[GMCnet] Michelin XPS Rib vs XPS Traction

[Mark Sawyer]

So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all areas
except for traction off pavement. I'm also concerned with the XPS Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.

I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction... Basically, an
all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is phasing this tire out, and the only size they have available that is close
to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking at the specs on tirerack,
the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at 8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger at 30.7 vs 29.4.

I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I have in
my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.

However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running this size
tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?

Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR
--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX

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[Billy Massey]

You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't wish
steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!

bdub
76 Palm Beach in Central Texas
www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Mark Sawyer
Sent: Tuesday, November 01, 2016 10:55 AM

I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that
I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction...

[Mark Sawyer]

bdub wrote on Tue, 01 November 2016 11:44

> You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't wish
> steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!
>
> bdub
> 76 Palm Beach in Central Texas
> www.bdub.net/GMCLinks.html
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/classicgmcmotorhomes/
> https://www.facebook.com/groups/gmcmm/

Depends what you're used to, I guess. I recently upgraded to the stiffer torsion bars on our coach thanks to Hal StClair, and I'm still considering
going to Bilsteins, which I believe are the firmest of the available shocks for our rigs.

I prefer a firmly suspended vehicle, and the GMC is already by far the softest suspension setup of any of our cars --including my wife's. (She drives
a G8 GT, which came with the FE3 suspension from GM, and I added Koni yellows a few years after we bought it)

I run the Michelin LTX's on our Excursion, and even aired up, I find it mushy when I have a load on or am towing a trailer. I don't have any desire
to soften the ride of our GMC more than it already is, and I like the piece of mind I get with the all steel tire.

But again, it's all personal preference...

--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX

[Burt and Faye curtis]

Mark,

I'm with you and the all steel sidewall tires.And yes, I do know what
otheres think, but still prefer them and have no problems with the ride,
etc.
We run Michelin XPS Traction tires size 235 85 16 on the front and the Rb
on the rear. This way it gets the grip needed up front. The 235's work well
in the front, but as we found out the hard way, are way too wide for the
rear.

JWWD.

Fay Curtis
'76 Glenbrook'
were the ground is often soggy - Kneeland, CA

On Tue, Nov 1, 2016 at 10:23 AM, Mark Sawyer <mark.s...@gmail.com>
wrote:

[John R. Lebetski]

I ran LTX M/S and loved them though pricey. After 12 years (yikes) I bought Cooper HT3s and they are as quiet but slightly firmer, and the closed
tread edges seem to be less squirmy when in truck wash. Balance on both were perfect and the Coopers are very round. They are invisible on smooth
roads at any speed and on sale paid about $119 each. I would highly recommend them and NEVER go to a higher aspect ratio like 85. They are M/S rated
which solves your foul weather traction issue as well.
--
John Lebetski
Woodstock, IL
77 Eleganza II
Source America First

[Billy Massey]

The ride is not the issue. The problem is that they is less flex in the
sidewall. The steering will be so much better with rag walls that you'll
think you've got a new coach.

Try a set of BF Goodrich Commercial T/As. You will be glad you did.

bdub

On Tue, Nov 1, 2016 at 12:23 PM, Mark Sawyer wrote:

> bdub wrote on Tue, 01 November 2016 11:44
> > You will be so much happier with a polyester sidewall tire. I wouldn't
> wish
> > steel sidewalls on my worst enemy!
>
>

> Depends what you're used to, I guess.
>
>

[Hal StClair]

I run the 215/85/16 tire and have no clearance issues. As to the the ride characteristics, can't comment as the coach had the same size rubber on it
when I bought it. I added bag lifts in the rear to add a little more clear space but the PO had no issues with the tires in the original location.
As for the shocks, I'm with you as to the handling but don't like the damage the Bilstiens sustain when lifting the rear if not supported.
I feel the lifted rear bags has a larger impact on handling than the shocks and seem too let the rear do a little more wagging than I like. Just my
thoughts, Hal
--
1977 Royale 101348,

1977 Royale 101586, Diesel powered,

1974 Eagle Bus 45',w/slideout

[Johnny Bridges via Gmclist]

A pair of Coopers on the front of my 26' improved handling immeasurably over the (worn out) TAs that were there. Still has 4 TAs in back. I expect
Coopers will further improve ride and handling, based on experience with my 23'. The Coopers are fabric sidewal;ls, I dunno the TAs.

