Gates Commando XT Tires

starbuggy · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 1:49 pm Post subject: Gates Commando XT Tires

Hey fellas, I'm in the process of restoring my dune buggy and I'm looking for a set of Gates commando XT's to go on the rear. If you have a set let me know. Or even something that closely resembles that tire. There going on 15x10's. I'd love to run implement tires but I'm nervous about driving on the street with them. Thanks

didget69 · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 2:44 pm Post subject:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/search.php?search_keywords=gates+tires&search_forum=38

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=489469&highlight=gates+tires

Implement tires are not DOT-approved for car road use, as I recall.

bnc
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I never found the need to impress people with any mechanic certifications, trophies or track wins... unless it was for Mom to post on the refrigerator door.

BL3Manx · Posted: Thu Nov 01, 2012 9:10 pm Post subject:

If having somehing that resembles the old Gates tires is what's most important, these are copies of the old Gates Sand Command Tires. They have a more round crown than the Commando XT but the tread is identical. 30" is the smallest diameter. You better have short torsion bars and a 4.11++++ rear end if you're going to try to fit/use them. I actually think something like a Goodyear Wrangler would drive a lot better.

http://www.mickeythompsontires.com/off-road.php?item=BajaPro

90volts · Samba Member Joined: August 10, 2005 Posts: 2637

I've got long bars and 31X10.5 /15s on my buggy. The hairs on it new hit the bars but they've been fine otherwise.

Why not go with a new style M/T tire? I'm running the Khumo M/Ts.

starbuggy · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 11:21 am Post subject:

i know this is going to sound crazy but i'm more concered with the look than i am with the ride. ive got a set of radials on it now that i've had for years but i really want to go period this time around. i'd love to score a set of tall bias plys that would fit on a 15x10 rim. its just really hard to come by them these days. i'm still not ruling out the implement tire option. anybody ever drivin a set of those on the road?

didget69 · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 6:00 pm Post subject:

Implement tires aren't DOT-legal for street vehicle use anywhere - they are limited to 25mph or less, and are not load rated for highway use. Sidewalls are soft as most agricultural equipment doesn't have any suspension. You risk your life and those around you if you try to run them on the street.

You might try looking for DOT-legal dirt track treaded tires through Mickey Thompson or similar.

bnc
_________________
I never found the need to impress people with any mechanic certifications, trophies or track wins... unless it was for Mom to post on the refrigerator door.

VolkswagenGerry · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 6:20 pm Post subject:

I used to have some gates xt comando's on my baja bug they were cool..
Drove them untill almost bald before replacing with bfg m/t's..
I never had a problem at freeway speeds lol

didget69 · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 6:22 pm Post subject:

And the Gates tires were most-likely DOT approved -
_________________
I never found the need to impress people with any mechanic certifications, trophies or track wins... unless it was for Mom to post on the refrigerator door.

VolkswagenGerry · Posted: Fri Nov 02, 2012 10:09 pm Post subject:

oh ya I guess they were...
I missed the farm implement part..
Thought we were just talkin about the gates lol

[email protected] · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 12:34 pm Post subject:

I have always thought of the Gates Commando's as the coolest looking 60's-70's off-road tire.

We should ask Coker to start making them.

I think the only make military grave diggers now.
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1974 Standard Beetle to Baja Bug
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BL3Manx · Posted: Tue Nov 06, 2012 3:21 pm Post subject:

[email protected]

Above is the Mickey Thompson customer service address. They make the Mini-Mag which is a Commando XT replica for narrower rims. I sent them an email a year ago asking that they add a wider/taller Mini-Mag that would work on an 8" to 10" wide rim and have a 29" O.D. I suggested other Samba users do the same thing.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=489469

How about we try it again, maybe with admin help, posting a sticky asking everybody on this forum and the off-road forum to send an email to MT at the above address, requesting they also put out a larger Mini-Mag. I've already done it.

starbuggy · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 5:16 pm Post subject:

I think that's a great idea. That's a big part of building a classic, period buggy.

BL3Manx · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 6:02 pm Post subject:

Here's a picture of a Gates Commando being made in 1971

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

GeoffP · Posted: Wed Nov 07, 2012 8:00 pm Post subject:

VolkswagenGerry · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 6:04 pm Post subject:

X2 cool pic

starbuggy · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 6:37 pm Post subject:

Wow that's a really cool pic! Thanks for sharing it.

Manx102 · Posted: Thu Nov 08, 2012 7:58 pm Post subject:

That is a neat bit of history. Thanks for sharing BL3Manx.
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"The simplest of outdoor adventures - the most treasured memories." - Bruce Meyers
54 years of "outdoor adventures" and "treasured memories" with our Manx in my gallery.

bobfalfa5 · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 7:01 pm Post subject:

didget69 · Posted: Mon Nov 19, 2012 10:32 pm Post subject:

bobfalfa5 · Posted: Tue Nov 20, 2012 7:34 am Post subject:

oh, here in Italy we have no laws.....

cars technology moved too. why are you caring of old ones?
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