Quote:
WILLIS wrote:
I got Hankook H724' s they are 225/75r/15's , made a big difference from the bias plys that were on it. They were Kokers, but were 20+ years old and very cracked and hard.
I tried to match the grey on the car with Packard colors listed on the dealer samples, but none matched and I don't have any access to what the owner in 1991 painted the car with.
I got the trim rings from O'Rieleys Auto and they fit well and made the early 60's look come together. My rear springs are weak, but I like the look so I just take it easy on the humps and bumps.
Thanks for all the great info WILLIS. The grey color on your '54 Clipper looks a lot like the grey on our old '51 Frazer Vagabond (wish I still had that car). I don't know if there is a paint code still on your car, but I think it should be included in the ID tag inside the door frame. Also, if the firewall or inside the trunk lid were never re-painted, they give you a good look at the original, without sun damage-- especially the trunk.
I think I'm going with the 235/75R tires I found locally. The white-wall is about 1.25", which I'd like to have wider (currently my Cooper "Untouchables" are 3.25" or a bit more) but I have to be realistic. For $1K a set I could have the "perfect" tires, but I hesitate to put that much pressure on a this old car. It seems like overspending in one area only encourages breakdowns and expense in others. I swear, cars (and houses) I are like ecosystems-- you need to find balance.
Anyway, 235 75R 15 "Enduro Runways" are what I selected (or basically the "last tires standing" in my cost vs looks vs indestructibility "survey"). They are M & S with "A" Traction and "B" Treadwear ratings, with a decent tread--not too aggressive and maybe slightly old-fashioned looking.
Getting them locally at a tire specialist is helpful in case there are any problems. Unlike buying online I got to look at exactly what I am getting. They were $500 the set, mounted, balanced, stems.
Ironic that after all that hunting around, the best deal seems to be, once again, to buy locally from an independent-- the shop is less that a mile from my house.
Nice to know the trim rings are available at O'Rieley's. There's one of those close by, too!
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