The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline Radial tires --- unbelievable difference!!!!

I am almost "done" with a pretty thourogh restoration of a 1952 3100. As close to a frame off as one could get w/out actually taking the frame off the cab, or vis versa. Anyway, one of the last items I needed was tires. She had very good tread, but dry rotted, bias ply tires on her. I found some Starfire, made by Cooper (USA), tires that are pretty close to original, size wise. LT215/85/16. Load range E so they gotta be 8 ply or better I would guess. Not that anything much will ever go in the bed, just saying that's how they came. Anyway, my point is that this has got to be the #1 improvement of the whole build!!! The ride is UNBELIEVABLLY better. Hands down awsome. Unless u have a trailer queen, show, stock, truck, u are missing a bunch if u don't go with radials. As for anyone debating the issue, there is no debate. They are worth every penny. I will post pics of the build very soon.

I agree with you 100%. I did the same improvement at the same time I did a major drivetrain rebuild. The radials make for a great ride!

I'm with Sweet on this - I put a set of radials on my 38 and the drive went from real nervous to smooth.

Did you use the original rims? Did you use tubes?

Thanks,

Kurt

I used stock rims and no tubes.

I have a set on stock rims with tubes. Eight years old - no problems from using tubes.

I'll be putting a set on stock rims without tubes (these rims are in excellent condition).

I purchased a set of trailer wheels for my 1950 3600 and new set of Cooper radial tires (made in USA). yes, a BIG difference.

Enjoy!

These were put on the stock wheels, no tubes. I've read several debates on here about whether to use tubes or not but without good proof that one would need the tubes I decided not to ues them since the manufacture says "tubeless". I'm not wanting or intending to start the tube/tubeless debate here. My point was merely the ride and handling (steering) was a complete 100% difference. Not even comparable.

Good info for when I get to that point of my build.
Thanks for sharing!
Jerry

I had radial truck tires on mine, then got some nice goodyear eagles. That made a huge differnce too.

Just checked; P255/60R17 rear, P215/60R16 front on steel chrome slots w/Bowtie Moon Caps. This setup put a real nice slight rake and lowering effect on it. I would not want it much lower, I hit my head getting the cab already.

Not to get into the tube or not debate, but if you have good, straight, rust free rims, there should be no need for tubes.

I have driven on the interstate at highway speeds without problems.

This size seems to be the right one. When I got my 53 3100, I went back and forth trying to decide what size to use and the 215/85 kept showing up on discussions about tire size from Bolters who know more than I do about these matters. For the time being, I bought some good used ones mounted on good original rims with no tubes. Runs and steers great. Looking forward to seeing some pics. Steve

Fifteen years ago I bought my first set of 215 85R 16 Michelin's, no tubes, stock wheels, 70K+ miles. I'm on my second set, they wear beautifully. My set-up is in my signature below.
Regards,

Cosmo

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I thought that some of these stock wheels were two pieces. Meaning that there are two halves that go together and probably won't hold air. Is that right? Or am I needing to pull the wheels on my 3600 to see for sure?

The GMC New Design (47-55) small truck wheels might have been two piece, but the Chevrolet Advance-Design truck standard wheels for small trucks were one piece.

Good to know! I was concerned about pulling the tires off and finding the two piece wheels. I'm happy to find that I won't be out hunting for new wheels....Yet...Maybe when I get that rear axle swapped and 5 lugs in its place.

When I replaced the twitchy 17 in. bias ply tires of my 3/4-ton with Michelin 235/85 R16s, I could finally bring a cup of coffee with me to work in the morning. Smoooth!

It looks like these trailer wheels might work...$51 each, look OEM and our hub caps might fit

http://www.lowcosttrailersupplies.c...e_Code=LCTS&Product_Code=A-WH166-60E

Five holes?
Look like 1952 OEM for Panhead59's truck?
1952 truck hub caps might fit?
Or, maybe you are referring to f18delta's future 5 lug wheels on his 3/4 ton?

Oops...my bad...I was/am looking for affordable but new OEM style wheels to go with disc brakes. Guess I missed the hole pattern on these. I called wheel smith and was shocked at the price. May be time for a junk yard visit.

Edit: actually I just went back to the catalog page I selected this wheel from and it lists those wheels as six lug 5.5 spacing. Will just have to ask

Dogface,

Let us know what you find. Also, please find out what year hubcaps will work.

Thanks,

Will do but was warned not to use trailer tires...so ? I may just have to go to local junk yard and look for later chevy wheels...maybe 5.5" wide but need to fit over disc brakes too. Those OEM wheels are just too narrow for most radials it seems.. I gave up on wide white walls cuz they all cost too much... Black walls look fine on such a truck...

Thanks for the post. I was planning on going with bias plys but not now. One question, do the radials make turning more difficult at low speeds?

Joe

No, what most people say about changing to radials is that they have to play around with the air pressure to maximize steady high-speed tracking and low-speed turning.

I feel no difference in "difficulty" in low speed turning, but I feel significant smoothness/steadiness in tracking on highways.

I believe I'll try to go with 215-85-16's since there are so many of you guys running them with good results. I was concerned about using them on a 4.5" rim since most tire mfg advise 5" or wider. I was told yesterday that the reason they do is because 5" rims are the narrowest made these days. I'm finding a nice selection of that size too...more than the 205's. best deal I've found so far is Tire Rack in Sparks Nev. but there are other locations I think.

Any one else have a better source?

It's just my opinion, but I believe it is better to do business with a local business owner than to save a few bucks by dealing with a mega corporation, having them shipped and paying to have them mounted and balanced. When I deal with my local tire guy it helps keep him in business, keeps his employees working and spending money in my county keeps sales tax revenue in my county.

I actually share your opinion and did ask my local guy about the size range I want and he said his supplier can't get them. I could try Les Schwab or America's tire but they are big corporate too and in a town 30 miles away so it won't help my town...