WTB 9.00-16 tyres (bar grip/track grip)

[Local Chap]

Originally Posted by motto

Hi Bob, that sounds surprisingly cheap even if they are those Indian MDF brand. Have you got some contact info for this mob?
The reason for looking at the American tyres is with the Aussie dollar the way it is they may have been a proposition pricewise and possibly a better tyre anyway.
Dave

Do a search on this forum for "agtyre", and amongst the threads on the subject is this response from Lang:

If you contact AGTYRE Wholesale Australian number 1800 028988 or 02 6752 4299 they have 900X16 tyres.

Wholesale price is well over $200, plus freight.

[colin jones]

Hi david, as per our phone conversation today, I thought I would let everyone else know. I emailed "Summit Racing" in the USA and purchased 10 of 7.50/20 tyres for my stude in 2 lots of 5. This was to keep under $1000 and not pay gst or customs and had them delivered to my front door for $330 each."Bargain" They organized Fedex to send them and we tracked them everyday. They took 10 days to get here. They are Firestone brand with military on them as well. Great service and I would suggest to ring them at 0500 and talk to a sales person.
Good Luck
Colin.

[motto]

Thanks Colin. I looked at Summit's web site and they list Coker Firestone, 9.00-16, Non-directional military service for $212US.
Agtyres quoted me $324 for MRF's delivered to Melbourne.
I need to wait until next week to find out what they will cost from ATT as the dealer I use is away 'til then.
David

[Ian Fawbert]

HI David,

I had MRF's on my GPW (and there are alot of other jeepers in OZ with MRF's too) and had no problem with them- people poo hoo indian tyres, but for the price and driving i did on them, i cant knock them. I ran them for about 1500miles until i could afford a set of firestones. I was (still am) really happy with them (MRF's)- i had heard rumours of bar treads and wet tar roads, but with cautious driving for conditions (as usual when on tar!) i never had a problem with the MRF (or firestones) fitted, and ALOT of those 1500 miles on the MRF's were in rain/wet roads- my luck!

In summary, i was happy with the MRF's and if needed another set, would happily buy more any day.

However, at the price you were quoted, i can see why you would go with the US tyre. Don forget to contact Antique Tyres (vic based) if your after the Coker manufactured Firestones. http://www.antiquetyres.com.au/ as they should be passing on the high dollar in their tyres- may be easier/cheaper than importing them yourself. http://www.antiquetyres.com.au/16900

I paid around the $140 (i think) mark in 2008 when the dollar was lower too for the firestones on my GPW imported through a mate here in sydney who is now out of tyre importing. I think at the same time antique tyres had them for around $160>$180?

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Ian.

[motto]

Thanks Ian
Rang Antique Tyres and was told they had no tyres of this size in stock and they would have to import them. Last time they sold any they were priced at $440 for the Firestones and $490 for the Denman.
Wallace Wade advertise in Supply Line that they have 9.00-16 ND's at $174.95 and I have sent them an e-mail. So far no response.
Rang Agtyres again to ask what the price was if picked up from them as I thought someone coming down to Corowa could drop in on the way through. They told me the same price as it was to have them sent to Melbourne, $324
I suspect that is because they wouldn't transport tyres down from Moree but have them supplied direct from ATT.
Dave

[Ian Fawbert]

No worries Dave.

WOW! I knew they (Antique Tyres) were expensive, but that seems like alot- considering the price they are in the US.

If it helps, i have a mate/long time family friend here in sydney who imports containers every month or 2 out of California- usually full of cars/parts and his rates are quite reasonable (same guy who used to import tyres). If you want, message me an email address and i'll forward on his contact details and you can speak to him about it/costs if you do it yourself with his container. I`m sure if Wallace Wade has them at that price, add in transport from wherever in the US to California + container to sydney + to corowa (or i may be able to help if coming from here- not 100% sure yet- he's only 10 minutes from my place), it could work out much cheaper then Antique Tyres or maybe Agtyres.

Cheers,
Ian.

[motto]

The 9.00-16 ND bar tread tyres that ATT have in stock are 10 ply and are branded 'to fit flat base rims only'. They are loose on a weapons carrier wheel so should be correct for a Blitz. The dealer told me that when their stocks are gone, ATT will not be ordering any more. They don't sell enough to make it worth their while.
If anybody is interested, I may have some at Corowa for $255 each if they don't find a home in the meantime.
There is also an as yet unconfirmed report that Agtyres has changed hands and will no longer be bringing in military pattern tyres.
David