Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Hey all,
I am finishing up a restoration on a 1968 K20 4x4 Suburban, and back in the day my Dad ran nothing but the Armstrong off road tires on it. Also, from the dealer advertisments the truck was shown with these type of tires from the factory. (Skinny, tall, and aggressive tread).
I am not concerned about what is better, or bias ply compared to radial here I am just looking for originality...

I still have the original 16.5 split rims that came with the truck from the factory, so I am looking for something that fits this type of wheel as well.

If nothing like this is still being made, what brands should I be looking at that will come the closest to what I really want?

Thanks!

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

do you have pics? and what size do you need?

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Good old Armstrongs.They were excellent tires topped by no one.I feel they were right up there with Goodyear with off road rubbers.I`m talking machinery and municiple trucks like fire aparatus.They had an Extra Traction lug tread for what you want.The Rhino was the first oversize 11x15 I knew of.They made a popular tire called the Norseman that is what the Cepek Fun Countys were copied from.I mean exactly,except Norsemans had an "A" for rhe side lug and Fun Countrys had a "DC".Cepek was real involved with Armstrong back in the day.I assume they`re defunct and sold the tire line/name to Mickey Thompson(or visa-versa).I ran 14.50/37x16.5s for years starting in`77 when they first came out.They were Extra Tractions at first,then got a dumb name,Tru Grip RV,later.I got mine from Dick Cepek,then found them around here.The tire guys always said they were hard to get.As in,the factory couldn`t keep up.I don`t know what ever happened,or if Armstrong is still around.Try Coker Tire,they make some vintage truck tires.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Vectorit pm'd me about the tires on my 70 K5 so I thought I would post some better pics of the tire and it's tread pattern. I think this was a tire available back in the early 90's from General. 7.5x31x16 and they are mounted on split rims. The tires and rims were on my 69 K20 when I bought it back in 1999.

http://yukon.b0xen.us/70blazer/generaltire01.jpg

http://yukon.b0xen.us/70blazer/generaltire02.jpg

http://yukon.b0xen.us/70blazer/generaltire03.jpg

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Look similar to my 34x10.50x16 Swamper LTB's. If you can't find the ones you want the LTB's might give you the desired look. They just don't come with the sipping shown on the outer lugs of the ones posted above. Most of the sizes they come in are more narrow than regular diggers.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

can you use a 36in tire they look alot like the 36in hummer tires. take a look at evilbay 320129365504 se if there close.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

If you are talking about the old co-op tires, I know cooper made them for a while. These look like the ones that I am talking about, egay # 160131719784 and 160131719817

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Hey thanks South-
If I could find 4 brand new tires that look like the ones you spotted on egay I'd buy em, but unfortunately that guy only had two pairs of two different brands and designs.
Both were of that "Classic" off road tire design I am looking for to put onto my 68 Suburban.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Thanks Yukon for posting pics of what I was talking about! The pictures you provided everyone to see what the heck I was talking about said volumes.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Earl-
Unfortunately a 36" tall tire won't work for me, since I really like the Goodyear tire you pointed out.
Right now my Sub is running 33" tall 12.50 BFG all-Terrains and they are I think as tall as I should go, but the 12.50 width is a bit too wide since I rub the inner well when I crank the wheel hard to turn tight.
So because of this I am looking at a 10.50 width I think, unless I come accross a deal I can't refuse if ya know what I mean.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I believe Goodyear still makes extra tractions.I saw a set in the bed of an M,uh I forget.You know,the jeep front,rag top,with big-5 Dana 60f/70r?Anyway,they were 9.00x16s.The guy had 40s on the truck and it was for sale.I was going to go and see if he`d sell those tires.They looked about new(mileage-wise).I`ll try to get over to see if it`s there still.Here are the big Armstrongs(same tread as stock sizes:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...5/f151dbba.jpg
And bigger:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...5/scan0023.jpg
Here`s a type used that looks simular to mant treads available today:
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b2...scan0009-1.jpg

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Check out cooper courser traction lt tires, that may help you out.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I checked out the Cooper Courser Traction LT.
Good looking tire and something I will put in my top five check it outs.
Only problem is that they look like they don't make it for a 16.5 wheel.
I have been thinking about finding a set of 16" steel Chevy wheel take offs, painting them black to match what they original splits looked like in 68...
But, that would meen I would have those original splits still taking up room in the garage... LOL
Plus, me being a stickler for authenticity. I would probably never be completely satisfied with the 16" wheel conversion idea.

