7.50-17 tires
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Posting Guru
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From: Powell River B.C.
7.50-17 tires
Well my old 1948-F-68 still has the original back tires, now mounted on the front. Mater of fact is all the rubber is getting a little on the wearthered side and should be replaced. I am aiming for a back to original as possible restoration. Any one have advice on locating Firestone 7.50-17 truck-bus tires, 8 ply rating. Backs were Knobby (studded), front highway rib. What is a modern size that is compatable. Thanks
Marmon-Herrington Man
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: Central Illinois
I've not seen any 7.50 x 17 Firestone truck tires being remade, but to my mind the best alternative in that size is made be STA (staonline.com). These are US made as opposed to others that are made in Mexico and other places. Universal Tire carrys them in both road tread and knobby tread. If you're looking for modern radials to go on the truck, I'm no help on that.
Another issue here is the fact that your original equipment wheels will be the true widow maker Firestone RH5° rims. They aren't safe to use. A common alternative is to use F-2 16" rims that are tubeless, and allow use of original hubcaps, but they won't fit on the back of your truck because of your 14" drums. As I understand from prior posts, more modern 16" rims that have the same 8 lug x 6.5" circle might fit. From my experience, I know for sure that 60s era 17.5" tubeless wheels will fit, and will look similar to your originals except that you'll probably have to go without hubcaps. Tire selection with 17.5s won't be real great either, but at least they'll be tubeless. Universal, Coker, Lucas, and others will carry them.
Another issue here is the fact that your original equipment wheels will be the true widow maker Firestone RH5° rims. They aren't safe to use. A common alternative is to use F-2 16" rims that are tubeless, and allow use of original hubcaps, but they won't fit on the back of your truck because of your 14" drums. As I understand from prior posts, more modern 16" rims that have the same 8 lug x 6.5" circle might fit. From my experience, I know for sure that 60s era 17.5" tubeless wheels will fit, and will look similar to your originals except that you'll probably have to go without hubcaps. Tire selection with 17.5s won't be real great either, but at least they'll be tubeless. Universal, Coker, Lucas, and others will carry them.
Last edited by truckdog62563; Nov 10, 2007 at 08:47 PM.
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Posting Guru
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From: Powell River B.C.
Thanks for the info. What is the story on the OEM wheels. They are not split rims, what is the failure mode ? OK I did the forum search and found the answer. Thanks looking for alternatives!
Last edited by KJLYPW; Nov 11, 2007 at 12:16 PM.
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