The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline What size tires?

I have a 1955 3100 Series 1. It currently has worn out size 235/85R16's, which I have been told are too big and are rubbing. I understand the truck originally had bias belted 6.00-16-6, but no one at the tire stores can tell me what size radial is a suitable substitute. Various shops have suggested 235/70R16, 225/75R16 or 235/60R16.

What tires have others used? What size radials would give me a reasonably appropriate look without ordering reproduction tires?

Thanks!

Trooper Jeff

The original bias plies through the early '60's should be equal to an 90 profile. In the new measurements it is really hard to find a 90 or 95 profile. 6.00 meant the tire approx. 6" wide, that would be the same as 155 mm and in a 90 profile it would have the same diameter as original. The closest you could easily find would be a 155 r 85, same width slightly smaller diameter.
When you say rubbing, what part of the tire is rubbing and what is it rubbing on?

215/75/16 is very close to the original size in overall diameter (28.7" vs 23.3" ), it is a little wider. Unfortunately , it is also an obsolete size, and may be hard to find. 215/85/16 is only an inch taller than the oe size (30.4), and will be much easier to find.

Another point is the rims. Originally they were 6" wide rims. A 6.00 tire on a 6" rim would have a very straight side wall. A 235 tire is at least 9" wide. Mounted on the original rims there would be a big side wall bulge. If there isn't then the rims have been changed for wider ones which reduces the back space usually.

215/85 16 is still available. It's a little narrower than the 235/85 tire.

You could also search sites like Diamondback radial and coker tires. I personally like to go with tires that are available locally.

Where are yout tires currently rubbing?

It appears that the front tires may slightly rub if the steering is turned to full lock on either side. There may be a slight rub marks just below where the sidewall meets the tread. I don't hear or feel anything in an ordinary test drive. The rear tires are even bigger and nearly fill the wheel wells (side to side). They look quite close to the fenders. Perhaps they meet on a hard bump?

It had not occurred to me that the rims may have been switched from the originals. I understand that the orginals were 4.5 inches wide and modern rims may be 6 inches. I'll try to measure them or ask my local tire shop to measure them.

I was trying to get tires available through the local shop rather than ordering from Coker or Universal. If they are 4.5 inch rims, I'm beginning to think maybe I should order period sized tires. If they are 6 inch, I was thinking 215/75/16 or 215/85/16. My local shops says they would look at them, try them if they think they will fit, and swap them for something else if they don't.

Thanks!

Jeff,

Cooper Tires sells an SRM II LT radial 215/85/16 black wall tire.

It fits the 4.5" wide rim fine. It does not "bulge" at the sides, it gets taller. This makes it also good for lower RPMs at higher speeds (31.5" loaded diameter on my 1954 trucks).

That Cooper tire also comes in 7.50-16, an "original" size tire. A little thinner and taller than the 235-85 16. I recently put a set on my 62 and am pleased with them