Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Looking at putting radials on my 53 Cavalier next spring and expected to find a robust conversation about tires on the forum, but don't see anything.

I currently have L78-15 bias plys, which have lots of tread, but they are old and sat flat for a few years.

On early 50's are people running 225/75 15's? I know wide white walls are expensive, but I think my car needs them. What brands are people running/happy with? I know Coker is a big brand when it comes to classic tires, as is Diamond Back. Are their others to consider?

What size white wall would Packard have put on a 53 Cavalier?

Happy to hear any thoughts/feedback you're willing to share.

Attach file:

---

  Tire_resized.jpg (223.82 KB)

I expect you already know what you want so I suggest you just do it and not worry about this group. You are spot on with getting new tires, there is nothing you can do to make your car safer than to put on new tires.
Well done.
Bob J.

Attach file:

---

  Mounted Wheel 7.JPG (186.91 KB)

I went with Diamondbacks on mine. 225/75/15 Auburn Premium with 3 3/8" whitewalls. I've been very happy with them. They ride great, very stable on the road. Low road noise. The whitewalls have stayed nearly pristine in the two years I've had them on the car. Just soap and water to keep them clean.

The Diamondbacks don't have the correct "pizza cutter" tread profile on them. But they still look very nice and the lack of correct profile has not bothered me at all.

-Kevin

Attach file:

---

  Mobilgas.jpg (231.27 KB)


  dusk.jpg (351.31 KB)

Quote:

I was just looking at Diamond Backs and they have a new Auburn Deluxe with the Pie Crust design, which I like! Do you know what size the white walls would have been originally? On the early 50's sedans I don't think they can be too big!

Attach file:

---

  auburn.JPG (68.09 KB)

I'm not sure what they came with originally, but I agree with you. On the 50's cars it looks better with more white. Some of the 30's and 40's cars look pretty good with black walls, but the 50's benefit from the extra contrast the whites bring.

Biggest size Diamondback offers is 4".

On my 1948 super 8 I still have the tires I got with it and I think they look pretty good. They are Firestone supreme si is what they say on the back. Size is 235/75-15. I plan to replace them with either a Coker or diamondback of the same size.

Attach file:

---

  IMG_2115.jpeg (364.36 KB)

look at period ads, sales literature, and factory photos. This will show you what tires came new.

consider Mid Atlantic Packards have gotten three set of Diamond backs thru them lower price than buying direct . I have no connection with them just passing on my results and satisfaction Like my Diamond backs

Recommend the Diamondback Auburn Deluxe tubeless radials. They are made in the vintage sizes.

Quote:

Of all I've seen I think the Auburn Deluxe are my favourite. Not cheap, but the ones I think would best suit my car.