Re: 1948 Super Eight Resurrection

Posted by Joseph Earl On 2012/5/11 21:12:58

A couple of things to report.

The aforementioned tire, the 7.00 R15, sounds like an excellent solution, even though they are advertised in the Diamondback catalog as a replacement for 1947 and earlier cars. I checked my very old and crusty looking spare, which is probably OE if not almost original. It is the correct size for my 22nd Series Super Eight according to the original documentation that I have downloaded. A 7.60-15 Goodyear to be exact.

It is worn out. No discernible tread left, but amazingly holds air after filling it from dead flat. Filling it allowed me to get a pretty good measurement, although the overall height will be off due to the lack of tread. Here is what I came up with:

Height: 27.5"
Tread width: 5"
Cross section: 7"

I know all brands are not created equal, and exact dimensions of the same size tire may differ among brands, but from this I have decided that the Diamondback 7.00 R15 may work well. Advertised dimensions are:

Height: 29.4"
Tread width: 4.9"
Cross section: 7.7"

Pretty close when you add the tread back to the worn out Goodyear. My concern when I first considered the Diamondback was that a 7.00 would not be adequate for a vehicle that called for a 7.60, but it sounds like it will be durn near perfect in both height and width.

So Diamondback it will be, with the widest whitewall I can get. When I get the funds.

Second bit of news, next post.