--johnny
--
'76 23' transmode Norris upfit, 76 26' Eleganza(?) with beaucoup mods and add - ons.
Braselton, Ga.

"Sometimes I wonder what tomorrow's gonna bring when I think about my dirty life and times" --Warren Zevon

[Billy Massey]

TAs are fabric as well. New tires always help.

On Nov 2, 2016 8:57 AM, "Johnny Bridges wrote:
>
> A pair of Coopers on the front of my 26' improved handling immeasurably
over the (worn out) TAs that were there. Still has 4 TAs in back. I expect
> Coopers will further improve ride and handling, based on experience with
my 23'. The Coopers are fabric sidewal;ls, I dunno the TAs.

[Jan McPeek]

On Nov 1, 2016 11:56 AM, "Mark Sawyer" <mark.s...@gmail.com> wrote:
>
> So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a
little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all areas

> excimuept for traction off pavement. I'm also conhhhjcerned with the XPS

[Mark Sawyer]

Thank you all for the responses.

Fay: since you are running different tires on the front vs rear, what size are you running on your spare?

Bdub, I'm not following you response on how the softer sidewall would help steering response... Can you provide a little more info?

Based on what Fay and Hal said, I think I am leaning towards the 215s.

Just a note on anyone else looking for something similar, one tire characteristic I'm concerned about, is the noise generated by an all terrain tire.
I currently have a jeep TJ running on all terrains, and the tire noise would not be something I would want on my GMC. From my research on the XPS
traction, most are saying the noise levels are low.. Especially for an AT tire. If I end up going this route, I will post a review of the tires when
I get them on and turn some miles on them.

[A.]

TR 1 wrote on Tue, 01 November 2016 10:54

> So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all areas
> except for traction off pavement. I'm also concerned with the XPS Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.
>
> I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction... Basically,
> an all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is phasing this tire out, and the only size they have available that is
> close to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking at the specs on
> tirerack, the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at 8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger at 30.7 vs 29.4.
>
>
> I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I have
> in my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.
>
> However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running this
> size tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?
>
> Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...
>
> http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
> http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR

Your sig says you have a 73. Unless you have overloaded it above what the Operating Manual says, you can probably run Load Range D tires.

The front axle carries more weight per wheel than the rear, and neither side should ever see more than 2225 pounds on it. The max weight on a load
range D tire is 2335 pounds. That gives you 110 pounds for overload. Of course a Load Range E tire gives you more safety margin. Also remember that a
73 has weak/poorly reinforced a-arms, and overloading one is asking for trouble.
--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."

[Mike Hamm]

Just for your consideration, this is what I have on my Kingsley, quiet :
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WIUXZSE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts

[Billy Massey]

See:
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!searchin/gmcnet-archive/steel$20wall$20tir
es$20bob$20De$20kruyff%7Csort:relevance

-----Original Message-----
From: Gmclist On Behalf Of Mark Sawyer

Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2016 11:01 AM

Bdub, I'm not following you response on how the softer sidewall would help
steering response... Can you provide a little more info?

[Mark Sawyer]

