The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Paint and Body Shop White Wall Radial Tires

Well,

I am really enjoying driving my 1946 Chevy Stylemaster. One thing I just can't seem to get used to however is how at 55MPH on the highway, any bump can send the car veering in any direction. The ride is hard, the handling is poor, but it looks great with the original slim bias ply tires. It is important to me that the car looks vintage, but its more important to my wife that the car is safe. I have standard black tires now. My goal is to move to a white wall tire (with a big white wall), original size to the 16X6.00 that is on there, but in radial. I would like it to look as close to original as possible, and I really would like to avoid spending $800+ on a set. I am guessing this is a tall order but its worth a try? What are my options?

DG

I just bought a set off Craigslist that were like new 215/70/16 radials for $150. They aren't white walls, but they look okay and the price was right. I found some look alike radials but the prices were sky high.

If the rim-section (rim width) of your 1946 car wheels is 4.0", you will have limited selection in radial tires (and/or you will have to find an accommodating tire installer).

A 215/70/16 tire would need a rim width of 5.5-7.0"

I am using 215/85R16 tires on my truck (this is "high profile" tire that has a profile similar to the original bias-ply tire). They should be mounted on 5.5 min rim section wheels but my 1954 16" truck wheels have 5" rim section.

Am I in the ball park with a 215/85/16 tire? Still requires a 5-7in rim but I am wondering if I can squeeze it on.

What are your thoughts on shaving a set of tires?

DG

There seems to be lots of guys running 215-85-16's on 4.5" rims with good success. I'm looking too, and was told yesterday that tire mfg state 5" minimum is bc no narrower wheels are made these days...dunno for sure but the 4.5's seem to work OK