I am recently able to afford new tires for my van, since I've been driving
all over, taking tiny little jobs on almost bald ones, it's time.

   So, I went to my local tire shops, trying to shop local and was really
surprised.  The same crummy Nankang tires that wore out quickly, but were
cheap last year are now almost double at the local-owned Tire Factory
franchise.  " No dice, dude! "  I don't have extra money to give you,
neighbor.  Then I went to Les Schawbb, a northwest franchise, usually quite
reasonable and great service.    Looking for some Nokians because I wanted
really good snow tires.   I have been driving year round on my last set,
like them immensely for their traction and their handling and their
durability.  "Yes, we can get some shipped in, special order.  $45 freight
and $167 each...mounted and balanced....2 weeks.."  Uh.....No thanks,
Les.....

   So I called Peter at Van Cafe and got some Hakkapelittas coming for $128
(each) and $30 shipping (both)..  I ordered some Hankooks for the front,
again mail order online.  I didn't use our list vendor because of shipping
distances...
I will mount and balance all these with my manual tire changing machine,
left over from my racing days, after I first make an adapter to fit the
odd-ball stock Vanagon 14" rims.

  Driving on worn tires....with a full load of tools and lumber, down a
gusty interstate....not very responsible, but per$onal finance$ had me
choosing gas OR tires, but not both...

  The local tire guys?  They said they'd been seeing lots of long-time
customers blanch when told the price of tires recently.  Something about the
cost of natural rubber commodity going through the roof in the Global
economy..