A Hamilto wrote on Tue, 08 November 2016 12:12

> TR 1 wrote on Tue, 01 November 2016 10:54
> > So I'm considering replacing my existing XPS Rib tires, as they are now a little over 10 years old. I'm very happy with the XPS Ribs in all
> > areas except for traction off pavement. I'm also concerned with the XPS Rib if I ever encounter snow, as it is a summer tire.
> >
> > I definitely want to stay with a steel sidewall tire, but the only tire that I can find that fits what I want is the XPS Traction...
> > Basically, an all terrain version of the Rib. Unfortunately, it looks like Michelin is phasing this tire out, and the only size they have
> > available that is close to ours is the 215-85-16. Weight capacity of the 215-85 XPS Traction is identical to the 225-75 XPS Rib at 2680. Looking
> > at the specs on tirerack, the Section Width is also nearly identical to the 225-75-16 XPS Rib at 8.6" vs 8.7", but the diameter is a little larger
> > at 30.7 vs 29.4.
> >
> > I ran it through a gearing calculator, and it looks like this works out to a 3mph difference at 2500 rpm in 3rd, with the 3.42 final drive I
> > have in my coach, which I think would be fine for my use.
> >
> > However, does anyone know if there is clearance in the wheel wells to fit the increased diameter? Even better, is someone out there running
> > this size tire? Or could anyone recommend an all steel tire that has a bit more traction off pavement than the XPS Rib?
> >
> > Here are a couple links to the tires mentioned above...
> >
> > http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Traction
> > http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Michelin&tireModel=XPS+Rib&partnum=275R6XPSR
> Your sig says you have a 73. Unless you have overloaded it above what the Operating Manual says, you can probably run Load Range D tires.
>
> The front axle carries more weight per wheel than the rear, and neither side should ever see more than 2225 pounds on it. The max weight on a load
> range D tire is 2335 pounds. That gives you 110 pounds for overload. Of course a Load Range E tire gives you more safety margin. Also remember that
> a 73 has weak/poorly reinforced a-arms, and overloading one is asking for trouble.

Thanks for the info, a.hamilton. Unfortunately, I have yet to corner weigh my coach, but the loadout for the most part is stock... Except I do run 2
house batteries in the front of the coach, which may put me closer to the limit on Range D tires. Also, my coach has been converted to the 1 ton
front end... I was under the impression that the a-arms were reinforced as part of the conversion? FWIW, my coach had a frame-off refresh by the
previous owner, and I know he mentioned reinforcing some areas of the frame/subframe when he went through everything.

--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX

[A.]

TR 1 wrote on Tue, 08 November 2016 12:58

> Thanks for the info, a.hamilton. Unfortunately, I have yet to corner weigh my coach, but the loadout for the most part is stock... Except I do
> run 2 house batteries in the front of the coach, which may put me closer to the limit on Range D tires. Also, my coach has been converted to the 1
> ton front end... I was under the impression that the a-arms were reinforced as part of the conversion? FWIW, my coach had a frame-off refresh by
> the previous owner, and I know he mentioned reinforcing some areas of the frame/subframe when he went through everything.

Yep. The lower arms are rebuilt on the one-ton conversion, probably increasing the load bearing capability over the stock 73 front end.

You would need to weigh all four corners to find out if you could get away with LRD tires.

--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."

[Mark Sawyer]

mghamms wrote on Tue, 08 November 2016 12:15
> Just for your consideration, this is what I have on my Kingsley, quiet, low rolling resistance:
> https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WIUXZSE/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER
>
> They also make an AT version.


Years ago, I ran a set of Nokian Haakapaliitta snows as sort of a poor man's rally tire on an old AWD Mazda I have. This was a popular option as
rally tires were hard to get and very expensive here in the US... At least back then they were. The tires were great on the logging/fire roads I
used to frequent when I was into mountain biking.

However, I really want to try to stay with an all steel-cased tire for my GMC. I have 3 kids (youngest is 3 1/2) and I'm already nervous on long
trips with them sitting in booster seats with lap belts. Once they outgrow the boosters, the lack of headrests worries me as well. I have a set of
near new Odyssey rear seat takeouts from my father-in-law who is in a wheelchair and just had his van converted. This spring I'm going to work on
installing them in the dinette location with some shoulder belts. I have a left, right and the center seat/console unit. I figure if I can pick up
another center seat/console, I would have 4 seats with shoulder belts/headrests, and the option of folding down the center seat/consoles to give the
passenger a nice console/armrest for stuff if no one is sitting in them.

At some point I will start another post on that project... However, my point is I feel running the steel tire adds something to my margin of safety,
and is relatively easy and inexpensive to do.

Since I also plan on working a toad into our trip loadout at some point, and I live in Texas where it can get quite hot out on the highway, the
prospect of a tire failure keeps me up at nights.

--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,
Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX

[A.]

TR 1 wrote on Tue, 08 November 2016 13:24
> ...I feel running the steel tire adds something to my margin of safety, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to do.
> ...the prospect of a tire failure keeps me up at nights.
Not all of us are all-knowing about tires. How is a steel sidewall tire more safe than a ragwall? The vast majority of folks that have used steel
sidewalls say the handling is atrocious. Also seems like an underinflated steel wall will blow out sooner than an underinflated poly side wall.

