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| | | | Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 173 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Nov 2006 Posts: 173 | I'm about to get a new set of shoes for my '52 GMC COE. I was surprised to find out that TOYO still makes a 8.25-20 radial. There aren't any available in any of our local warehouses and the extra frieght plus the extra cost above a decent quality bias ply amounts to +$150 per tire.
I don't plan on driving this truck daily, but I do plan on working the old girl some. This would be all farm to market local roads. The truck "follows the ruts" in the pavement now with a set of rock hard bias plies of questionable age. The kingpins and steering linkage seem tight.
I believe a set of radials on the front might help this some, but I don't know if the extra cost is justified for maybe 1000 mies a year.
Does anyone have any experience that would help me decide if the extra cost is justified. Thanks,
Scott
1947, 1950, & 1952 Chevrolet 1/2 ton
1952 GMC 450 series Cab Over Engine
1946 Chevrolet 2 Ton
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,107 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 1,107 | Does anyone have any experience that would help me decide if the extra cost is justified. Thanks,
Scott i dont have any experience in the actual ride with radials. i put about 3500 miles total between all my trucks. i did the math experience. difference of cost $150. each times six times three paid for my 59-235 rebuild for the 6100. im told that if i had radials id notice a big difference in handling and ride  . ive drove the ashton to stovebolt headquarters two years ago and it was a six hour ride each way. with the nice seat i have made it a pleasant ride so it wouldnt have matter what tire i have. its your choice but what could you do with the extra money not spent on radials  | | | | | Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jan 2008 Posts: 4,962 | Bias tires handled the job 50 years ago, and they will still do the job. Although I have had nothing but radials on my over the road fleet for over 30 years, I still prefer bias for something used occasionally. Radials have a tendency to blow out after 5 to 7 years because they rot where the belts are attached to the bead. A bias tire is constructed differently, and although the sidewalls may look cracked, they are still sound. I know lots of farmers who have 30 year old bias tires on their field trucks. They use them during the harvest and they spend most of their life in a shed. I have quite a few old storage trailers. Most of the tires have blown out by just sitting there. | | |
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