The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts where to find a good price on big old tires

I have a 44 1.5 ton with a swapped in 2 ton rear axle off of a 53... so where are the best prices on the really big truck tires? should I look online, or am I better off hitting the phone book?

I want to put 850x20 on the back and 750x20 on the front, but I don't really want to spend too much on tires at this stage in the project (got lots of other costs coming down the pipe really soon), so what are my best bets for reasonable tires... these are just so I can roll it around as it doesn't run yet.

-Mike R.

Mike,
I purchased about 6 months back a set of Power King tires [7.50x20]. I looked up Power King tires on the computer and called there headquarters here in the US and asked for my closest dealer. They were very helpful. The tires as I remember were $96-100 each and the tubes were about $20. These are 10 ply tires. I hope that this helps!

I bought mine it an old truck stop along the interstate.They even had the equipment and knowhow to handle the split rims.

As I remenber the price was about the same as what Gary said.

Don

I bought 6 8.25-20 in a salvage yard. They had just put them on a truck and their driver blew the engine (it was a **** ). Got 6 tires, tubes, liners and rims for $450.00. If you're not in a hurry, go snooping around.
Good luck, Scott

Had two new 7.50 x 20 ties put on my '46 1-1/2 ton a few months ago--mounted and all done for just under $200.00.

I talked to the shop first to make sure they were comfortable with the job. Old trucks, old bolts, old rims, tubes and the like call for someone who wants the job.

That was Zig'z Exxon here in Jarrell.

BTW, got your truck(s) back to Austin yet? Give me a call, could use your help in the Rodeo parade May 8, 2004

not in austin yet, that is part of the reason for this question...

planning on hauling it here inside of a month. wanted to put tires on it to get it on and off the trailer easier and into my driveway easier...

good news is that I found a head, rocker arms, push rods, and valve cover out at the farm in a shed ready to replace the broken parts, so I am in luck there... I'll post when it arrives in Round Rock. and thanks for the pointer, Jarrel ain't to far away to make a trip...

-Mike R.

I was reading a ranch auction salebill this morning and the guy had a schoolbus and a bunch of tires, tubes, etc. some still new. I'll bet they sell for a song. Not too many folks looking for 8:25 rubber these days but it used to be popular. I'd also check the government auctions in your area, GSA has more stuff than you can shake a big stick at and they nearly give it away.

Best to find tires in yards with wheels and all. Don't worry about cracked sidewalls too much, they have tubes and will last long time. I've had several of these and hacked and cut up the wheels and tirs to junk! No one close wants them, and too heavy to ship cheap! There is an army store listed on the web at www.auto-rv.com near INdiana. It shows tires with little wear, tube, and flaps for $25 each! This is lugged militar tread, but that's cheap! Maybe you have a Military truck place or such near you? Finding someone willing to change them is a problem too, that's why I buy wheels and all and switch. The later model HD3500 and some Motorhomes and P-chassis delivery trucks have same 10-bolt wheels in 19.5" tire size, one piece! Can use radials. That's what I had on my 54. 53 and down have a smaller center hole, but the lugs are same. Again, will work for rolling at least. I was always gonna see about turning a spacer on a lathe to tack weld in too big wheels for older trucks.

hmm... too bad I don't have a lathe, I would love to put the newer tires on there...

Good suggestions, thanks everyone!

-Mike R.

Hey Fahr -- was that '53 rear end a single or a dually set up? Been looking all over for a taller rear end that will let me keep my original 10 lug, 20 inch dually wheel combo.