Re: Tire Shopping for a '54 Clipper

Posted by d c On 2015/4/27 15:53:42

I thought the radial V bias debate was already hashed out? I can vouch for the effectiveness of new radials on the 55 torsion chassis. The "harshness" and other issues you claim are nonexistent. I cannot comment on 1920s or 30s era cars but these issues if they exist are probably due to suspension deterioration ,lack of maintenance or needed repairs on 50s era or newer cars. If you are performing a 100 pt resto and it will be a trailer queen sure go for the bias look. In that case you will not be concerned about the expense or driving safety. If you will be driving the car you should be concerned with safety and performance and comfort. Why would you buy "blems" for several hundred when for a few hundred more you can have safe, quality tires for a few beans more? If you want a bias tire from the 50s i have one. What are you offering? Bias will wander,lead, grab bridge trestles road grates etc.
Seriously, the size of the radials were a question as the height of the tread area on the sidewall in not the same as the "pie crust" bias. Here is the sticker from the tire supplied and the look of them on the 55. Maybe someone with a 54 or 53 with radials can give their experience. Your car had power steering? Packard offered it starting 53
?