Tire sources for Bias on Budd (solid) rims

[The_Handier_Man1]

From: ernie  (Original Message)
Sent: 4/23/2003 8:12 AM

Before I can go anywhere I need tires. I presently have 750-17 goodyear bias ply tires, load range D. These wheels are the type with lock ring. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Priorities: 1 safety, 2 price, 3 ride, 4 durability.



From: spudboy
Sent: 4/23/2003 10:52 AM

There are many threads on this subject.  Tornell makes both highway and traction (my choice) 7.50 X 17 tires.  Mine cost about $130 ea mounted and balance on my 5 bolt Budd split rims.  Les Schwab tires did the whole job.  The alternatives are to either have custom wheels built (stocktonwheels.com) for about $150 to $200 each, and then go with 16 inch tires (radials are the highest recommendation) at about $225 each.  The other choice is to re-build the axels with different bolt pattern, and I have no idea how complex and costly that would be. 

Many of us don't really mind the bias-ply tires.  They last forever if you protect them from the sun, they are inexpensive, in a pinch you could actually change your own tire, they are available, there are shops that will still do split rims.  Recommend you carry two spares.

I kept two of the original tires on the ground as inside duals, and the other two (marginal) as spares.  My whole cost was $520 out the door, and I painted the wheels myself.  Hope to post a picture soon.



From: denison
Sent: 4/23/2003 12:27 PM

I like the tornel tires, I get the highway tread, similar cost.  The tire store took about 7 days to get them, I alway buy in pairs, will soon go back in to buy 4 more.  I like the split rims, do my own mounting.  Its good exercise!!  The split rims are safe unless the mating surfaces are cracked or badly bent or rusted - the famously unsafe part is if you are reassembling it quickly and thoughtlessly.   I have bias ply 750-17s on the back of my first winny that I have had for 12 years, have 40k miles, and are almost down to the wear-indicators.   My 2nd winny is the one that will be getting the 4 new Tornels.  Which are made in Mexico I believe. 
   I have to mention another alternative - alcoa makes one-piece wheels that fit the 5 bolt budd mounting, and will fit over your drums.  I have seen them myself - they look like they are alloy.  They take 19.5 inch tires, meaning tubeless, and there are radials available as far as I know.  They may cost more than the 750 by 17.   I also carry two spares, since getting a new 17 inch truck tire quickly on a vacation is questionable.    I mounted both spares underneath the frame, behind the rear axle.  Made my own little mount and hoist.   
By the way - if you decide to do away with your 17 split rims, I might be interested in buying them - if you are east of the Mississippi.   At least don't throw out the historic antique wheels!!          denison



From: Colin
Sent: 4/23/2003 7:15 PM

I always join in with Denison on the issue of the original tires and wheels. Where are you Ernie? If you are anywhere near Colorado, I get my tires from a wholesaler here in Denver for a lot less.

C.



From: james
Sent: 4/24/2003 6:04 AM

I have several tires and wheels. 8 lug 17 and 17.5. Also 5 lug. They can be real deals.
Benson NC
James



From: ernie
Sent: 4/24/2003 7:39 AM

Thanks for the offer Colin, but I'm in Tallahassee, Fl. I won't be out your way until August next year when I will be headed back to the Sturgis bike rally. I don't think my old weather cracked tires will make the trip.



From: denison
Sent: 4/24/2003 6:02 PM

I am carrying a tape measure aound with me in the car. I hope to see a Nissan UD truck parked where I can go over and measure the lug diameter of the 6 lug wheels I see on them, with the Budd style lug nuts. I also see these same trucks with 5 bolt wheels as well. Probably some metric thing, but....... Oh, and they are tubeless tires. denison