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-   -   16 inch wheels (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=177995)

Bud 09-12-2015 11:45 AM

16 inch wheels
 

Do 16 inch wheels really allow a Model A to handle better and give a nicer ride than say 19 inch wheels, disregarding authenticity for the moment?

J Franklin 09-12-2015 11:49 AM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

A bit on the ride. Steering may be harder.

BILL WILLIAMSON 09-12-2015 03:40 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

16's is a CLASSIC RETRO MODEL A LOOK. Slightly harder steering helps us to get STRONGER!----Anything worth anything, IS NOT EASY.
Bill W.

V8COOPMAN 09-12-2015 04:53 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud (Post 1155275)
Do 16 inch wheels really allow a Model A to handle better and give a nicer ride than say 19 inch wheels, disregarding authenticity for the moment?

It sure would be hard to beat the LOOK of one of these. DD

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...0&d=1442094359

http://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attach...9&d=1442094336

rob63mess 09-12-2015 06:37 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Love the green coupe.....are the front and rears different sizes?

1931 flamingo 09-12-2015 06:43 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

I'd say yes they are diff, big'n'littles.

I think age and condition of tires either 16" or 19" have a large bearing on how a car rides/steers. JMO
Paul in CT

monto 09-12-2015 07:56 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin (Post 1155279)
A bit on the ride. Steering may be harder.

My experience (and opinion):- Definitely better on the ride. Steering the same.

BILL WILLIAMSON 09-12-2015 08:20 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by monto (Post 1155504)
My experience (and opinion):- Definitely better on the ride. Steering the same.

For easier steering on a Model A, regardless of tire size, be SURE to maintain 35 Lbs tire pressure. Minervas' 19's got down to 12 Lbs, DIDN'T even look low, steered like a MACK TRUCK.:eek:
Bill W.

J Franklin 09-12-2015 08:51 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Must'a had petrified sidewalls!?

burner31 09-12-2015 08:53 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Won't 19's give you better gas mileage?
And higher speed.

Floats 09-12-2015 09:19 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Hi Keith,
You are correct BUT 19 inch wheels with 'bicycle' tyres are about the same size as 16 inch wheels with normal car tyres. Hovever fatter tyres must have a bit more friction and drag than thin ones
At the end of the day, I think it is much the same. I think your arugment is good for 21 inch wheels as on my 28 RPU.

BILL WILLIAMSON 09-12-2015 09:26 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin (Post 1155526)
Must'a had petrified sidewalls!?

Quite new Firestone Deluxe, I must have not checked the pressure for a YEAR!:eek: (DUMB!):mad:
Bill W.

Randy in ca 09-12-2015 11:08 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

1 Attachment(s)
Quote:

Originally Posted by Bud (Post 1155275)
Do 16 inch wheels really allow a Model A to handle better and give a nicer ride than say 19 inch wheels, disregarding authenticity for the moment?


My Roadster handles and rides very nicely with 16 inchers!!

Richard/Tennessee 09-12-2015 11:49 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

i M RUNNING 16 RADIALS 225 75R 16 GOODYEARS, RIDE,HANDLING AND BRAKES ARE MUCH BETTER, BUT GLENN IN CA THINKS THEY MAKE YOUR CAR LOOK FUNNY, MAYBE SO, BUT I WONT SWITCH BACK

Bob Bidonde 09-13-2015 10:14 AM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

I have 18" diameter 1932 Ford wheels with 5.50 tires on my Coupe. The ride smoothness is much better, but the steering effort is much greater. Use a shortened Pitman Arm to reduce the steering effort. The rolling diameter of the 18" wheel is approximately 29".

The rolling diameter of a 19" diameter wheel with 5.00/4.75 tires is also approximately 29". Using 6.50 tires on 16 wheels will also have approximately a 29" rolling diameter.

taffrail 09-13-2015 10:49 AM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

I love stock Model A's, but that chopped green coupe is the balls!

40 Deluxe 09-13-2015 11:12 AM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

How about braking with 16" tires? With more rubber on the road, stopping distances should be much shorter. Are they? Can you still lock up the wheels with 16 inchers?

waxhead 09-13-2015 06:43 PM

Re: 16 inch wheels
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by 40 Deluxe (Post 1155794)
How about braking with 16" tires? With more rubber on the road, stopping distances should be much shorter. Are they? Can you still lock up the wheels with 16 inchers?

I can lock up all 4 wheels with my 16s and Ted's brake kit. Can't comment from experience on reduced braking distance as my pickup has always had 16s on it.


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