Tires
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Snow Camp, NC
Tires
Where can I get some OEM looking tires for my 49 F-1? Also what is better for ride and comfort radial or bias tires? I going to go with 15in wheels bc the tires are cheeper. I want OEM tread and size. I think the tires came solid black with no written on them.
Post Fiend
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,641
Likes: 21
From: Poway, Ca.
Try Coker, Universal or Lucas.
Coker Tire - Your Source for Antique Tires and Wheels
Home page
Lucas Classic & Vintage Tires
Coker Tire - Your Source for Antique Tires and Wheels
Home page
Lucas Classic & Vintage Tires
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Snow Camp, NC
I have looked at Coker tires, but they are very expensive. I had found a company that had the tires for my truck looked the same as the Coker one, but were about 50 bucks cheaper per tire. I just can't remimber the company name.
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 37
From: Chicago
Senior User
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 114
Likes: 1
From: Saraland, AL
I debated for months on bias ply versus radials. The bias ply do look more original due to the thinner cross section. For the same diameter, radials will have a wider profile.
I have only been to a few "true antique car shows" and still find many antique vehicles with bias ply and I have asked the owners about them. Most said they had no issues with the bias ply and drive often. Below is an article I found that seemed to approach this question with a little more objectivity.
A Tale of Two Tires
For the record... I chose radials. I tried to locate a radial with a similar overal diameter as the originals but did limit the section width. A large section width on the front tires can make turning more difficult at low speeds.
Also below is a link I used to make some comparisons on final tire diameter (sidewall aspect ratio also impacts final diameter) and its impact on tire revs at a given speed.
Tire Dimensions Made Simple - Discount Tire
Let me know what you decide and why ...
Fred
I have only been to a few "true antique car shows" and still find many antique vehicles with bias ply and I have asked the owners about them. Most said they had no issues with the bias ply and drive often. Below is an article I found that seemed to approach this question with a little more objectivity.
A Tale of Two Tires
For the record... I chose radials. I tried to locate a radial with a similar overal diameter as the originals but did limit the section width. A large section width on the front tires can make turning more difficult at low speeds.
Also below is a link I used to make some comparisons on final tire diameter (sidewall aspect ratio also impacts final diameter) and its impact on tire revs at a given speed.
Tire Dimensions Made Simple - Discount Tire
Let me know what you decide and why ...
Fred
Tuned
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 272
Likes: 37
From: Chicago
Remember a skinny bias tire on the front
is alot easier to turn in parking lots
NO power steering
Joe
is alot easier to turn in parking lots
NO power steering
Joe
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 235
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From: Snow Camp, NC
Well I'm going with radials. To me it just seams like the correct one to put on my truck. Now do I need to go with 15 or 16 in rims? I would like to go with solid black walls with no writing on them. Coker said go with 16, but the price per tire is $211 ouch.
In 49 did these trucks come with whitewalls or did they come with backwalls?
In 49 did these trucks come with whitewalls or did they come with backwalls?
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 230
Likes: 5
From: Northern Virginia
I kept the 6.00X16 bias plys. The tires now need to be replaced due to age rather than wear. I'm still looking for something reasonable. I have Nankang on there now but I don't think they are made anymore.
Thread Starter
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Mountain Pass
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Snow Camp, NC
I talked to people today about tires for my truck, and one told me to talk to Diamond back tire. He told me their prices are better than Coker, and the tires are just as good. I'm going to call Diamond back in the morning and I'll let you know if the prices are better than Coker.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 751
Likes: 1
From: orange county, ca.
here's a list of radial and bias companies:
bias
Lucas Classic & Vintage Tires
kelsey tire
universal
Light Truck Bias Ply Tires
radial
Coker Tire - Your Source for Antique Tires and Wheels
Diamond Back Classic Radial Tires
White wall candy store
the whitewall candy store carries diamond back tires also........i have some on my '47 ford (16's).
bias
Lucas Classic & Vintage Tires
kelsey tire
universal
Light Truck Bias Ply Tires
radial
Coker Tire - Your Source for Antique Tires and Wheels
Diamond Back Classic Radial Tires
White wall candy store
the whitewall candy store carries diamond back tires also........i have some on my '47 ford (16's).