What modern tire do I use on my 1938 rim

[[email protected]]

What size radial do I use on my 1938 DeLuxe rim?

[Lawson Cox]

600x16

[charles in east texas]

You could use p195/70/R16, blackwall. That is what I have on my 39. Charles

[blucar]

Originally Posted by [email protected]

What size radial do I use on my 1938 DeLuxe rim?

You might want to consider using a 600x16R (radial) on your '38.. A 600x16 tire is generally in the 28" diameter range. The '38 will have a rim that is generally 4" wide, could be as narrow as 3.5" if someone slipped some V8 60 wheels on it..
Most of the modern radial tires, P195, 205, 215 are built to go on a 5" wide, or wider rim.. Putting this size of tire on a narrow rim will cause the tire bead to be pulled in, which will put additional pressure on the rim and also cause the center of the tire tread to not run properly on the road.
One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is; "Don't let the direction on the can outsmart you"...
If the direction say; Mount on 5-7" wheel, that means they should not be used on wheels narrower than that..

[38 coupe]

I really like the radials on my 37. They are 215/70R16 tires. I sand blasted, inspected, and painted the wheels before mounting the radials with no tubes. I have no leakage problems and they drive really well.

[blucar]

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

As I pointed out in my earlier posting to this tire topic, careful attention must be paid to the size/load, etc., requirements of modern radial tires, when considering them for old car applications..
According to the "Coker Tire Catalog", the P215/70R16 tire, that "38 coupe" has on his '37 Ford, is intended to be mounted on a 5.5-7.5" rim, the overall diameter is 27'6".
A 600x16 is generally a 28" tire, the P215 would alter the gear ratio; lower, which will increase engine RPM's, a concern for hiway driving...
I have radials on every car I own, have been using them since the late '60's.. After driving a vehicle with radial tires, it is near impossible to go back to bias ply tires...

[scooder]

Originally Posted by 38 coupe

I really like the radials on my 37. They are 215/70R16 tires. I sand blasted, inspected, and painted the wheels before mounting the radials with no tubes. I have no leakage problems and they drive really well.

I like that a lot, a fine looking car.
Martin.

[Mike in Mass]

Originally Posted by scooder

i like that a lot, a fine looking car.
Martin.

x 2

[[email protected]]

Thanks a bunch guys. Bye the way. I just made my own coil conversion from the bottom half of an old coil. Now I use a 6volt standard tube coil and does it work great. After buying 2 new coils and trying 2 old coils to no avail, this really works great.