Got the F2 in April, and it's been one thing after another trying to get some rollers under her since the tires are dry and cracked. I picked up a set of 16.5" wheels this past weekend and wanted to see what some of you recommend as to what size I should go with. I've located a bunch of places that have the 8-17.5" tires (some even local and in stock) but mounted it's upwards of $800, and that's more than I want to spend right now. The 16.5" wheels I picked up have some 9.50 tires mounted on them (albeit worn to almost nothing) but they just don't have the right "look" size wise... a little too low (about an inch) and too wide. Anyway, I've found some used 8-17.5" tires and was wondering if there's any reason they won't mount on the wheels I have (the current tires are bias ply). I'm not sure if all 8-17.5" tires are bias or not.
The F2 runs, and I just want to get some tires on it so I can at least start driving it!
If you're out there Merten, I'd still like to buy the wheels/tires you sent me pics of. I haven't been able to get in touch with you, though.
Anyone have ideas and/or tires/wheels for sale that are inexpensive, lemme know!
Thanks in advance!
Bill

 

As long as the wheels you have are 17.5" and not straight 17", you're ok going with either radial or bias. Both are made. Used is good if you can find them. Here's a Universal Tire link to their new bias ply variety:

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.ph...d=343&pageID=1

Radials are available pretty much from all the major suppliers so I won't link any of them. The only thing I wouldn't do is mix bias and radial together. Stu

 

Thanks Stu. I haven't had any issues finding suppliers of new tires, I just
don't wanna spend that much. So you're saying any of the used
8-17.5 size tires I find will be ok to mount on my wheels?
Any opinions regarding the 17.5 versus 16.5 wheel sizes?
Thanks!

 

Shouldn't matter that I can see. I've got a couple of the 17.5s and they look pretty much like the original 16s and 17s. The 16.5s might not, but I don't have any of them to give a good opinion. Either should fit since you've got 12" drums all around. The early F-3s had 14" rear drums that I heard a guy had trouble getting 16.5s to clear. Since you've already got the 17.5s, and money is always an issue, I'd stay with them. Stu