in wet conditions. Take a look at the road contact patch sometime, and imagine what would happen in an unexpected sharp turn at highway speed or during a wet panic stop.
Jerry
"It is better to be silent and be thought a fool than to speak and eliminate all doubt!" - Abraham Lincoln
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| | | | | Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,617 Moderator | | Moderator Joined: Aug 2001 Posts: 3,617 | I agree with Jerry.
They are not good for hauling much weight or at speeds over 35 MPH.
Had a set on a 4x4 F-700 dump truck.
The front tires would hydroplane at a about 45 MPH in the rain.
As for off road, they were not much better either.
Other than looks, stay away!
Don
1967 GMC 9500 Fire Ladder Truck"The Flag Pole"In the Stovebolt Gallery1946 2-Ton grain truck 1946 3/4-ton pickup, 1953 1-ton pickup 1957 1-ton flatbed dually, 1954 Pontiac Straight Eight Of all the things I've lost in my life, I miss my mind the most! | | | | | Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 Bubba - Curmudgeon | | Bubba - Curmudgeon Joined: Sep 2001 Posts: 29,270 | I have 215/85R16 tires on 6.50-16" original 1954 wheels.
It is an excellent match.
Maybe someone will post if that size will be OK on 6.00-16" wheel/rim? | | | | | Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2012 Posts: 1,214 | I have 215/85R16 tires on 6.50-16" original 1954 wheels.
It is an excellent match.
Maybe someone will post if that size will be OK on 6.00-16" wheel/rim? They are (on 1949 OEM rims). Will be doing the 1st 6k tire rotation this week (every 2nd oil change) and no problems to report. knock on wood. | | |
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