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Have been doing some research this morning and found the that the BF Goodrich tire being sold by Coker Tire would be a close match for authenticity purposes. They however don't carry the Lester and all the hardware for mounting the tubes.

Universal doesn't not carry the BF Goodrich but carries the Lester and Firestone which neither one of the tread pattern matches the original pattern. One good thing about Universal is that I could do one stop shopping there (if I go the Lester route) and purchase the tubes with nickel stem,the lock-nut and bridge-washer for the nickel stem all there.

So do I go for the authenticity purposes of the BF Goodrich or the Lesters for the road worthiness?????

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Depends upon how you are planning on using the car: for show - authenticity - for touring - road worthiness. Buy the best you can afford for the intended purpose.

(o[]o)

JW,

I am leaning more towards the touring - road worthiness because when I started the restoration I knew my car would not be a 100 point show car. Our beloved Packards are meant to be driven are they not.

Want to thank you all for your feed back and to help me in setting my path forward on choice.

Once I get the rims cleaned, painted and tires remounted and driven on I will post back on how they handle.

But before I drive anymore I need to fix the good oil leak that is coming out between the rocker covers. :( This means I will need to pull the head off again in order to pull the valves to pull the rockers :( Ugggg

I guess your correct size is 6:50 x 19? If you go with the Lesters I suspect you won't be disappointed in them for touring and you'll probably find that most similar cars you encounter will also have them. As long as all 4 tires are the same and in good condition, should be no deduction for judging at most venues.

PS - the BFGoodrich I see advertised by Coker is a combination size 600/650x19 which means it probably will be slightly undersized for your car.

Can I go with 700 over the 650's?

They are out of 650's until Fall :(

Is authenticity a matter you're willing to sacrifice? You're doing such a nice job on the car thus far, I'd wait a few months for the correct tires but that's just my opinion.

Best people to ask about the fit would be the tire manufacturer but I suspect they will with some compromise of the fit and appearance at the rim edge. If you try it, tubes usually come in combination sizes so make sure you get tubes that encompass 7:00 x 19. And don't forget about gutter strips or flaps.

Most people would never know, and would probably understand even if they did know. Your car actually would look better with the 7.00s, in my opinion. We have oversize tires on the Speedster. The problem lies in the side mount covers. Our spare tires are 6.50, because the sidemount covers won't fit over the larger tire.

Of the two tires in the OP, I prefer the looks of the BFG for your car.

Dave and West,


Thank you very much for your input and feed back. I very much appreciate it.

West,
For the side-mounts I was planning on using two of the old tires with the canvas covers. So fit won't be a problem there.

The tires I am looking at now are Firestone. Attached Picture.

This is great news. Now I can call back tire company and place my order.

FYI,
If anyone ever needs to purchase tires I found if you call you will better pricing on shipping then trying to order online.

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I hope you're able to get all that white stuff off the sides before you start driving it!

The Firestone-mold tires are getting some good press lately, seems it will be a good choice.