I found 4 8.25-17s in Birmingham! 3 unused and 1 used but with excellent tread and no cracks! Thanks for your help and advice guys.
That’s great news. Look forward to seeing some photos.
Me again! Same issue! I got a flat/split tyre on the Bedford and I found it hard to find tyres 4 years ago, it’s ■■■■ near impossible now. 8.25 R17s. So if you have any ideas or suggestions where I might find one (or some) or any suggestions as to what else might fit, I would be hugely grateful. Rob
You could try rushgreenmotors.com as they have a huge selection of old trucks.
Have you searched for Bedford breakers online ?
I know this is not much help in your search for tyres, but i don’t know if you are aware that the law has also changed and tyres more than 10 year old from their manufacture date are now illegal/will fail MOT on steer axles.
Have you tried Longstone Tyres at Bawtry (Doncaster)? They specialise in vintage tyres of all descriptions:-
longstonetyres.co.uk or phone 01302 711123
Maybe someone should approach John Bull tyres at Retford, they’re already making some obsolete vintage sizes, no 825x17 listed but they were a common size on small lorries at one time, if enough demand maybe they can get some made?
Bernard
TKBar:
I found 4 8.25-17s in Birmingham! 3 unused and 1 used but with excellent tread and no cracks! Thanks for your help and advice guys.
I might be wrong but I think laws have/are tightening on using old tyres on the road.
Quite properly the law on using old/ancient tyres commercially, particularly on PSV’s, is welcomed but I don’t reckon that use on a vintage vehicle like an old TK will be affected , and of course many vintage vehicles are “transported” to and from shows so they would not be affected in anyway.
Cheers Bewick.
Dennis the new law does affect all commercials even vintage the HCVS have been fighting for exemptions to classic / vintage commercials but to no avail. So no tyre over 10 years old on steer axles.
jshepguis:
Dennis the new law does affect all commercials even vintage the HCVS have been fighting for exemptions to classic / vintage commercials but to no avail. So no tyre over 10 years old on steer axles.
Shamelessly copied and pasted from the Gov. website:
“We will grant an exemption to 2 vehicle groups. Firstly, to those vehicles that are currently exempt from tyre roadworthiness regulations (including agricultural tractors that travel at low speeds) to remain consistent with existing legislation. Secondly, to those historic vehicles that are currently exempt from roadworthiness testing, providing they are not used commercially. We recognise that historic vehicles are usually well-maintained, are used infrequently and do not travel at high speeds but it is important to balance the granting of any exemptions with the safety of all road users.”
So historic commercials are exempt, but as I understand it in the small print only the pre 1960 vehicles that have always been exempt from MOT, it’s not a rolling date like the the later MOT/Tax concessions.
Just as well as I didn’t want to replace the perfectly sound Firestones on the front of the Albion with the Chinese crap that’s around now, as I’m not anticipating a blow-out on it’s 200-odd miles a year cruising empty at 33mph on local A/B roads!
Bernard
Thanks Albion 1938 for the concise answer. Did forget about the older vehicle that didn’t need an MOT anyway. Was going on the non rolling formula that i will have to adhere to when i get my ongoing project on the road, that is why i haven’t purchased any new tyres as yet.
A horsebox selling Gin and It’s is operating commercially though, unless there is an exemption for a mobile shop.
How about retreading the originals?
Thank you for your contributions. I have been made aware of the new reg’s so do i understand that as the tyres that need replacing are on the rear axle, its not an issue? And FYI, the vehicle is used about 10 times a year for events in a 30 mile radius so averages about 500-800 miles a year. As far as speed goes 
…50 tops.
…50 tops.
If I cant find appropriate tyres, what options do i have re changing the rims? Straighforward? They are 8 stud.
You will have to go down the tubeless rim/tubeless tyre road, was does your TK weigh, loaded? my idea would be to contact someone like Aspect Wheels (Uxbridge 01895 234252 or Coleford Forest of Dean 01594 838080 sales@aspect wheels.co.uk) and explain your problem to them, and see what they say. Your new wheel/tyre combo will need to match or exceed your current tyre carrying capacity to keep VDSA happy.
whilst i agree with the use by date on the steer tyres i have not as yet seen a date of when the law came in or is to become law, anyone know
There are many TK’s on the rally scene so they must get tyres from somewhere?
Pete.
windrush:
There are many TK’s on the rally scene so they must get tyres from somewhere?Pete.
Nearly all on 16 or 20s Pete.
Bernard
Has the 10 year rule on tyres actually come in yet or is it still pending? I cant find any definitive answer online.
albion1938:
windrush:
There are many TK’s on the rally scene so they must get tyres from somewhere?Pete.
Nearly all on 16 or 20s Pete.
Bernard
IIRC the new TK/KE we bought in 1970 had Mich X 8:25 x 17" wheels. Cheers Bewick