The Rover-Landers of BC

These old bias ply tires came on my 1967 109. They are still in amazing shape but i do plan to replace them soon. Just wondering if there are any old timer C-Tire employees here who could date them.

"TURNPIKE EXPRESS"

Those are starting to crack and are probably too hard to be driving on wet public roads. They risk being unsafe as-is.

The BFG KM3 is available in 7.50 x 16, but don't try at Costco, and probably not at Canadian Tire either.

Those are definitely not in amazing shape. Tires have a life span even if they look in great shape.
You should replace them asap. Firestone MT at Canadian tire are a great price in a 235/85/16

No idea on how the exact age, but my guess is 25 years or more.
I have a set on my Rover that I know are 30 years old, look way better than those, and as soon as it is finished the slow moving repairs and road worthy will be replaced before driving off my property.
Tread depth is only a small part of tire condition, dried out, checking tires can come apart at any time, especially when they get warm.

Cracked tubed bias ply tires will last much longer than non-tubed radial tires. The side walls are stiffer to minimize flexing which causes the tube to heat up and eventually fail. Sidewall cracking is not uncommon, especially given the age of those. Having said that, your tire cracking is fairly severe and indicate they have been sitting under-inflated for a long period. I too, wouldn't trust them.

Also, you have tube type rims. You can fit radial tires, but you will still need tubes to keep them from deflating. As well, they have to stay at a higher air pressure than bias ply tires or the friction from sidewall flexing will cause the tubes to wear and fail. This is well documented if you search the web. I suggest you look for a set of new tires designed for tubes, or change over to tubeless rims and get radials.

M.

The wheels may be made for tubes, but my S2 has only ever had tubeless tires on all the 26 years I've had it. One wheel leaks very slowly, I need to top it a couple of times a year at most. The other 4, including the spare can go for a year or two without losing any air.

harv wrote: Thu Sep 24, 2020 9:46 am The wheels may be made for tubes, but my S2 has only ever had tubeless tires on all the 26 years I've had it. One wheel leaks very slowly, I need to top it a couple of times a year at most. The other 4, including the spare can go for a year or two without losing any air.

All depends on the construction of the rims you have on your vehicle. If riveted like mine, I'd use tubes. Welded you could be fine.

M.

... if the rivets rust badly enough on an old tubed rim, I suppose it becomes airtight...

Perhaps, but after 26+ years I'm not about to start worrying about it.