255-50-16 Tires becoming extinct?

Discussion in 'Brakes, Suspensions, Tires & Wheels' started by overkillphil, Jan 23, 2012.

  1. overkillphil Member

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    Been using that size on our Buick GN's and other GM's since the late 80's. Now I'm trying to get my Dads 87 GN back on the road, ordered (4) BFG G-Force's after Thanksgiving. Was told they were on backorder. Today I get a call and email that the order has been cancelled, citing that BFG is not making those anymore. I called BFG tonight and couldn't get any useful information out of the cookie cutter customer service representative.

    Does anyone know if they are available from any sources? Are they still being made? Are there any other brands in that size that are comparable in traction/performance/quality? What are you guys with GNX and Kirban rims running?

    Thanks for any input.
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  3. Browndog Member

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    Not many left, as you've discovered. Only other car I can think of that had them as an OE size is the early C4. Falken makes a 255/50/16 but they're pretty much hockey pucks. Price is right though.
  4. ThatDamGoldCar not a Buick nutt hugger

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    2010-10-04 15.33.39.jpg
    275/45/16 toyo proxes TQ drag radials fit perfect
  5. cruzn57 Still plays with cars!

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  6. overkillphil Member

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    Yes, checked them already, no tires. Checked all of the sources I could find online actually. Surprising, I wonder what the mid 80's Vette guys are doing?
  7. overkillphil Member

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    Thanks, I like the way they look, however it doesn't solve the problem for the front tires.
  8. HelloBozos Member

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    255/40-18's up "Front" here...heh..an 295/40-18's out back, Falken Azenis's on ROH Drift wheels..No Mod's..8^)

    IMG_0018End march GN 201110-13-11 ISS.jpg GN side close 2.jpg
  9. UNGN Can't Re- Member

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    That sucks

    We run 4 of these on our 2+2. We used to run Dunlops, which were excellent. The BFG's Sports we currently run, not so much.

    It looks like the next set we buy will be race tires, since there are lots of those available.
  10. ThatDamGoldCar not a Buick nutt hugger

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    225/55/16 on front
    50's are avail also
  11. augie1010 Member

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    Hey: Just got a pair off Falken 255x50x16 tires from Online Tires Direct for 110 each. i know the Falken tire is not all that great, but I only drive my GN 500 miles a year in good weather so what the hell, the price is right. they have the 255's in stock, took me three days to get them, and they ship them for 0.

    Good luck
    Dave
  12. novaderrik Active Member

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    they've all got C5 or C6 Vette wheels by now..
  13. m1tankr Member

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    Just a heads up. I had been running into this problem also & just found a solution. The new BFG SS 2's will be out in April in the 255/50/16 & 245/40/16. They are the replacement for the original SS & are a performance summer tire. The price is pretty good (same as the old tires).
    Here's the link. http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-selector/size/emetric/255/50/16/tires
  14. blacksix Member

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    Kumho makes a few tires in 265/45R16, check Tire Rack
  15. 87GN_70GS Active Member

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  16. jlat Active Member

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    hello; I think it's true in a 16" tire. There's a few choices. I went with a BF Goodrich but in a 245-50 size. Not many miles or stories on them yet.
    IBBY
  17. rpoL98 Member

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    i ran into the same shortage about a year ago, couldn't get that size tires, finally used that as an excuse to get 17" wheels. couldn't wait any longer, had the annual state safety check coming up and was running on bald tires. yeah, kinda lame...
  18. just plain john El Camino a Go-Go!

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    I had the same problem on my pickup for a while, BFG 295/55/15's. Vendor said they weren't being made anymore. I bought another brand. When I replaced that set, BFG had them in production again.
  19. Jerryl Doing MORE with LESS!

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    How are these tires performing?
  20. Heg87t Slightly Compressed User

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    Is anyone running the 265/45/16 on the GTA wheel? Any fitment or tire wear problems with the 8's width wheel?


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