The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Looking for tires

I've had this in the "General Truck Talk" section and it was suggested that I post this here. So here goes.

I'm a newbie in the process of buying my first restoration project - a '49 1-ton farm truck with a dump body. It runs very well and is currently used on a regular basis. I will be taking possession of it next week. The tires are VERY dry rotted so that's the first thing I have to change. I've been looking on the 'net and calling local tire shops to see if anyone has tires to fit. So far, no luck. Can anyone direct me to someone that sells tires for these classic trucks?

I'll post a pic after I get it home so everyone can see my new toy. That's not what my wife calls it, but she did want me to get a hobby. So here goes.

Actually, she is supportive of this. She's just not seeing what I see. I've wanted to do this sort of thing since I worked for my Grandfather at his Ford dealership and I tried to buy a '33 Ford pickup from one of the other employees (I was 14 and couldn't get enough $$ together before someone else bought it). So 30+ years later, here I am with a Chevy. Ah, the many twists and turns of life.
Thanks.
Jim

Rocky Mtn A big welcome, seems you got bit by THE BUG a while ago but thats all right. There,s others here that wont admit it! Anyway there are guys that have some used stuff on site for the takin/or a price, ask around. but ask inthe swap meet or the boogie man,l getcha. All kidding aside,we need SIZES. also M.E.Miller Tire in Wauseon Ohio has alot of old hard to find tires and sizes. good luck steve sr

Thanks for the welcome and the advice. If I could make a living at restoring old cars and trucks, that's what I'd do but as fun as I know it can be, it doesn't bring in the $$ to let me do it fulltime.

I know the size thing is the sticky issue right now and once I have it in my grubby little hands I'll have that information. But in the meantime I'm just trying to get a list of potential sources together so when I do know the size I can get started in short order 'cuz I don't dare drive it much until I have new rubber.
Thanks again.
Jim

Jim, A Big Rocky Mountain Welcome. Always nice to see a fellow Mile High enthusiast.

Here are two companies that offer nearly anything you can think of:

Lucas Automotive, Long Beach, CA / Springfield, OH
800-952-4333

Coker Tire / 800-251-6336

Universal Vintage Tire- 800-233-3827

Is your 1-ton a dually? I have a 1950 1-ton Chevy dually and I have found that newer (newer meaning from the 70s and 80s) 16" dual rims will fit. The rims that worked for me are flat around the lugs, not dimpled. I have found that split rims and one piece rims will fit. With the one piece rims, you can run 235/85-16 radials. Look around in salvage yards, they usually have a few laying around. Hope this helps.

Yes, it's a dually. Thanks for the tip on alternatives. I think I've found a couple of dealers that have original-type rubber. My objective on this project is an original restore but I may use the smaller rims for convenience and cost. The tires I've found so far are in the $110 to $130 range plus the tubes at about $25 each. And then there's shipping. Maybe with the 16" rims it'll seem like I'm moving faster than I'm actually going!!