What is the great fear of a tire failure? Safety or bodywork? Folks here have blowouts and even wheels come off axles of their GMCs and I am not aware
of an injury or death as a result. Worst case is they have to be towed someplace, more often it is just a tire change and on their way.

If you have a deathly fear of changing a tire on the side of the interstate, use your auto club policy to send someone out to do it, or get it hauled
off the interstate and change the tire when/where it is more safe.

--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."

[Burt and Faye curtis]

I do not pack a spare. And if I was, I would probably pack one for the
rear. Fronts get replaced two to three times as often due to wear, so they
stay much fresher. The Michellins are much quieter than the Goodyears were
and seem to balance easier also.
As far as steering/handling, on my coach the all steels work great. But
then again, so does the stock alignment specs. Each coach has aged
differently, so each owner must find what works for them and their coach.

Fay Curtis
'76 Glenbrook
Kneeland, Ca

On Tuesday, November 8, 2016, Mark Sawyer <mark.s...@gmail.com

<javascript:_e(%7B%7D,'cvml','mark.s...@gmail.com');>> wrote:

> Thank you all for the responses.
>
> Fay: since you are running different tires on the front vs rear, what size
> are you running on your spare?
>
> Bdub, I'm not following you response on how the softer sidewall would help
> steering response... Can you provide a little more info?
>
> Based on what Fay and Hal said, I think I am leaning towards the 215s.
>
> Just a note on anyone else looking for something similar, one tire
> characteristic I'm concerned about, is the noise generated by an all
> terrain tire.
> I currently have a jeep TJ running on all terrains, and the tire noise
> would not be something I would want on my GMC. From my research on the XPS
> traction, most are saying the noise levels are low.. Especially for an AT
> tire. If I end up going this route, I will post a review of the tires when
> I get them on and turn some miles on them.
> --

> Mark S. '73 Painted Descoach.ert,

[Hal Kading]

TR-1

Be aware that the all steel sidewall tires are terrible if the road surface is rutted from heavy truck traffic. The difference in track between the
front wheels and the rear wheels with rutted roads and steel sidewall tires makes for a very uncomfortable drive.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM

[Scott Nutter]

I run the Trojan ribbed on mine. But I do turn them inside out for for my pleasure. Used to run the steel walls but that almost cost me a leg. I would
like to hear the final answer on this. I'm running out of appendages..
--
Scott Nutter
1978 455 Royale Center Kitchen, Quad bags.
Houston, Texas

[Mike Hamm]

Yikes those michelins are pricey. 2 1/2 times the price of the nokians. I can't see how they can be worth that. But if that is what you want go for
it.
I've been using Nokian tires for over 30 years and never a problem.

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts

[David Shafer]

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nokian-Rotiiva-AT-Plus-LT225-75-R-16-115-112-S-Tires/50296339
--
1977 26 foot

[Mike Hamm]

The ones that I bought are the ht,highway tire m & s, same load rating as the Nokinan AT, and the michelins.

The AT are a little quieter and less rolling resistance.
Don't think anyone needs the All Teraine
dshafer wrote on Wed, 09 November 2016 09:28
> https://www.walmart.com/ip/Nokian-Rotiiva-AT-Plus-LT225-75-R-16-115-112-S-Tires/50296339
>
> I don't think the Nokians previously linked are "LT" tires. This link is to an "LT" Nokian and is NOT enough savings to get me to leave Michelins.
> $150 to about $220. Michelins are probably less with the club discount.

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts

[Mark Sawyer]

A Hamilto wrote on Tue, 08 November 2016 13:57

> TR 1 wrote on Tue, 08 November 2016 13:24
> > ...I feel running the steel tire adds something to my margin of safety, and is relatively easy and inexpensive to do.
> > ...the prospect of a tire failure keeps me up at nights.
> Not all of us are all-knowing about tires. How is a steel sidewall tire more safe than a ragwall? The vast majority of folks that have used steel
> sidewalls say the handling is atrocious. Also seems like an underinflated steel wall will blow out sooner than an underinflated poly side wall.
>
> What is the great fear of a tire failure? Safety or bodywork? Folks here have blowouts and even wheels come off axles of their GMCs and I am not
> aware of an injury or death as a result. Worst case is they have to be towed someplace, more often it is just a tire change and on their way.
>
> If you have a deathly fear of changing a tire on the side of the interstate, use your auto club policy to send someone out to do it, or get it
> hauled off the interstate and change the tire when/where it is more safe.

