Can't Decide On Tires

I'm looking for new tires for my '46. I have factory 16" rims and I can't decide if I want to get radials or NDT's. I am leaning towards radials but I want to be sure they will work on the factory wheel (obviously designed for tubes and bias tires).

Then, if I do go radials, I'm between 215/85 R16 and 235/85 R16. I do like the larger tire look, but don't want to strain the drivetrain.

If I go NDT's, I was looking at the Speedway 7.00x16.

 

Many threads on this in the past. Try a search.

NDTs have the authentic look, but on some surfaces the traction can be disappointing, although airing-down helps.

Personally, I always liked a bias-ply mud/snow traction tread. This puts me in a minority.

 

6.50 x 16 super tractions from Walcks. Look good, and work very well off road.

 

I did do a quick search and I couldn't find what I was looking for.

I guess what I am asking for is any opinions on radial tires on stock rims. Any drawbacks?

 

Lower profile = less ground clearance
Less stiff = more wobble and lean
Weaker sidewalls = easier to damage off-road

Again, I'm in a distinct minority these days.
Seen a lot of changes in my time….and I've been against every one of 'em!

 

I'm not anti radial and definately agree with Pete's comment.

Lots of folks claim that the radials will ride better without flat spots .
But seriously folks ... Just how fast and smooth will some old jeep be going ?

Bias ply tires are typically built at near 100% aspect ratio...
Stay with bias ply and they will properly fit your skinny wheels.

If you insist then go with the 85 aspect radials .
Sadl,y almost all 85 aspect radials are rated over 6 ply.

Love these Nato treads .
I wish they made em in more sizes.

600-16 Camac NATO Tread 6 Ply Tire

 

Thanks guys. I'll go with the NDT's.

I did have Bias swampers on my YJ and did have flat spots, but were gone after a few minutes of driving so i'm not worried about that.

 

So you are saying that these would be good tires for the 55 that I just picked up?

 

Jeep with radials:



Jeep with bias plies:

 

If I say I like the second one better, is that biased?

 

Very punny...

 

I sea watt you did there.

 

Those are nice. That is also a great link, lots of tire choices and useful info on each one (like suggested rim width).

 

Daryl, The tires you seek are in my barn. Just haul that thing down here, drop it off, and I will bring it back to you...someday.

 

Going for these on my CJ

 

So a pretty smart tire guy was just telling me that if the rims are powder coated they are no longer using tubes on most of these original wheels. Does anyone have any experience with doing this. I like the idea of running tubes the way they were intended to be run on this Jeep.

 

Now that's what I'm talkin' about!!!

 

I run those on my 53. They are a great tire on the road. Don’t make much noise and look good.

 

I rescued a set of rusty 4.5” wide KH riveted wheels and had them blasted and PC’d an off-white.
I gave them to a hunting buddy for a resto on a 53 iirc. I believe he mounted NDTs on them w/o tubes. Been a few years, and i have slept at least once.

 

I have a set of 6.50 x 16" and use tubes with them as they are designed.


I also bought a set of 7.50 x 16 Super Traxions.
They have a different tread design than the smaller 6.50's.

The 7.50's can be bought as either "tube type" or as "tubeless type"..
I bought the tubeless 7.50 Super Traxion's, but have not mounted those yet.