smaller tires and wheels
 

I have 3:54 gears in rear housing 19" wheels and stock 4cyl in 1930. I want to run 16" wheels on front and 17" on rear. What would I expect for rpm`s, steering, engine problems or anything else with this set up. Thanks.

Farmerdick

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

Kinda depends on what tire you are putting on the 16s & 17s

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

I`am not sure as yet. Any suggestions would be helpful. Most likely radials. Bias ply would be ok. What do you think?

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

The aspect ratio of the tire should be taken into account along with rim diameter as both will affect your final gearing. A taller sidewall vs. a shorter sidewall will make a difference.

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

Smaller tire equals higher rpm and less top end speed

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

Whatever you get, I would try to stay as close to the same height as your 19's are.

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

I saw a TCM movie today - 1943 vintage, with Judy Garland and Micky Rooney. I think it was called "Girl Crazy".

Prominent in the movie was a (11 years old at the time the movie was made) 1932 Ford Phaeton. It was interesting (perhaps I should say, 'odd') to note that the wheels on the '32 (nominally stock 18") were - 21" Ford Steel-Spoked wheels of 1928-'29 !

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

I think the only "problem" you will have is that it will look funny. Should work just fine otherwise.

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

Aren't 16 rims 4 inches wide and 17 inch 3 inches wide?

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/t...l-tech.113082/

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

At the car show yesterday there were a few A's with smaller than stock wheels and tires. The cars were beautifully done but just didn't look right. I'll stick with the 19's until I put the Cummins diesel in it. (30 coupe)

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

I'm with updraught, Put the 16" on the back, 17" on the front and find the correct tire height for each. Same caps fit both, can't really tell the difference in the rim size.

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

Re: smaller tires and wheels
 

I have 16s, handles and brakes much better.