I don't claim to be all knowing about tires, that's for sure, but I am a pretty avid hobbyist when it comes to cars and trucks, and for me, tire
choice is an important facet of how I enjoy my vehicles. I currently own cars with tires that range from R Compounds on one end of the spectrum, to
All Terrains on the other, and quite a few types of tires in between.

My fear is rooted in the safety aspect of the discussion. I have no problem repairing any body damage due to a blowout, and in the past, I've changed
out a transmission on the side of the road, so changing out a tire is not a problem. It's also not alack of confidence in my driving ability... I
don't race my cars, but I take them to the racetrack several times a year for "HPDEs", I also like driving off-road, and I've had my pilots license
for over 10 years now. While some of those things have a higher level of risk, I'm obsessive about making them as safe as I can. Because sh_t can
and does happen, no matter how prepared you are.

I agree with you, that the risk of damage and blowout when a steel sidewall tire is underinflated is higher than a ragwall. However, that argument
kind of reminds me of how many OEMs are not including a transmission dipstick on newer cars, because the risk of damage from incorrect maintenance is
higher than the likelihood of a problem stemming from incorrect fluid levels. I prefer having the dipstick, and will accept the consequences if I
screw up the maintenance. Same goes for tires. If I need to replace one due to underinflation, then I will.

From my research and my personal experience, in situations where it is hot, you are carrying a load, and driving at high speed, a steel sidewall tire
will outperform a ragwall, on tires of similar quality. Again, I am not an expert, but my understanding of tire dynamics is that a stiffer sidewall
flexes less, and will generate less heat which is generally the cause of most blowouts. Also, even though technology is catching ragwall strength up
with steel strength, (I believe Goodyear has an aramid belted tire) if I put a wheel off the road or hit some debris, a steel tire is going to take
that abuse better than a ragwall.

Most of my trips taken and planned for the future, are west of here, and take place during the summer. West Texas is tough on tires. When it's 107,
you're driving on a highway with an 80mph speed limit, and are in the middle of the county of nowhere, I can almost guarantee you pass at least 1 car
or truck that has had a blowout, if you're on a trip of any distance. Also, there's a lot of heavy industry here, with all the oil and gas
production. I used to live in the northeast, and getting a flat there was rare. In the years I've been here, I've pulled all manner of hardware,
angle iron, metal shards, you name it out of tires --both on the tread, and embedded in the sidewalls.

And while I haven't driven a GMC with ragwalls, I have driven a lot of vehicles, and the XPS Ribs really do handle well on my rig. And if you look at
the review on tirerack, they say the same thing about that tire on all manner of heavy vehicles.

Bottom line is you should make an educated decision on what tire to run based on your use of your vehicle, your tolerance of risk, and your
experience. If I lived in the northern part of the country, and took shorter trips, I would probably have a different opinion on what tire to run.
But for my situation, I find the benefits of an all steel tire to be of value. Again, (no pun intended) your mileage may vary ;)



--
Mark S. '73 Painted Desert,

Manny 1 Ton Front End,
Howell Injection,
Leigh Harrison 4bag and Rear Brakes,
Fort Worth, TX

[A.]

TR 1 wrote on Wed, 09 November 2016 17:01

You seem to have thought it through. Keep those steel-walled tires inflated to the correct pressure, keep a firm hold of that steering wheel to
compensate for the degraded handling, and drive it.

--
73 23' Sequoia 4 Sale
73 23' CanyonLands Parts Unit 4 Sale
Upper Alabama
"Highest price does not guarantee highest quality."

[Mike Hamm]

Well I would buy the XPS RIB in the correct size 225/75-16 seeing you are sold on the steal sidewall tires.
Happy travels to you and your family.

--
1977 Kingsley 455 as stock as it gets except lots of Ragusa parts