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I'm shopping for tires for my 1953 3100. 4 1/2 inch rims. I've narrowed it down to the top two picks. Anyone have an opinion or experience with Firestone 6.50-16 vs Michelin Agilis Cross Climate 215-85-16. I like the look of the Firestone but I'd like to run radials. Very open to other suggestions. I've put 1K miles on this pickup since frame off restoration. Currently has Tornel tires, which came new on the truck when I swapped for it. I don't like the tires and have planned on replacing them from the start of restoration. I'm giving the pickup to my daughter who lives in Colorado, so I'm interested in quality not cost. I'm very partial to Michelin tires.

Any help is respected and appreciated.

George

I'm only one person but I think the majority prefer radial tires for the every day performance (not talking about high speed performance).
Your rims need to be in good condition, no leaks and structurally sound.
Corker tires for the looks and originality of a show vehicle.

Sorry to preach.
Your daughter also needs good brakes and good steering.
Safety first.

She might want to add some weight to the rear for snow/ice roads, snow tires.

Ed

Thanks! This pickup is a driver. I'm very proud of the restoration but wasn't going to show quality. Stirring and breaks are excellent. Rims are good and I'm currently running tubeless. Would drive anywhere. I'm very much leaning towards radials. Suggested rim width for the Michelin is 5 1/2 - 7 but I've seen that many Bolster's are running 215-85-16 on stock rims. The Cross Climate tire would seem to be a good choice for mountain driving. She would not be driving in bad winter conditions, but it rains a lot up there. I'm not sure how tire shops feel about mounting these tires on 4 1/2-inch rims. I have a Coats manual tire machine so I can mount them myself but there's a Discount Tire down the road from me that I've done a lot of business with so they might sell me a set and mount them. I'd prefer they be spin balanced to my bubble balancer that I use on trailer wheels.

Thank you for the replys. Radials is probably the way to go. This truck goes highway speeds easily. Never be sorry for preaching safety!!!!

George

Hi AD3100

I recently purchased a set of Firestone radials that somewhat mimic the original look of bias ply tires. They are about 29" in diameter and don't have a lot of crap on the sidewall so they look more period correct. They were also only about $100 each

Firestone 215/70 R16 All Season Radials

A radial tire closer to the original size would be 225/85 R16.

If money is no object, go to Diamondback tires which are radial tires made to closely mimic bias ply tires. They're about $300 each, though.

www.dbtires.com

A little more info on this 3100. I purchased a Tremec 5 speed and 9" 3.82 posi package deal. Way overkill I know but the 235 loves the marriage. So, a good highway tire is what I'm after. This truck will never see a dirt road.

I'll take closeups of the tread on the Firestones if you want.

I've been driving the truck above as a daily driver for the last 6 months or so. Those tires handle extremely well. My driving is probably 60% highway at 55mph and 40% on local roads at 40mph and under.

I have had radial tires on my 54 3100 at least from 1990 and no issues. I can't remember the brand but they were a cheaper brand. A little side notes you can order tires from Amazon and send them to a local installer for a cheaper price. My local was Tire Barm. I want to replace mine in the spring but I am thinking of a more aggressive tire. But I only drive it if there is no snow so I don't want a pure snow tire. Master Craft is what I have and they are $129.95.

Your Firestones look great. Like they were meant for the truck. I like your pick up! You have an impressive fleet.

Thanks AD. They might seem less impressive in person, though! Hahaha! Always something needing to be done on all of them. I do, however use them all as regular transportation. I have never owned a modern car.

Yes, the Firestones turned out to be pretty nice and look good on the truck. They have a nice flat sidewall and the tread doesn't wrap over the edge like some tires.

Any opinions on balance beads. I've never used them. Wondering if they are a good option.

What are balance beads? I've never heard of them.

I have/had no idea, Otto

Here is a video explanation.
After a few minutes of advertisements, there is a long/good explanation with examples.

Doesn't sound like anything worth using on a normal vehicle with normal tires.

ttps://www.thecurveahead.net/best-tire-balancing-beads/