Packard Forum Index » Post-War (1946-54)

Back in the day, my 1947 Packard Custom Super Clipper Club Sedan and my 1941 Cadillac 62 sedan would have worn 700-15 bias ply tires.
Aspect Ratio (A.R.) 90
Tread 5.38
Load 1700
WWW 4-1/8"

I much prefer radials and now have Coker's "Classic" 235/75R15.
A.R. 75
Tread 6.58
Load 2025
WWW 3-1/8"

I think Coker's more expensive radial "American Classic Bias Look" 760/R15 might provide easier steering at low speeds and parking.
A.R. 80
Tread 4.35
Load 1710
WWW 3-1/4"

Any experience or comments?

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The 4 3/8 tread width sounds awfully narrow - the resulting contact patches are going to reduce braking.

I have a set of Coker American Classics, though they are not "Bias" look.
They ride like 8 ply truck tires with only 30 psi in them.
You may want to explore Diamondbacks.

What you have now is the "modern" metric tire equivalent most use. Are you not satisfied with them? What are you trying to do?
Personally, I like the wider whites on these era, as they came with the "biggies". Just harder up keep.

I don't think you can go wrong, unless for concours, with the widest tires that will fit the rims(235?), not interfere with steering, as you don't have skirts or wheel well issues.
Radials will improve ride but suspension was made for bias so won't feel the same. In non-power steering situation, the narrower tread width is easier to turn.

After much study and many conversations with car owners I installed Diamondback radials on my Station Sedan. For the 6 years after that I owned the car I was extremely satisfied with the ride and handling.

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I bought Diamondback radials for my 23rd-Series Deluxe Eight sedan about three years ago. I have been very happy with the ride and handling. When I replace the tires on the '56 400, I'll buy another set of Diamondbacks.

If nothing else, the Diamondbacks are much easier to keep the whitewalls clean. I have them on both my 56's.