Re: Tire Size for 1940

Posted by TxGoat On 2024/9/18 12:13:39

A tire that is wider than the original probably will not fit the spare tire location or sidemount.
An LT 215/85 R 16 does not correctly fit a 37 120 trunk mount spare tire arrangement.
Fender clearance also very tight on the late 30s 110 and 120s.
Packard warned against putting 6 ply tires on cars originally equipped with 4 ply, and also warned against oversize tires. However, today's 6 ply rated tires may well be 3 ply, while a pre-war 6 ply tire probably had a full 6 plies. Heavier, stiffer tires will degrade ride quality, and may negatively affect handling.

I have no experience using modern bias look radials on a pre-war Packard. I was going to try a set, but they are out of stock, so I decided on Firestone 7.00 X 16. They are 6 ply rated, so I hope they do not degrade the ride. Previous tires were Lester 4 ply 7.00 X 16, which gave good handling and excellent ride.

A lightweight, flexible tire will give a good ride and spare the car's chassis and body from road shock
much better than a heavy, stiff tire. The overall diameter of an original style 7.00X 16 tire is about 30.5 to 31.00 inches while the section width is close to 7 inches at the maximum. Tread width is about 51/2 to 6". Tires with an overall diameter over 31" are likely to rub on the fenders, and may be difficult to install and remove.