Packard Forum Index » Pre-War (1899-1942)

I've come to a conclusion, but I'm interested in this group's thoughts.

The 7x16 Coker bias-ply tires bought by my dad in 2004 are simply too large.

1. My sidemount covers do not fit the tire. The tire is simply too wide...and the tire diameter seems to be slightly too large. The cover will just barely cover the tread in width, but leaves no room for the side cover to fit under the tread cover. Also, when all the way on, the tread cover cannot "spring" down to the correct diameter for the side cover. All evidence is that I do have the original sidemount covers.
2. Looking at the rubber in the fender well, the tire is about a half inch too wide to seat properly. The rubber is original to the car. Now, based on the very helpful tire size guide provided by HH56, the tread width of 7x16 tires should be 5.4in. That would match up very well to the rubber in the fender well. Coker lists the tread width of their Firestone 4.00 Inch Whitewall | 700-16 (which is what I have) as 5.6in. However, when I measure the tread with of the tires, it seems to be right at 6in. I don’t think 0.2in difference would be a big deal, but more than a half inch is.

So, question….Are these tires from Coker different today than in 2004? My tires are clearly marked 7.00x16 on the sidewall.

Ultimately, when I replace these tires, I want to get tires that fit correctly….including the sidemounts. Based on what Coker currently shows on their website, these should be right on. It’s just that the 2004 versions I currently have, are anything but right on.

Otherwise, If the 7x16s aren’t going to fit the sidemounts properly, I may change my plan a bit and buy five 7x16 tires and put the fifth one in the trunk to use as a true spare. Then, buy two 6.5x16s for use in the sidemounts to be “show” only. I just hate everything about that, though.


EDIT: I did try reducing air pressure as suggested earlier. The measurements and photos are with the tire at less than 20psi.

Thoughts?

Attach file:

---

  IMG_8488.jpeg (278.79 KB)


  IMG_8487.jpeg (383.18 KB)


  IMG_8484.jpeg (310.77 KB)


  IMG_8485.jpeg (316.29 KB)

You could always use the 115-C tire, which is 650x16. It may be small enough to fit better in the side mount covers.

I thought of that as well. I plan to call Coker and get some more information.

I know they list a different weight capacity between the sizes, but both are more than sufficient for the car.

Also, the diameter difference could cause a slight error in the speedometer reading, but I really don't care about that. I don't plan on doing 80mph to keep up with rush hour traffic around here.

Most folks never use their side mount tires anyway. It such a pain to remove the covers and everything, AAA is quicker.

Since they are not seen, I'd use the cheapest tires that would fit.

I spoke with Dean at Coker Tire. Really nice guy.

The Firestone 700-16 tires are stated to have a tread width of 5.6 in. However mine are really at about 5.9in.

I sent picture to Dean to see if they will verify the tread width dimension.

He did point me to BF Goodrich 700-16 tires that are narrower. The stated tread width of those is 5.38in. The overall tire width is also narrower.

These may be a good alternative.

Attach file:

---

  IMG_8492.jpeg (311.45 KB)

I forgot to mention. The BF Goodrich tires are slightly less expensive as well...$6 per tire.

Just got this response back from Dean at Coker.
I’ll report back any findings when I hear from him again.

“ Hi Don,

Thank you for sending the pictures. I’m going see if the warehouse can measure these tires for us. It’s possible that the size may have been reduced since these were purchased. If you don’t hear back from me by noon on Tues, 21st please feel free to call me.

Have a great weekend!

Dean G. Hawkins
Customer Service”

Tires are made in a mold. How can the size change?

He’s saying that they may have changed the mold in the last 20 years.

The one thing I know is that my tires are definitely wider than the stated 5.6 in tread width.

Once my car is road worthy and I’m ready for new tires, I’ll likely give the BF Goodrich tires a try since they are stated to be about a quarter inch narrower.

Talk with Bill at Diamondback Tires. Their Auburn Deluxe Tubeless Radials are made in the vintage sizes. I have found him to be most helpful.