Thanks, everyone--but Mikey, here's my question: are the 8.00's really that much different? 1/2" doesn't seem much.
Problem is--this is first annual as new owner, and the IA won't sign it off as is. So, I'm grounded.
If I buy the 8.00 tires, I can fly now, and work on threading through the FAA bureaucracy to get a field approval for the 8.50's. Once I have that, I'll put 'em back on, but at least I can get back in the air. I need my PA-12 an an antidote to airline flying 8)
Sound like a plan?