Re: Assembly of Sidemount Covers for 1936 Packard 120

Posted by HH56 On 2023/8/24 11:18:19

According to this chart showing some specs on polyester bias ply tires there is a small difference in width but a fair difference in weight carrying ability between the two sizes. Also a slight mismatch in diameter. A few sites show those sizes as mostly a tractor and truck tire so if that is what is being used as a base for repros maybe more stiffening side plys could be the reason for a perceived wider width than the older originals.

The size differences would surely make the covers fit better and if you are going to keep the smaller tire in the sidemounts and only there as a never or very occasional use spare then a smaller size might work OK -- sort of like the ridiculous mini spares offered with modern cars but maybe without so many limited range and speed restrictions. If you plan on doing a periodic rotation and drive on them to keep wear even then maybe worth some more thought.