oh the madness of keeping a 68 Sub original... :dohh:

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

You could do that and keep looking until that special day you find what you`re looking for and have a satisfied mind:cool:.Did you look into Armstrong`s existence/product line?Basically,all mud & snows were simular up into the RV(offroad)crazy hit the bigtime in the`70s.Not sure if the bias-plys are still made.That`s where the tread patterns changed.I always liked the 9.00x16s on a truck for a stock,yet beefy look.Alot of fire depts ran them and they fit.I about crapped when I saw those Goodyears laying in that trucks bed.The problem was,it was out at a state road and you accessed the houses from another state road and it was back a lane that I wasn`t sure where it began.It looked like someone else`s lane,but I guess that was how to get there.The truck wasn`t moving too fast @ $7,500.I saw it pulled back.This makes me want to ride over that way again just to have a look see.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I'd find someone that'll mount tires on split rims before I'd worry about finding tires for them. You'll probably be better off to do the 16" wheels & tires.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Split rim mounting covered - not an issue.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

This company has the old style off road tires in a couple 16.5" sizes. I'm gonna buy some 10 ply 12-16.5's for the back of my pickup when the all-terrains wear out and four for the Suburban when money allows.

http://www.stausaonline.com/light-tr...r-traxion.html

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I can get the hummer tires for around 50 each at 50% tier left or new for around 600 a set.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Thanks Robert!
That website had a great selection on what I am looking for, and I have contacted them asking if they can help me out with the split rim application. Since a lot of the specs required tubles application, I am thinking it shouldnt be a big deal since I have run tubes in tires that were not designed to run tubes with no issues.
We will see what they can do for me, if they got the tires I got the cash...

Thanks again for the tip!

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Did you ever check to see if Armstrong is still in business or if they are,do they still make these or simular tires?

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Armstrong is known today as Pirelli tires. They were bought out in 1989. a little extra info Armstrong was the first tire company to offer a bellted tire.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Sorry to hear they`ve passed on.They were a great offroad company,especially on equiptment.There was a time when about every backhoe ran Armstrongs and many a farm tractor,too.Thanks for the info.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Here is a cool old add for them

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

COOL!! I had that blue Power Wagon with those 14.50/37s and manual steering.So I had Armstrong tires AND armstrong steering:lol:.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Yukon Jack, you best savor them Generals while they hold up for you and no blow outs. Lucky dog!

The ebay numbers that Soutedisto posted:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=160131719784
Those are Multi-Mile brand, "Power King Traction Camper", part number YT-60 9.50-16.5LT. NO LONGER AVAILABLE. I just called them a month ago. Last time they sold them was Dec 2004. They checked nationwide of anybody that might have them on their shelves. No luck. Bummer. These are real close to the Goodyear Custom Xtra-Grip Hi-Miler versions.

The second one he gives:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...m=160131719817
Are the ones pointed to by Robert in his link, the Super Traxion, Figure A picture. Look close at the tire name and tread design on the ebay pic and the STA website.

I'm hoping the Super Traxion is still available. After that, I don't know of any "cooL" old style 16.5 lug tires out there.

Robert, don't wait to long to buy the Super Traxion if that is what you want. I waited and waited until I needed new tires. I WANTED the Multi-Mile Power Kings. Dreaming of the day I could have all Power Kings on the K20. Didn't want to buy and store them, but I waited too long and now they are no longer available. Learned my lesson. And buy about 6 because you need one for a spare, and the the 6th one for the final spare after you use the real spare!

Just my 2 cents.

P.S. Nobody mentioned the old Herculese brand tires. Long time name IIRC:
http://www.herculestire.com/
I think Cooper is one that makes the private label for them. The Super Traction bias looks real close to the Cooper version.

PPS:
Does anyone know of/about Dynatrac tires ? Here is one one Evil Bay that looks like the old lug style, and fairly new/crisp looking:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/16-In...spagenameZWDVW

Or see attached picture.

I googled my keyboard off but can't find any, real, info about that name or company. Anyone?

