Re: radial tires on antique wheels

Posted by Peter Packard On 2013/5/28 2:52:00

I suggest that it is an urban myth. There are many out there, including myself, with Coker radial tyres requiring around 40 PSI minimum inflation pressure Versus the old 24-32 PSI factory settings. I have never heard of a Packard rim separating. I also believe that the internal pressure loading on the rim from 40 PSI would be the same for a cross-ply as for a radial. I do however use a tube in my Packard wheels, even the 56, which I understand is supposed to OK for tubeless. I have Commercial 10 PLY 17in radials on my 35 Super wire wheels which I run at 55PSI. If it was going to blow, I suggest that it would have by now. I must add that I have split rims on my 35 Super so we are not talking of the original rims, although I believe that the rim has been made from the original Packard rims. I have split both rear axle wire wheels fitted with cross-ply tyres on my 1934 Plymouth after hitting a table drain in a country town in 1968, whilst towing a car trailer with a 526 Packard aboard home. My opinion is that you can damage anything if you try hard enough. Best Regards Peter Toet