Packard Forum Index » V-8 (1955-56)

1)What was the original size from the factory? 2)Want to convert to Radials and what size in Radial nomenclature should I buy? 3)How wide should the white walls be to match what left the factory?

7.60x15 from factory

cant help with size of white walls

235/70R15 would be comparable me thinks

Paul, I recommend the Diamondback Auburn Deluxe tubeless radial tires. They have the sizes and appearance of the original tube-type bias ply tires, but are of modern construction. They come in Blackwell and whitewall styles. I installed a set of them on one of my cars and most satisfied with the look. They are round and smooth running with very little balancing needed. These Auburns are a new line and are different than the tires Diamondback has been supplying for years.

I have never used Diamondback but from what I've read and heard from those who have, they would be my choice too. The regular radials are either too wide for the Packard wheel-well or the diameter is too small while Diamondback offers sizes that are very close to the original size in both of those dimensions. Back before redials, I used L78 tires but even those were too wide if matching the original size's diameter.

Unless you specifically want a more modern low profile look, I think a more appropriate radial replacement for the factory 7.60-15 would be a P225/75R15.

American Classic Radials makes tires that are radial, but have the appropriate skiny tread and pie-crust edge.

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Looking to be educated - why the preference on profile - those two sizes differ in sidewall height by only about 1/8"

If you go too wide, it will become very difficult to change the tires on the rear, especially roadside. I think you also want to look at overall tire radius so your speedo isn't off compared to the original tire.

Thanks for the sizes to go with info! And making sure not buying a size overage for the wheel well.

I have Coker Classics on my '51 Packard. There I have the "wheel shields" on the back and 2 5/8 inch whitewalls. I think the white could be wider now that they're on the car. But what width of white left the factory on the 50's model's tires?

Still wondering about the whitewall width? Was figuring 3 inch width would look best on the Constellation since both front and rear wheel wells so open on this car, no fender skirts.

THOUGHTS ??

G'day Paul Walter,
to PackardInfo.

No thoughts on the whitewalls, instead I invite you to include your '55 Constellation AND '51 Packard in the Packard Owner's Registry.