Radial or bias?

[shipwrecked]

been doing a little searching on here and the other forum regarding tires.
I have a set of junkyard tires on wagon wheels right now I've been using just to roll in and out the garage. Anyway, one of those junkyard things once made of rubber is blowing aire out the cracks in the sidewall. I can fill with air, roll it outside then have to fill with air to roll it back inside a few hours later.

I have 5 original steel 15" indies already powder coated and waiting for rubber.

Bias ply or radial... not planning on doing a ton of miles on it, but would like a pie cut style sidewall. Was looking at Coker and see their radial bias ply looking black walls are like 240 a pop. Coker bias ply are 140 each. Looking at size 7.10x15 I think is the right size.

Wasnt around for bias ply tires.... so I got no clue. Remember I still have straight axle and leaf springs. No intention of upgrading to IFS or a bigger/faster running gear... keeping a 223 and 3speed.

Leaning toward the bias ply cause of the look and they are cheaper.
What say you?

[orangeRcode]

I believe I heard of people complaining of tracking issues with bias tires. I have no direct experience with this because I'm not aware of ever driving a vehicle with them.

[Mr. Jones]

April,
My 350 is running on 7:50/16's bias ply on the old zero balance six hole wheels.I like'em very quiet and run out real smooth.With inner tubes,no steering problems......
Dan

[shipwrecked]

I might just get some cheap radials. I went to the tire shop.. 106.00 for 235r15 tires in black wall with a tread Similar to the bias tires. For 100 a piece I may just do that. I can't keep pushing a truck out with a flat tire.

[Jason_S]

I've run a lot of bias ply tires and prefer them for an old truck. On a cold day, they are a bit bumpy but smooth out.

Without power steering, turning a steering wheel with pizza cutter bias plies is a bit easier versus wider radials.

On the '64, I recently went with made in USA bias ply tires from Specialty Tire of America. Ordered them through Summit Racing. $119 ea for 7.00 x 15 highway tires and $110 ea for 7.00 x 15 mudgrips - free shipping...

[chris401]

been doing a little searching on here and the other forum regarding tires.
I have a set of junkyard tires on wagon wheels right now I've been using just to roll in and out the garage. Anyway, one of those junkyard things once made of rubber is blowing aire out the cracks in the sidewall. I can fill with air, roll it outside then have to fill with air to roll it back inside a few hours later.

I have 5 original steel 15" indies already powder coated and waiting for rubber.

Bias ply or radial... not planning on doing a ton of miles on it, but would like a pie cut style sidewall. Was looking at Coker and see their radial bias ply looking black walls are like 240 a pop. Coker bias ply are 140 each. Looking at size 7.10x15 I think is the right size.

Wasnt around for bias ply tires.... so I got no clue. Remember I still have straight axle and leaf springs. No intention of upgrading to IFS or a bigger/faster running gear... keeping a 223 and 3speed.

Leaning toward the bias ply cause of the look and they are cheaper.
What say you?

Back in the day I ran a couple pair on the rear. In 390 territory they have a distinctive howl you don't get out of a radial. Seemed they were a little more slippery when wet.

[shipwrecked]

After sleeping on it.... I kinda want the bias ply. I just want to get the right one now. I'm headed to junk yard for a tire for now. I may get the Coker bias ply tires in a few weeks. I'm also really wanting to get my real rims on the truck.

[LM14]

The radials will be better to drive on. The bias will be harsher ride with less grip. You will get less life from a belted tire than a radial and they are less forgiving on alignment than a radial is. If I was going to really drive it, I would go radial. If it's going to be a period correct show piece I would go belted.

SPark

[Hunter's 64]

If i lived in cold climate, i would not run bias ply, they flat spot from sitting and are bumpy as hell ,untill they warm up and go back to ROUND, i had an old jeep with bias ply and hatted them
With all the time and money in that babie .... Get her a nice set of new shoes that will run Smooth

Danny

[62bigwindow]

I'm going to vote for bias ply. I have a set on my 56 wagon (I know not a truck) and the car drives better than my modern DD. The car sits for weeks at a time and I haven't noticed the flat spots as mentioned. Not saying it doesn't happen though. Also if your truck has manual steering you will appreciate the bias ply tire. And last but not least you just can't duplicate the classic look of a bias. The Coker radials are close but as you mentioned, very pricey.

[LM14]

Flat spots are more a nylon cord thing. They were the worst at flat spotting.

SPark