Tire question from a newbie

[Henrietta]

This may sound like a ridiculous question, but it can't be helped. My old man garaged his 1928 Model A a few years ago and has neglected her. I have taken custody of her (because she is awesome) and am making plans to get her back on the road. First step is tires. All four have dry rot. I was about to order replacements and realized that I have no idea if she needs tubes as well. Also, is there anything else obvious that I need to get so we can get her up and rolling again?

I'm pretty sure this won't be my last ridiculous question! I am learning a lot just reading the forums, so thanks in advance!

Heather

[Tom Wesenberg]

I would air up the tires and see how the tires look and how long the tubes hold air. I only replace tubes that are litterally shot. Many of the old tubes are much better than the tubes sold today.

[Gunmetal blue2]

First off, Welcome Heather. There are no ridiculous questions on there. If you don't know then ask. Your question you really need to look at the tubes to see what shape there in. you my need rim liners. What year Model A do you have? 1928 & 29 take 21 inch tires, 30 & 31 take 19 inch tires. do you know what model it is....coupe, sedan, pickup etc.

[Henrietta]

She is a 1928 Special Coupe. I will certainally take your advice on airing them up and see where we go from there. Thank you so much!

[Fred K-OR]

Welcome Heather!

I replaced my tires a couple of years ago. I found like Tom mentioned above, that the tubes were in very good shape. I did not have to buy any new tubes. Even if they have patches and they still hold air, they will give you a number of miles. Being inside the tire over the years, they don't seem to age.

[700rpm]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Welcome. My advice, if you buy new tires, is don't buy the cheapest ones. They won't last as long and are prone to imbalance and flat spots. Your safety rides on ypur tires. Get good ones.

[Mike V. Florida]

Welcome!!

I have had great luck with Universal tires.

[John LaVoy]

Welcome, look forward to seeing you along the Model A highway soon. Choosing tires is important, I've run all kinds but now pretty much stick with Firestone and Goodyear. The Goodyear is closer to the original appearance of all of the tires being made.

[ronn]

"Welcome!!

I have had great luck with Universal tires."

just so everyone knows...........
Universal and Lucas are now owned by Coker-you are buying Coker............

[Smurkey]

Let's see some pics of the car. Once you put photos up of the outside, inside, and engine compartment you'll be surprised at all the suggestions that will com rolling in!

Steve

[stouchton]

Greetings!

Listen to what Tom said. I didn't and learned I should have. Put new tires and tubes on my car last year. The old tubes held air just fine, but I replaced them because I did not know the age of them.

Well... the new tubes (all 4) continually lose pressure. And its not at the valve stem. Needs about 5lbs or so every 2 weeks.

I purchased my Goodyear tires from Universal, and I love the tires. But my wife made me get white walls so I will probably be banned from this site!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Skibb]

Originally Posted by Henrietta

This may sound like a ridiculous question, but it can't be helped. My old man garaged his 1928 Model A a few years ago and has neglected her. I have taken custody of her (because she is awesome) and am making plans to get her back on the road. First step is tires. All four have dry rot. I was about to order replacements and realized that I have no idea if she needs tubes as well. Also, is there anything else obvious that I need to get so we can get her up and rolling again?

I'm pretty sure this won't be my last ridiculous question! I am learning a lot just reading the forums, so thanks in advance!

Heather

Miss Heather, welcome to the Ford Barn. You'll find that there are no ridiculous questions here. Except, lol, perhaps on the question of oil. But I'll let that subject be. I'm a newbie too and have benefited greatly from the advice offered here. We're all proud of you for rescuing Dad's Model A.

For some reason I put Firestones on my A. Then, I had Buyer's Remorse as I looked at the old fashioned tread design and the "Gum Dipped" label on the side that evoked a marketing slogan from eighty-five years ago. So with a little cloud of Buyer's Remorse hanging over the sun visor, I started driving the A. Then, we tried the Blue Ridge Mountain Tour. While going down steep mountain roads with switch backs and hard rain, we discovered that our Firestones gave nothing but superb performance. I'm sure there a couple or three other brands that are just as good.

Keep your questions coming.

[Fred K-OR]

I also like Firestone tires. Also like white wall tires. The white walls just add some class to your rig.

[BlueSunoco]

If you DO find that you need new tubes, Bratton's sells the best quality out there. Made to OEM specs. Keep your old ones for sure if you can....

[cp5491r]

Other things to get her up and rolling…
If you haven't started her yet, there are a few cheap parts that are good to have on hand, especially if the car has set for a long time. One is a new condenser. Cars that sit for years often need a new condenser before they'll fire up. Good luck and welcome.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Dog here, We LOVE to help GURLS, post yo' pic, along with the car pics, PLEASE!--Buster T.

[glenn in camino]

I just finished mounting a set of 4 Goodyears on my 1930 deluxe delivery. They look great.

[Ted Duke]

Heather,
Ask questions here, and join the nearest Model A clun.

Ted