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

Pressures on sidewalls are typically maximum pressure at maximum load. So far, at about 1200 miles, I'm showing no significant wear, but I've had pressure above 22 PSI cold most of the time. 25 PSI cold at 60 F seems to give good overall results. This car weighs about 3600 lb, and judging by the tire deformation at the ground, weight distribution is fairly equal front and rear. The engine is very heavy, but unlike more modern vehicles, most of the engine sits behind the front axle, rather than over it, and there is almost no front overhang.

I would check out Diamond Back tires, I have them on my 1936 120 and they are radials with the wide whitewalls. I restored a 1937 Buick a few years ago and used them, I have no complaints they ride nice.

Ended up ordering the Goodyear Deluxe 4 inch. white walls. (Kelsey tires had them in stock which is not the norm as I discovered) As soon as I get them on, I'll share pics. Thanks all.

Awesome! I have the Firestone 7.00-16s as well. I've enjoyed them, and they are wearing well after a few thousand miles. I too have found that on modern roads, the car does great at about 28-30 PSI. A friend with SIGNIFICANT old car experience actually recommends running bias ply tires at 40 PSI, but I've been happy with 30 as a middle ground.

Awesome! I have the Firestone 7.00-16s as well. I've enjoyed them, and they are wearing well after a few thousand miles. I too have found that on modern roads, the car does great at about 28-30 PSI. A friend with SIGNIFICANT old car experience actually recommends running bias ply tires at 40 PSI, but I've been happy with 30 as a middle ground.

40 PSI is way too much, unless you have a very heavy car running 6 or 8 ply tires.
It's probably better with an antique car that is driven often to run the tire pressure as low as is safe, and perhaps sacrifice a little gas mileage and tread life to preserve the car from as much road pounding as possible. If your car sits for long periods, airing the tires up to the maximum pressure shown on the sidewall may prevent flat-spotting, but I'd adjust the pressure before driving it. Ideally, we'd all have smooth roads to drive on.

From SL-VOL8NO2: