1950 f1 tire/rim question

[Firepower flyer]

Can I run radial tires on original 16"f1 rims??I wasn't sure if that was a tube style rim only.I picked up a nice solid Texas f1 and would like to make it a daily but would perfer radials on this one.What was the factory size tire?
Thanks Joe

[John R]

Those rims are strictly for use with tubes. You can run radials only if you use a tube.

[cmbrucew]

Joe
Have the tire shop mount the tires tubless and test them in water.
Some wheels will leak, but alot hold air.
I have 4 on my red f1 that hold air good.
Bruce

Works good
Lasts long time

[Bums F-1]

I have run tubeless radials for over 15 years with the original rims. when running bias ply tires the truck had a bad death wobble after changing to radials no more wobble and the truck handled much better.

[rotorwrench]

The old style rims from the 40s were mostly riveted between the center and the rim. If it's riveted you would likely need to run a tube. If its welded and the rim is in good condition, it wil work tubeless just like any modern rim. If the rivets are good & solid they might be slow leakers, you just never know.

Kerby

[Dick Webber]

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I am running radials on my 49 Mercury, 49 F-1 (using 15" F-1 wheels) and 39 Deluxe tudor using 16" Diamondbacks. All on old factory wheels without tubes. No problems with many years of use.

[Firepower flyer]

Awesome good to know!
Thank you
Joe

[Lanny]

Joe, it's Not just a matter of not leaking air, it's ALSO a matter of safety in cornering, OR haveing to make a a very sharp turn (swerve) or something simular. The tire can slide off the bead, as there is NO raised metal to help keep the tire from slipping off the bead on those early wheels, then you have an instant flat.
I would run tubes with the older wheels, as a matter of safety.




.

[PeteVS]

Has anyone ever run a bead of weld around the rim, mimicking the "safety" bead found on newer rims?

[Mike Mayer]

I have had twelve trouble free years running radials on my stock 53 ford rims

[31chevy]

I have radials on my 16 in. spoke 1935 rims & no leaks. I have uniroyal touring p215/70r16. Work very well. forgot to say tubeless.
Gary.

[36 flathead]

I have radials on my 1950 f1 16 inch wheels . no tubes no problems. had these for 2 years. big improvement on ride and handling

[Firepower flyer]

Originally Posted by 31chevy

I have radials on my 16 in. spoke 1935 rims & no leaks. I have uniroyal touring p215/70r16. Work very well. forgot to say tubeless.
Gary.

Thats the size I'm thinking of going with,they seem to be about the right highth.
Joe

[John R]

Yes, radials are much better - better ride, better handling. You can run them without tubes but only if you also have also have a good life insurance policy. The safety beads are there for a reason - to prevent the tire from coming completely off the rim in case of a flat tire or blowout. The fact that it hasn't happened in xyz miles of driving doesn't remove the risk involved with radials without tubes or safety beads on the rim.

[Firepower flyer]

John I'm not sure what safety bead you are talking about.I change alot of tires at work on my fleet of vans and the rims look basicly the same but much more narrow than late model,but where the bead seats look the same?
Thanks Joe

[PeteVS]

Originally Posted by Firepower flyer

John I'm not sure what safety bead you are talking about.I change alot of tires at work on my fleet of vans and the rims look basicly the same but much more narrow than late model,but where the bead seats look the same?
Thanks Joe

On rims made for tubeless tires, there's a small bead rolled into the cylindrical surface that the tire bead sits on on the OUTSIDE side of the rim, about 1/2" from the flange. When you corner hard, and the tire is pulled to one side. Without some means to hold the bead in place, it could be pulled off that surface and BANG! You have an instant deflation or "blowout." If that happens with a tire with a tube, the tube acts to keep the air in place. If you're changing tubeless tires with hand tools, breaking the bead on that side can be a real chore getting the bead over that bump.

[Lanny]

The safety wheels have a ring of raised metal all around the bead of the wheel, and keep the bead of the tire from sliding inward, off the bead of wheel, and deflating.
I think ALL car and pickup wheels have the safety bead for the last 50 years or more.

Many people drive WITHOUT useing safety belts in there old cars too, and will say that they never, ever needed them, so I guess it's a matter of, do you want to be safe or maybe someday, sorry ?


PS: I started writing my post, then took a phone call, then came back and finished my post a few minuets later. After posting, I see Pete had allready made a simular post, I wasn't trying to double-up on the issue.

.

[Firepower flyer]

Originally Posted by Lanny

The safety wheels have a ring of raised metal all around the bead of the wheel, and keep the bead of the tire from sliding inward, off the bead of wheel, and deflating.
I think ALL car and pickup wheels have the safety bead for the last 50 years or more.

Many people drive WITHOUT useing safety belts in there old cars too, and will say that they never, ever needed them, so I guess it's a matter of, do you want to be safe or maybe someday, sorry ?


PS: I started writing my post, then took a phone call, then came back and finished my post a few minuets later. After posting, I see Pete had allready made a simular post, I wasn't trying to double-up on the issue.

.

No problem,I appreciate the info and help.
Joe

[lenc]

I have 600X16 tires now. Can I use 650X16's on the same rims?

[Mart]

Originally Posted by lenc

I have 600X16 tires now. Can I use 650X16's on the same rims?

Yes.