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Goodyear has the Workhorse tires, usually heavier load ranges (C, D, E...) but you can get them in 30x9.5 on 15 inch rims, probably not what you're going for though. The 16 inchers are just bigger, like 245/75, 235/85, 265/75... They also have the MT/R series that are the big lug design and come in pretty much the same sizes as the Horses. The first half of the tread will wear away fast but when they get down to around 8-9/32nds they last for a long time. Just keep rotating them and you'll be fine. I am also looking for super tall/skinnies for my truck. Interco has those LTBs in a 34" tall size but I forget the width, maybe 9.5? I was checking them out, not too expensive for LTBs: about $125 per tire depending on where you get them from.

Yeah, that blue Power Wagon is so dang sweeeet.........

Back to work!

-Dan

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Here is a couple of pics of my old truck in my teen years. 13/37/16.5 Armstrong Tru-Grips

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

That was what I was thinking. I recycled a set of 16" split rims about 5 years ago because I couldn't find anyone that wanted to work on them. Keep in mind that those types of tires are pretty noisey. I put a set on my 59 9.50 x 16's back in the 80's and after a couple of years changed them out for some multi-season radials. Quieter and for how I used the truck never noticed any change in traction off road.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

vectorit, you're welcome. The guy at the tire shop told me about that company. I think he quoted the 12-16.5 STA Super Traxion at about $155-160 a tire.

roger0080, it looks like I'll have to wait to buy the tires. Storing 'em in the garage or the shed isn't a problem but money is!

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

That was a classy truck back then.It makes a good example of the era.:sexy:

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

If your still looking I found 7 L78-15 Norseman tires for sale but for a 15 in rim http://www.earlycj5.com/classifieds/...ct/1388/cat/11

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

hav u checked out Hercules trail diggers?? theyr sumwhat similar to what ur lookin for... 4x4 garage magazine gave em a really good review

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Armstrong used to one of the *great* US brands, up into the '60s Sears had a large stake in the company and they also made all of Sears house-brand tires.
As other posters have said, they were gobbled by Pirelli in '89, AFAIK the *last* Armstrong branded tires of any kind went out the door about ten years ago so anything you find now will have had many years to break down and turn hard as a rock :pty:
The link to STA is probably your best bet, that outfit also private labels some sizes of old-school truck tires for collector car tire specialists like Lester, Universal, or Denman, the classic Co-Op Grip Spurs are still available in a few sizes too if you can make connections in the southeast US :metal:

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I have been looking everywhere for some of these tires can you tell me where you got the one in the photo ? And can you give me the DOT numbers off the sidewall ???!!!!!!!.....thanks!

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I have fond memories of Armstrong tires too! They were the first to make"off-road" tires for civilian vehicles. Before Rhinos and Norseman they made the TruTracs. I bought a set some 36 years ago. They also made the light truck tires back then for Sears under the name Sears Allstate tires. In the late 70/to mid 80's I run their Adventurer Traction model on several of my duallys, great tires. A bad pic of my 69 Longhorn with 12.00-16.5 TruTracs on the rear,(was running 7.50-16 split rim on front), and my 79 with the LT78-16 Adventurer Traction tires.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I would love to have a decent set of these style tires as well. I've got some decent stock 16.5's I'd like to use.

Here is a pic of the Cooper Co-op's that were on my '69 when I bought it, love to use em, but they are pretty dry rotted...Bummer...

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Pirelli sold off the Armstrong Agriculture tire business in 1994 to concentrate on it's car/truck business. In November 1997 they dropped Armstong from Pirelli Armstrong Tire and became the Pirelli Tire Company. Pirelli might very well still have all the old Armstrong molds. I haven't found anything that says they were sold. As the original post mentioned, he would like something as near original as he might find. This is a very tough task. I did find that Denman Tire still makes light truck tires in a 7.50-16 size.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

I wonder if Goodyear stillmakes the Extra Traction.

Re: Old Armstrong type tires - Still available?
 

Hey guys, a couple of years ago, I owned a 1951 M38a1 military jeep. The tires were for 16" rims, but there might be a good chance that if you search for old willy jeep threads online, those guys might be able to help you find some old style tires that you are after. Other than that, I would try and look for the co-op tires. Trevor