Packard Forum Index » Modification Discussion

To make my car safer, drive and ride better my plan is to run radial tires but the split rims did not fit my plan. The original rims are 4x20. I bought a 4 1/2x20 wheel hoop from Coker tire and drilled the rivets from the old wheel and removed the center. I then took the parts to Bill at Diamond racing wheel in Milwaukee Wi. After much trial and error we determined that the best way was to remove 1/2 of the flange from the rim center and weld them solid on the face side. They could not weld them from the back. They end up being about 3/4 of an inch closer to the body. If anyone wants to do this be aware that I had to get 8 hoops from Coker to get a set good enough to use, very inconsistent sizes.

Attach file:

---

  (104.87 KB)


  (114.85 KB)


  (95.98 KB)


  (77.07 KB)


  (106.42 KB)


  (122.85 KB)

I've seen more of these conversions being done in the interest of safety.

I suppose radials will be easier on the chassis parts because they have more flex. And given the Martin Tire Company (builder of the best bias ply tires) is history, who cares?

The only thing I might be concerned about is that wider tires (especially radials) will increase steering effort and increase wear on the steering gearbox. Most of the cars have had the over center high spot worn off of them and so they steer harder than new already. If you plan on keeping the car until you are elderly you may find it too hard to steer.