Model A Radial Tires
 

Henry (HL Chauvin) suggested I post the preliminary results of my new Model A Radial Tires:

I only have about 100 miles on my new Radial tires, but OH, MY, what a difference. Our paved roads here in Alaska are quite rutted unless they were freshly paved in the last year or so. With the bias tires, it was quite difficult to keep it in a straight line. The new Radials pay no attention to the ruts and truck along like they weren't there.

FWIW, I put 5.50R19 Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials, along with the Radial tubes offered by Coker, and Counteract balancing beads in the tubes (4oz). While I was at it, I had the wheels powder coated, new stainless hubcaps and lug nuts (with washers).

More to follow after I have a few more miles on them.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Thanks for posting, I had considered emailing you in regards to your opinion.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Don't forget to align it:D

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Aligned it just before I put the new tires on, Follow-up check due this weekend.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Hey Carl: Are you running your 5.50R19 Radial Tires on the same wheels that you ran Bias tires or did you have to get wider wheels? Those Radial's sure do sound exciting!
Thanks,
Marshall

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

I just used the same 19" wheels that came on my vehicle. I did have them freshly powder coated. The picture in my avitar has the same wheels with Firestone tires.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Do they give a softer ride with the more flexible side walls?
Thanks
Keith

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

I don't see that they come in WW.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

That's a good thing

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

They do not. I'm with Mitch on that.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Tire pressure??
Paul in CT

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Only real men drive with bias anyway!!!!!!!!:p

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Carl,
What pressure are you running?
How about parallel parking effort?

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Thanks Carl.

Many favorable comments were presented on the other Model A Forum, since about 19 years ago, on how much better Model A road handling occurred after one changed to "new softer bias" tires after removing their very "old hard bias" tires.

Not long ago I had asked an experienced technician at Coker Tire to try to provide a Model A back roads handling comparison between:

A. Changing from "old" hard Model A "bias" tires to "new soft bias" tires; and.

B. Changing from "old" hard Model A "bias" tires to "new soft RADIAL" tires.

He commented that changing to RADIAL tires, for "back roads" they were far superior in that tire tracking was far better with less wandering, and one did not have to constantly fight the steering wheel on road patches, ruts, road depressions and bumps.

Comments on other non-Model A Forums appear to mention that new RADIALS are far better than new bias tires.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

I put the recommended 35 PSI in to start with, seems to be just fine.

I've never tried to parallel park my Model A. I don't even like it in my modern cars with power steering, but I can do it if required. My Model A is so short, I could probably just "dive in" forward if I had to.

They seem to. The pickup is so light that it bounces around a bit, but the ride does seem softer.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

They look good.

What is the clearance on the brake rods?

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

We are enjoying the radials on our roadster pickup! I do wish they made them in white walls.

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Hi Carl
When you mention alignment, did you cut back on the camber ?

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

Someday John we won't be ignored or deprived!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:D:D

Re: Model A Radial Tires
 

I talked to Corky Coker at SEMA last year and pointed out the benefits of white walls. He had me speak with a vice president about it....so we can only hope!