Re: 1950 Packard Standard Eight - Rear Shocks

Posted by JD in KC On 2011/9/20 23:23:04

My '50 Custom came with very old bias-ply tires that had a 1-inch whitewall that in my opinion, looked very wrong for the car. The car was extremely difficult to drive as it had a horrible tendency to 'follow' every flaw in the road surface. I cannot say with total honesty whether the problems were the tires, the age of the tires, or the condition of the suspension system.

I purchased Diamond Back radials (Cooper 235-75-15) and all problems related to the following/wandering ceased. The car now drives and handles (steering-wise) like my modern vehicles.

Recently I acquired a '49 Custom that has bias-ply wide whitewall tires (manufacturer unknown). Comparing the two cars as they sit in the garage, I have to admit that the tires on the '49 are better looking as they relate to the car than the radials on the '50 (even with the extra-cost beauty rings).

I am still working on getting the '49 totally road-worthy so I can't really provide a good comparison yet but so far... I can say that the radial tires eliminated the handling problems with the '50 and look good, while the bias-ply tires look better and make maneuvering the car at slow/stopped speeds (like backing into the garage in a tight area) much easier. Cranking the steering wheel with radial tires while the car is stopped is a real chore.

All in all I have no regrets with my decision to put Diamond Back radials on the '50.