Old-school bias snow tires...
 

I've been wondering if I should look for a set of the old-school bias-ply mud/snow tires for my '59 F100 4x4, or just slap on a set of modern radials.

For one, I can't find anybody on-line who sells the old type tires,

2. I wonder if they are priced way above what a modern radial would be?

Just thinking it would be nice to keep it vintage, as I WON'T be doing any long-distance highway driving (maybe 5-10 miles at a stretch, max).

Also, does anybody know what the stock size/type tire is for a '59 F100 4x4?

Thanks!

Moved to proper year forum. -John :-X06

You might try Coker tires. They seem to be the place to go for vintage tires. Honestly though, I'd probably be more inclined to go with the radials. They are better tires and readily available.

I've been looking around a bit trying to find a set of the older "knobby" tires to put on my F-3 when I get it done. The best I've found so far are the military NDT (non directional treads) bias plys. They aren't super cheap, but they will give me the look I want. There are a few differant places that have them, Coker included.

Doesn't it sort of depend on what size you're looking for? Have you tried Lucas Tire, Universal Tire, Denman, and Cooper on-line in addition to Coker? In my search for 7.50x17s I found local shops (Neal Tire and Midtown here in Springfield) that could get them in a traditional looking snow tread in bias ply. And if I'm not mistaken, they're US made.

I've used CARLISLE SURE TRAIL, PAC * STAR 902, REMINGTON's, 8 ply bias-ply 7.00x15LT tires & they sell for $65 each @ the local Tire Shop.
These of course are just Regular LT tires, but I've seen bias-ply Snow Tires in my Local Tire Shops catalog.
Just go to your Local Independent Tire Shop, NOT one of the Chain Tire Stores, & have them look through the catalog for what you need, as they are still available.
The Indy Tire Dealer will, in general, get the Type & Style of Tire for you that you request & not attempt to Bully you into something you do not wish to purchase.
Coker is to Bloody expensive for what you get, @ about $200.00 a pop per tire.

The problem w/ Radials are, one cannot find or get the Style of Tread he's looking for.

You might want to see if you can find some firestone town & country snows they have that old school tread pattern and are radials, although I am not sure if they still produce them

If it was my truck, and I wasn't overly concerned with originality, I'd go with a radial snow. P235/75r15 became the default 1/2 pick up size some time ago (after L78-15 etc) and will be readily available at any tire store. I checked to see if Cooper still makes the Courser Traction, and they do in 700-15 and 750-16, but they're limitied production now and very expensiive.

i've been looking for set of vintage/classic looking radial "mud tires" myself.
i want some taller skinny ones about 32", and radial ride so much better than bias ply....

I do have an older set of bias ply mud tires in OK shape i'm going to put on my F3 for now.
and i've ordered a set of these Port-A-Walls (3")..........:)
http://www.lucasclassictires.com/sit...ww-268x217.jpg
Hey, they only cost $50........ if they look too bad i can alway take off....

I am assumeing that you are refering to whats called a cross bar tread design. I have a book here that shows some vintage 4X4 trucks when new with these tires on them. They are very easy to find at any ag co-op down here.

I found older tire styles at Miller tire on the internet
I bought old type bias for the front of my 48 16in for a good price
look at there site or get a catalog
at MILLERTIRE.COM
Joe

Thanks for all the help, guys. I kind of figured a set like I want might cost more than a comparable set of radials, but I'll take a look at some of the sources you guys listed and see.

down here you can get a them for around 70-100 dollers per tire.