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

Coker sells Firestones that have 4-1/4 WW, Lucas has a Bedford tire with a 3-3/4 WW, and a Lester with a 4-7/8 WW. All tires are 700x17. Is it just a personal preference on White Wall size, Are any of these tires closer to what may have been available on the car in the 30s.. Does anyone have a recommendation or a bad experience with any of these tires. The car currently has Lester 750x17s on it now and they are very old and need replacing.
Thank You for any help in advance.
Andy

Bedford Cords have a great period appearance but there are quite a few negative comments about their performance - a handsome tire perhaps best suited to show cars. Lesters IMO are a superb tire for touring but not particularly appropriate to the era in terms of tread pattern and white wall width. Of the 7:00x17s, the Firestone may be the best choice if you can't abide the appearance of the Lesters.

As to white wall width there are quite a few factory photos of 33-36 Eights and Super Eights with whitehalls - judge for yourself but the white appears to be about 4 inches, perhaps a small fraction less but certainly no more.

Thank You!
Andy

Just a bit more info on the OEM tires, 33-36.

Both the 7:00 x 17 (Eight and Super Eight) and 7:50 x 17 (Twelve) were originally 6-ply construction, today the reproduction tires are generally 4-ply with a 6-ply rating. Packard's original suppliers between 33-36 were Goodyear, Goodrich, Firestone, and U.S. Whitewalls were no extra cost on Super Eight and Twelve, $3.00 per tire extra on the Eight.

Here' some photos of factory deliveries or new purchases with whitewalls so you can judge the width of same. Note the nickel-plated valve stem cover on the 34 Twelve, last year for that feature.

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I went with the Firestones. I will have them mounted tomorrow. I have a local get together that I want to take the Packard to on Saturday, after all it is November the So-Cal driving season. Thank you for the help!

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Done!

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That's such a gorgeous car!

Two things ,. . . . that IS a beautiful car, and now I know that So-Cal means Southern California.(Thanks for that!)