Flatfender Tires - Size, Source?

My first flattie, a 1952 M38, all stock. (Similar to CJ3 etc.)

Calls for 7.00-16 tires but that size seems to be very hard to find. Will I have any trouble using a 7.50-16? What are others here using?

I'd prefer an old-school mud-snow traction type, but would consider military NDT. Ply ratings are a concern too - many only seem available in 10-ply rating which seems excessive.

I anticipate very few highway miles. Mostly light trail use.

I appreciate guidance on fit, source - and (!) affordability.

Thanks.

 

They will rub a little more against the frame on the front. The 7.00 super traction would be my go-to otherwise a 6 ply NDT for offroad and show. I don't really like the look of the 7.50 super traction.

 

Virtually no 7.00 x 16” available excepting saw ribbed trailer tires and NDT’s.
No 7.00 x 16” super Traxions.
You could drop down to 6.50 Super Traxions or go up in size to 7.50’s.
7.50’s will slightly rub the rear wheelhouse and restrict max allowable turn radius.
M38 wheels are Kelsey Hayes HD 5”x 16” and will fit
6.50, 7.00 and 7.50 tires.
6.50 STA’s are 30” diameter while the 7.50 STA’s are 31.5” diameter.
7.00 NDT’s are generally about 30.5” diameter and should barely clear the rear wheelhouse without rubbing nor effecting max steer angle.
I like “Universal Vintage Tire”.

 

Simple Tire has Deestone 'Super Traxion'-like tires in a 7.00-16: https://simpletire.com/brands/deestone-tires/d506#v=1&tireSize=7.00-null-16

 

That would do, but I'm really hoping to pay less than $190 per tire.

 

Those Deestone 7x16” D506 tires are all 12 ply rated.
I have heard (years ago) that the Chinese Deestone rubber does not wear well.
If not used on road much then USA made STA 7.00x16” NDT’s would be about as cheap and good as it gets.
If used on road a lot then 6.50 x16 STA Super Traxions would be a better choice for slightly higher cost.

 

rubber made of chinesium has a half life of 14 days, so it deteriorates completely at 105 days. YMMV, literally. This is a joke.

 

I love a 7.50 on a flatfender. Yeah, it might rub a little, but they are more plentiful and look great. I have 7.50 Deestones on a CJ5 for 8-10 years now with no complaints.

 

I have speedway “military” tires on mine. They’re 8 ply and labeled as 7.50-16, but seem to be closer to a 7.00-16. I wish they were a bit taller, but have no complaints otherwise. I got them for $100/each two years ago, but currently they look to be running $150.

 

Interesting. I'm still wondering how well the minimal horsepower of a flathead 134 could cope with the larger tire diameter. (?)

And, if the 10 or 12 ply rating hurts traction, on such a light vehicle? I see I can get NDTs as 4-ply.

 

Never thought about the horsepower, I have V6's, but sure, it would raise your gear ratio a little. Mine have always been 10 ply and I run them at maybe 22 on the street and 12 off. NDT's are also plentiful, but terrible for traction (hence the gravedigger nickname). It can be mitigated a little by grooving them. I would think 4 ply is kind of light duty for off road. Here is a buddy's 5 with grooved 7.50-16 NDT's. He made it through the Rubicon several times that way.

And here's my 5 with 7.50-16 Deestone's that are at least 8-10 years old

 

Thank you. I do have a groover! My experience with NDTs is the center rib being too slick on a wet rock or log, or snow, but that they do much much better when aired down so the corner lugs can dig in.

Somehow they did manage to win WWII...

 

I know, all those gravediggers on beaches..

 

So to update - I went with DeeStone SuperTraxion 7.00x16. (12-ply!). $175 per.

One, because I prefered a traction tread over NDTs. Two, Deestone were the best price, at Priority Tire, including delivery.

As an aside, FedEx messed up the delivery, and lied about it. Wanted me to pick them up 50 miles from here. I raised so much stink they sent two guys to my house in a pickup, with my tires.


NOW.... breaking the beads on the old tires, which are dated 1952. Filled with authentic Korean War air?

 

Careful of the 1950's air pollution.

 

Naw, leaded gas and atomic fallout made me the man I am today.

 

We've been meaning to speak to you about that third ear.

 

Looking forward to pictures. Mine had rotten 6ply super traxion 7.0 x16 on the front and some directional almost ag lugs on the rear.
It went to 8ply trans Trac before it hit the road.
The trans Trac were heavy but not an issue with 5.38 axles.

Thinking about it my current tires are from 2005...

 

One eyed, three toed, purple people eater! ?