Man this brought back some long lost memories. For some completely forgotten reason, I used to spend time in a retreading business back in the 60's. I thought those businesses had disappeared decades ago.
I seem to think there is a difference in retreading bias ply tires as opposed to radial tires. Is that true?

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1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

I would think that there would have to be a difference, as the sidewall flexibility in a radial tire is much different that that of a bias-ply.

From a website I found:


"But first, let’s get the Big Myth out of the way. Retreaded tires are not responsible for rubber on the road, alligators or whatever you like to call those shards of rubber on our highways. Studies by the Technology & Maintenance Council (TMC) and the Tire Retread Information Bureau (TRIB) have shown that roughly half the rubber fragments found on roadways come from tires that have never been retreaded"

__________________
1977 300d 70k--sold 08
1985 300TD 185k+
1984 307d 126k--sold 8/03
1985 409d 65k--sold 06
1984 300SD 315k--daughter's car
1979 300SD 122k--sold 2/11
1999 Fuso FG Expedition Camper
1993 GMC Sierra 6.5 TD 4x4
1982 Bluebird Wanderlodge CAT 3208--Sold 2/13

...and the other half? If the majority of tires on the road have never been previously retreaded, then this statement implies a higher failure rate per tire for retreads. Do they give a ratio of retreaded/non-retreaded tires currently in use?

If you want them for offroad use only, why not pick some used rims from a junkyard and get the recaps.
Following up on PaulC's comment, how fast you gonna push then down the highway. You got a lead foot?

I had a set or recaps once...snow tires of an extry set of wire wheels on my long lost 1962 MGA 1600 MKII. (Ah, what memories)

You drove an MGA in winter? Damn, you're a better man than me.

In college, in Philly, dry or light snow roads only.
The snows came on the car when I bought it. I got the extra set. IIRC I bought that car back in the fall of '69. By then it had serious cancer around the wheel well. A real rust bucket, but a good running car. Twin carbs, twin cam.

I've got a lead foot, but... I drive an 95hp geo
It takes a freekin LONG time to get up to 85, and I'm not really into speeding anyways. I like acceleration... Engine sceeming (got that) throw you back in the seat (yeah mabey not so much) excessive display of power (that I dont have)

It'd be for offroad/onroad, I do really like the wranglers tho, they hook up great in the muck I'm usually playing in come spring. They dont do real bad on the road either..


Meh, might just keep the 215's that I have, and pocket the $200. Not sure yet. Tks for the insite everyone, any other comments are welcome.

~Nate

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95 Honda Shadow ACE 1100.
1999 Plymouth Neon Expresso. 2.4 swap, 10.5 to 1 comp, big cams. Autocross time attack vehicle!
2012 Escape, 'hunter" (5 sp 4cyl)