If u jack the car up at the frame or bumper will that allow the axle to drop enuf to install the wheel without inflation/deflation????

The problem with tire sizing is that they vary among manufacturers by as much 3/4 inch but usually at least 3/8 inch on diameter and width. Usualy the "cheaper name" tires will be slightly smaller than premium name.

Your best bet is to take an existing tire that u like and match it side-by-side to tires in question. HOWEVER if u mount and inflate the tire it will tend to grow in size overall by about 1/4 inch.

The 'cheaper grade' tires are usualy manaufactured by a brand name company. e.g. my Cornnells are made by Dayton tire and i've had other off brands by BF GoodRich, Fisk et-al.

The original tire size on a 1948-50 Eight was 7:60 x 15; this is not to be confused with a 7:00 x 15 which was based on an earlier sizing measurement system and is actually a slightly larger tire. Coker Tire's suggested replacement in radial for a 7:60 x 15 is 225/75R15. As already pointed out, there is not a lot of clearance in the rear fender wells, sometimes requiring folks to deflate their tires to get them on, and then inflate in place.

I specs on those Hercules tires is:

Overall Diameter = 28.1 inch
Rim Size: 6.0 - hope this is what I have???
Load Capacity: 1874 pounds
Max psi: 35
I hope these specs, especially the load capacity will be sufficient.

I have 235/75/15's on my '47 which originally used the 7-00-15 size also. I chose this size because the diameter is less than an inch less than the original and they are extra load tires. The rear wheel openings are larger on the '47 than the 48-50 models so that may create a problem for you.

otgdy, As I understand it the metering rods should remain up at all times unless the engine is running. Vacuum from the engine pulls the piston (you can't see as it's under the top plate) and the metering rods down. As you accelerate the linkage lifts the fork which in turn moves the rods up opening the jets. When the engine is not running you should be able to push the rods down and they should spring back up. Maybe taking the top off the carb will reveal that the piston is stuck.

No Rhodesia stopped existing in 1979 and now is Zimbabwe, they are in the news now because of the old Robert Mugabe (84) that does not want to release power even though he lost the election. They have the worlds highest inflation rate I think something like 196 000% !!!!!! That country has been totally ruined although it is supposed to be the bread basket of Africa.

I will install one of those tires on the spare and check it on the car to look for fit before buying 4 new ones.

Rhodesia is modern day Zimbabwe

By the way. Is Johannesburg the former Rhodesia????? And what ever become of Ian Smith, Prime Minister???

I'm not real familiar with the 1950 Packard. But i think it reasonable to assume that the 225-75 R15's should be just rite. Check for fender clearence. If u can get 235's in there i'd run those.

For many decades and many 100's of thousands of miles i have ran the CHEAPEST DAMNED off brand tyres i can find but always about 1 size larger than what the car was delivered with from the factory. I'm not familiar with the Hercules brand. But i'm not afraid of an off brand tyre either.

Bottom line is to put on a tyre that is BIG ENUF. Stay with the 75 series or larger diameters. And buy the cheapest priced tyre u can find in that size.

Utah,
If your gas tank is in pretty good shape, I would just clean it. There are some chemicals specifically made to do this. Add some gravel and chemical to the tank and slosh it around. Works pretty well. It is a bit of a PIA getting the gravel out. Don't seal the interior of the tank. The "new" gas has ethenol and it will strip the sealer off and deposit it in your carb. (my other post).
I'll check around and see if I can get the name of the stuff I used.

OTGDY