NDT military type tires

Does anybody have any opinion about the 7.00x16 NDT military type tires? Are they OK or do they suck terribly? That's what I want to use on my restoration, probably the last items to go on. I'm not after extreme off road performance, just the stock look and dependable performance on scenic mountain trails, and light use around town. You know, old fart stuff.

 

fling mud too.

 

What are you running under the hood, and how heavy is your right foot? How much blacktop rain driving will you do? Daily driver, or weekend warrior?

I am running NDT's on my CJ3A (and on my Goat, of course), but my little Jeep is bone-stock. Lots of desert cross-country trailing (hard-packed, rocky), lots of deep sand washes, short trips (<20-30 miles) on pavement, occasional runs down Pismo Beach, occasional stream or mud hole crossings, rare on-road rain driving. I like the NDT's, but they will slip a bit on wet pavement if you turn too sharp at speed. I have never had them dig in in sand - I run them at about 12-15 pounds if I'm going to be in soft stuff for a few days, and 25 otherwise. They claw right through deep mud, self-clean and will "paddle" a light vehicle through. Come to think of it, my Gama Goat weighs over 7000 pounds, and it pulls well through mud as well on NDT's, but you have to allow for 6 18 inch wheels pulling at once, so maybe that's not a good test. One last point - They do wear pretty fast on pavement. I've found the Goodyears to wear better than the Coopers, and WAY better than the Denmans. Haven't tried the new Firestones. My $0.02.

 

I ran 6x16 NDT's under my 3A for years and never had any mishaps on pavement.The little truck only goes 50 MPH so "wet highway" driving was not one of my top concerns.If you want to drive a 4WD vehicle on wet highways may I suggest an Audi Quattro with Aquatread tires rated at 200MPH. But if we are still talking about a "real" jeep you can't beat the look or performance of NDT's When I lifted my 3A on 2 1/2" springs the 6" tires looked a little puny So now I have 7.50 x 16 Firestones and they look just right :twisted:
Just my .2
Donnie
I still have 4 6x16 tires,flaps,tubes etc........

 

Thanks guys! My '56 is bone stock, 134 Fhead, etc., and is gonna stay that way. I just want to restore it to showroom condition, and putt around in it for fun. No serious off-roading, just scenic trails for photo expeditions, hiking, camping, etc. A little 'round town driving, but not in the rain or snow.

I'm approaching geezer status faster than I like, so I'll be driving Ol' Red kinda like the old guy in your town drives his Model A, except I'll be in the hills. No heavy miles planned, by any means. If I wear 'em out, I'll buy more.

I figure the tires and early Jeeps were kinda designed and meant for each other, so they belong on there. I just want to hear your experiences....if they work good or if they're absolutely hideous. I'm not doing any suspension or motor mods, except maybe that Pertronix igniton I keep hearing about.

 

That's what I was wanting to hear. Much grass, amigos!

 

What do you mean, Sparky?

 

are the NDT tires DOT highway rated ?
I was under the impression they are not.

 

I have a set of 9.00 x 16 NDTs they've been siped appearently NATO regs?

 

The ones I got from Coker were. They had the stamp on the inside wall. As far as I know, they all are. I heard from a friend that, that was the only question the DOT inspector asked. They are (almost) impossible to balance but I can't go much over 45 or so. I also wouldn't drive them in the rain (or snow).

These are 700 X 16s

 

Siping? Huh, never heard that word before. Looks like a good idea, but probably not for me. Looks like a large expense that I don't need. I have NO plans to use my '56 for anything where I need to modify tires for extra traction. This is going to be a pretty toy for my amusement, not for any kind of extreme off-road sports.

Look at Gump's JEEP, then picture it as a red '56 CJ5. THAT'S what I'm talking about! Beautifully restored, stock looking, something to putt around in with a big ol' grin on my face, making the locals jealous.

Just like if I restored a 1956 Harley Panhead, I'd use it for relaxed tooling around, not for long, grueling roadtrips. I'd use a later model bike for that, just like I'd use a later model Jeep if I wanted to climb rocks and blast through mudholes. Something I wouldn't care about beating up.

To each his own, I say, but I personally think classic old rides should be kept as such. I lost all respect for Boyd Coddington when I saw that show where he took a museum quality original Model T Ford and butchered it to make a street rod. I have no use for that fool now.

Beautiful JEEP Gump!

 

That IS cheap! How can they do it that cheap? Looks like it would be very time-consuming. I might consider it when the time comes.