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

Dear All,

The tires on my 34 are from the early 1950s, and I am thinking about replacing them before driving from MN to Warren. Do any of you have a recommended source for 700 x 17 tires. The current tires are WW Denman.

Thanks,

Tom

Tom,

I got Bedford Classics from Lucas Tires. I bought them because I like the tread pattern. However I had to have the tires trued to get the vibration out. I'd almost be tempted to go now with a black wall radial tire. The Bias Plys wander all over the road. I understand the Classic Car Club is allowing radials now for judging.

You can try Coker Tire out of Chattanooga, Tennessee. I understand they carry a wide assortment of 'classic' tires.

Ken
It shouldn't wander about the road. You need to check into replacing tie rod ends, king pins, steering link, control arm bushings, etc. Something's gotta be worn.

I kept telling this to my dad who wanted to put radials on his '42, because "it wandered all over the place." Well... he put the radials on and guess what, it didn't solve the problem. It turned out that the control arm bushings were shot.

West,

What mean by wandering, its when you hit rough roads or what is real common here are the grooves carved by the used of studded snow tires. On a smooth road it is fine. I've been told that radial tires are less prone towandering when you hit the groved pavement.

The whole steering has been rebuilt a few years ago.

I found these guys a while back, and have heard good things about them...good luck!

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=search&substring=700-17

Jeff-

Ken
I'd check it anyway. One person's idea of "complete" is different than another's.

Thanks all for the info. I am in MN for the 4th, and got to drive the car for the first time in 3 years. Wow, what a ride! Really ran like a dream.

Tom