Tires for use during build

[freak]

After doing nothing for a while... I need to get my cab back on my frame to start adjusting the floor, doors, rockers, etc. Problem is that my tires are mismatched and leaking. I would like to get a set of used 235-75R15's or something close but nothing is to be found. I called the local shops and one guy said used 15's are like gold. Said 15's don't come on anything so they're super rare these days. Others shops said the same. Craigslist has nothing but sets that are expensive as well. I'm not going to alter the suspension from stock but I'm not sure what size tire/rim I will run when done. I also don't really want to buy the final and probably expensive tires to use during body work, welding, painting. Also I could change my mind by the time I get the frame and bodywork done. The cheapest thing I can find is about $70 x 4 at walmart. That's a lot of money for tires I will probably never use. Should I do it anyways and try to recover the cost by selling them later or is there a better option that I haven't thought of?

[geezer#99]

I had the same problem back some 40 years ago!!
I saw an interesting idea in a magazine and gave it a try.
I made some wheels from a 3/4 inch sheet of plywood, a drill and a jigsaw.
Made them 28 inches tall.
Not hard to draw a circle and drill some holes.
Cost me 20 bucks and a few hours.
Worked awesome for rolling it around the shop.

[freak]

Plywood held the weight of the whole truck?!?!?!? Seems like they would have a tendency to fold sideways. Almost sounds dangerous!

[freak]

Also assuming you could get 4 from 1 sheet and you probably can if you stagger them... A sheet of 3/4" plywood is around $50 these days!

[tinman_local2]

Junk yard or pick and pull. There are a lot of 15's on older cars.

[MySons68C20]

If you buy your tires and wheels locally the tire shop may loan you an old set for free. They want your business and it's a low cost deal for them to keep your loyalty.

[geezer#99]

Originally Posted by freak

Plywood held the weight of the whole truck?!?!?!? Seems like they would have a tendency to fold sideways. Almost sounds dangerous!

Cab and chassis!
No motor/trans!
If you're worried about weight just laminate them.

And FWIW it was just a suggestion of something that worked for me.

[kcsa75]

Have you tried the salvage yard? I would think you could find four tires for less than $75.

[freak]

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Cab and chassis!
No motor/trans!
If you're worried about weight just laminate them.

Then that's $100!

Originally Posted by geezer#99

Cab and chassis!
And FWIW it was just a suggestion of something that worked for me.

I know. And I appreciate it.

[freak]

Originally Posted by MySons68C20

If you buy your tires and wheels locally the tire shop may loan you an old set for free. They want your business and it's a low cost deal for them to keep your loyalty.

No one has an old set. That was the problem.

[freak]

I just had an idea to buy tires for my car trailer (which I need) and use them temporarily on my truck.

(but I have to go look at my rim size - and man it's cold out today. about 5F!)

[dfwright]

I was able to buy a set of wheels with worn out but air-containing tires from a mid-90's Tahoe to use on mine during the build. $100 for the whole set with tires on Craigslist. It did take me a good while of searching Craigslist to find a deal like this.

[custom10nut]

Originally Posted by tinman_local2

Junk yard or pick and pull. There are a lot of 15's on older cars.

x2

[freak]

So much for the trailer idea. It has 14" rims.

[Trevor]

Originally Posted by tinman_local2

Junk yard or pick and pull. There are a lot of 15's on older cars.

X3

I'm in the same spot (I only need 2), but I'm definitely going the pick-your-part route.
Buying new tires and hoping to reuse or resell them ? would require protecting them from weld spatter and paint overspray etc. for what ? just to save a few bucks ? Yeah NO Thanks !!

[freak]

I'm really desperate to have the thing level because I did a full floor pan and want the doors and rockers aligned perfect.

[dfwright]

Originally Posted by freak

I'm really desperate to have the thing level because I did a full floor pan and want the doors and rockers aligned perfect.

In that case, an inexpensive set of jack stands would help with that, unless you also need to be rolling the unit around while you're working on it?

[freak]

Originally Posted by dfwright

In that case, an inexpensive set of jack stands would help with that, unless you also need to be rolling the unit around while you're working on it?

Yeah I think it would be best to be able to move it easily.

[Theboatandcarman]

i work at a shop and just grabbed a set of 4 that i replaced on a customer's car. they were worn down to the cords but no biggie for rolling and holding air

[Grumpy old man]

Ummm, just having 4 matching wheels/tires doesn't guarantee it's level / square , it helps but the suspension could be way off . Level and square the body to the frame using new mounts . Being able to roll it around may be convenient but ...
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[freak]

yep got new mounts. I'd like to put the tires on and take measurements to the floor.

[El Dorado Jim]

Originally Posted by tinman_local2

Junk yard or pick and pull. There are a lot of 15's on older cars.

x2, there are lots of them there

[roboticjunky]

Sandusky isn't too far for you. http://sandusky.craigslist.org/wto/5942374475.html

[freak]

That's not too bad a deal... Too bad I'd have to take off work to go there. Not open on Sat!

[scooterpimp]

235/75-15 ,s are a dime a dozen on c.l. , or check a used tire place if one is local.