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

Howard, Gerry has the PS steering gear, but not the pump or bracket. I don't have a PS bracket as I have the A/C bracket that Ross built for me. Which not begs the question if I install the PS setup, will that throw off the AC compressor pulley alignment. I'll have to consult with Ross on that. Also I wound need to find a good pump and bracket to go the power steering route.

I must be confused. I thought at one time you had the bracket and were thinking of mounting a Sanden using the PS bracket and then using that space on the engine for the AC. If you did add PS then very little flexibility on belts if that were the case. The PS pump would need its proper space and pulley, AC pulley would be in front. If the compressor bracket is the rectangular tube with the curved arms welded on that Ross posted earlier, the bracket would probably have to be reworked.

Howard,

At one time that was my intended direction. But I never ended up buying the PS bracket, and Ross delivered me one of his AC brackets, so that was the direction things took.

So, PS steering aside, back to orgignal question. As far as ply-bias "pie-crust" tires go; Coker or Universal brand? I know there are other brands and options, but looking at spending less than $200 a tire.

I know some people have some issue with the Coker's in the past. but I haven't heard anything recently in regards to that. So sounds like whatever that was, it was sorted out.

Also based on a suggestion from Jim, I looked at the BF Goodrich Version. 760x15 with a 3-3/8 WW.

Summit Racing also has them, if ordered online, it would free shipping and no sales tax. So $214 a tire.

summitracing.com/parts/cok-59400

I talked to a Coker rep and asked them what the difference was in the Coker versus BF version:

Different Tread Pattern
Different Load Capacity
BF made in USA
Coker version made in Mexico

So at $214, it's a little bit more than my $200 cap, but if it's going to be a superior tire, and I can get it dropped on my doorstep with no tax or shipping, then perhaps that is the way to go.

Any comments on any of these tires?

2-1/2 white wall or 3-3/8"? Which is more fitting what was original in 1954?

I think this size looks about right. Is that 2-1/2" or 3-3/8"?

I see some whitewalls on cars that look too wide, so I dont want that look. Some of the photos I see on Cokers site use the same photo regardless of WW size, so just trying to get a visual on what size WW this one is.

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I think the 2 1/2" would be more appropriate but really it's just a matter of taste. I've seen Packard literature with various sizes so I doubt one is more authentic than the other.

I think the general trend between 1950 and 1960 was the WW getting size smaller and smaller.

Just curious what the consensus is since I am buying them sight unseen.

I could be hallucinating but don't think you would be wrong on either. To my untrained eye there appears to be a subtle difference in the amount of black space below the wws on these two 54 cars -- as if they may have used different widths like maybe 2 1/2 on the Clipper and 3 3/8 on the Packard or maybe different brand tires.

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Kev, my car was shod with the Cokers between 2001-2003, and was parked. When I got the car a few years ago, the tires still had the lil nibs on them...and they were still holding air after 8-10 years of sitting. The white had discolored, but a very quick scrub with blechewhite took care of that. I've been able to put several hundred miles on them without issue, and there is NO sign of dry rot.

I read on the Coker website at some point that they have a "tread life warranty", meaning they're covered as long as there is tread on the tires. Apparently they are formulated to last longer than modern tires.

As for driving performance, I have no reference/comparison basis as this is the only set of tires I've had on the car, and only car with bias tires I've ever driven, but I don't have any complaints.

I hope this helps! I'll measure the WW width this evening.