The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk after 23 years...got new tires!!

Replaced the bias plys with radials 215/85/16, and man what a difference! Couldn't even drive the darn thing in winter, the old bias would shake the doors off.

VERY pleased so far. I like the tall skinny look and was afraid the radials wouldn't be. But they are. Nice blocky shoulder, not the wrap around look of most radials.

Capitol H/T brand. The shop had Firestones for not much more money but I didn't like the look. Will post a link to pics this evening.

Original rims with radial-specific tubes.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/skooterpics/8738890227/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skooterpics/8740007664/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/skooterpics/8740007658/

Are those tube type radial tires? If not, keep a close eye on your tire pressures, as tubes are known to fail prematurely when used in tubeless tires, whether they are "radial" tubes or not.

They look like they belong on that fine looking truck. You've already discovered there is a world of difference in ride and handling.

Indeed they look nice and the truck is great looking !

I have replaced my bias with radials but have not been able to drive it yet due to other stuff being done... Almost done though..get alignment tomorrow then it'll be on the road for a bit.

looking good. Thank you for posting, I just picked up a set of used Michellins last sat. A few more paydays away from mounting.

Be careful buying used radials, even Michelins-they seem to fail internally for no particular reason other than old age(rust around a patch?) Had several brands do this-Goodyear, Michelin.

Scott, your Korean era truck looks darn nice. I want to build my '53 just like it. Did you notice any increased low speed steering effort with these tires over the bias tires?
Could you measure your contact patch and over height of the tire?
Also, did this fit on the stock narrow rim ok?
Thanks,
Steve

These seem to require less steering effort at low speeds than the bias plys and fit great on stock rims. The rolling radius of the tire, one complete revolution is very close to 93 inches, and if memory serves you can divide pi (3.14) into that and get the overall height, which would be approx 30 inches.

Or could just measure straight across when I get home. Always do things the hard way, that's my motto. :-(

Very original looking tires. Thats what I want thanks for the info.

Thanks Scott. I will pm you.
Steve

Looking good...

-W

Scott,

Your truck and these tires look great. I'm considering putting 215/85R16's on my 1955.1 model 3100, and your photos really helped me out.

What tire pressure do you use?

Thanks,

Trooper Jeff

Those are great looking tires!!! I could shave with the finish on that truck.

Thanks

Running 38 lbs right now and will probably drop to around 34 which is what I ran the old bias plys at. They're 10 ply and the tire shop indicated they might ride a bit rough, but they're so much smoother than the bias, it's like round versus square...literally. They even feel smoother over stuff like pavement seams and bridge joints. It's like getting a new set of shocks almost.

Thanks, it photographs well. It's pretty lumpy by show truck standards.

bump

Scott;

I love your truck! You do beautiful work.

I need to get some new tires for my Burb. These look and sound like just what I need.

Where exactly do you get them at?

After a month, still not missing the clop, clop, clop of the bias plys. :-D
Got them at Bud's in Murfreesboro, TN. Couldn't find them on the website but that doesn't mean they're not there.