Dan forwarded me some pics of his new tires from TDS. He notes these are particularly appropriate for this jeep, because all his grandfather bought for it were retreads. Dan did note how surprised he was at how difficult finding retreads was, especially since they are supposed to be so environmentally friendly.
“Here is my jeep with five new re-tread tires. I cleaned and painted the wheels too. The tires are 215/85R16 all terrain by TDS in Spokane. That was about the smallest radial I could find and the widest tire that would fit on the old 16×4.5 rims. My only other option was to go with a bias-ply and tubes. I saved about $340 by going with re-treads vs the cost of new. I think that they are the perfect height and width for what I was wanting.”
I like this posting. Didn’t know that this was possible. Are only some tire types capable of being retreaded? Thanks.
As far as I know, they can be recapped as long as they pass inspection.
I installed a set of TDS retreads on my CJ2A. Since it is used mainly for slow speed trail work I thought they would be fine. Then one day at all of 40 mph they delaminated. Dented my fenders and took out the brake lines. So much for cheap tires. TDS will tell you that retreads are used all the time on big trucks. They are………that is why you see so many chucks of tire tread along the road side. There is a good reason retreads are hard to find…….Cheap tires are cheap tires…………and dangerous too.
Thanks for that feedback Mike. I appreciate it. I’ve done a good deal of research on the retread issue, so I know they are used extensively on government vehicles, airplanes, big trucks, and more with very good success. I also know that new tires, if not properly maintained, will come apart and shred in a way that makes them look like retreads.
All that said, there’s nothing like your personal experience to turn one off retreads forever. Sorry to hear you had to deal with that and thanks for sharing your perspective!
– Dave
My first Willys had retreads. They worked for many years. Some chunks eventually came off, but not the entire tread. That was even before I put in a Warn OD, so I didn’t drive past 55 mph. My thoughts are the same as MM’s, that the tire carcasses you see on the freeways are thrown retreads from big trucks.
Out of the other side of my mouth, I’ve heard that retreads are excellent if installed following the proper procedures. Of course, the tire casing has to be in good condition and not checked or cut, otherwise that is the weak link and not worth the expense of a new tread. Some tires are not meant to be re-capped. Retreads can be good for a tire that has a strong casing that sees a lot of miles but is not very old, but it’s not a good idea on my tires. Most tires for sale today cannot be capped.
Personally, my Jeeps don’t see that many miles. I replace tires because they are getting old, not just because the tread is gone. I recently replaced my ’49 Jeepster tires because the whitewalls were severely cracked and yellowed and the tread was getting thin (and because of peer pressure from my friends after making fun of me (lol.) But I gave in because it was time for new shoes.) I’ve driven those tires 15,000 miles in 20 years, and they must be 30 years old by now (20K on the restoration.)
Is it just me, or does anyone else window shop at the tire department to check on the latest prices and to enjoy the smell of fresh tires in the morning? (lol)
**Steve E.**
I admit that I like the smell of the tire shop, too. But then, I like the smell of a garage, too. Women also smell pretty good; I’m not sure what that says about the women whom I think smell good.
Another option for re-treads is treadwright.com they always seem to get great reviews from actual users of their tires.
If you actually look at the facts and numbers, you will see that there are more new (non re-tread) tires that are leaving the tread strips along the side of the road than retreads. The number one reason for tire de-lamination is under inflation. That is true for both new and re-capped tires. But to each his own. I feel safe driving on re-treads as long as they are maintained properly, same with new tires.
retread.org/resource/resmgr/docs/rubberonroad.pdf
retread.org/?page=Myths