Tire Size - 1930 AA Truck

[Ned1]

I am currently working on an early 1930 AA truck that has a been in a barn for 25 years for a neighbor. The tires on it now are 6.50 - 20 that must be 40 years old but still hold air. What is the correct size tire for the truck, 6.50 or 6.00? The WB is 131".

 

[CarlG]

My AA 280A had 6.50x20 tires on it. 6.00's would work in a pinch (and did once)

 

[Purdy Swoft]

I run 600x20 on the front and 6.50X20 on the rear . The smaller size on the front will make steering easier. The larger size on the rear will in effect raise the final ratio to give a bit more top end that is usually needed .

 

[Neil Wilson]

The original Ford assembly line truck had 6:00x20 tires all around.

 

[Chris_AAFord]

How about 7.50 X 20 on an AA dually? There is a deal on a used set on craigslist but not sure if it will fit my AA.

 

[SeaSlugs]

I woudlnt run them on duals - tires will touch at the bottom and cause premature wear possibly a blow out.

 

[1932BB]

I put 650s on my BB and the front tires will foul with the brake rods in a sharp turn. 600 are 30 inches in diameter 650 are 34 inches in diameter which will give 5 to six mph in top gear. 750s will rub together.

 

[Chris_AAFord]

Thanks for your help. i'll look for some 600's or 650's for a good price.

 

[30AAFord]

My '30 AA "trucktor." Frame was uncut, but the rest of her was trimmed off sometime in the late 40s/early 50s so she could skid logs in Upstate NY (which she did for 50+ years and then sat in the woods for another 10). I run 7.50 ag lugs on the back and 6.50-20 ags on the front. No issues with running the 7.50-20s on the duals.

 

[30AAFord]

Chris,

If you're not a purist and don't care about original tread pattern, you may want to check out the BKT: TF 8181 F-2. SimpleTire has them for $88. They are what I run on the front of the AA I posted pictures of above. Here is a link:

https://simpletire.com/catalog?select=1&width=6.5&ratio=-&rim=20&zip=

 

[30AAFord]

Here is a close up of how they look on the AA:

 

[holdover]

wonder how the TF 8181 F-2. would work at 30-35MPH ? Price sure is good.

 

[SeaSlugs]

probably say not for highway use...either would be loud or not up to the same standards of being somewhat balanced

 

[30AAFord]

They're rated for 20 mph highway. Depends what the truck will be used for - all mine are doodlebugs and farm vehicles; they only see the highway from on top of my flatbed going to a show or pull.

 

[SeaSlugs]

They're rated for 20 mph highway. Depends what the truck will be used for - all mine are doodlebugs and farm vehicles; they only see the highway from on top of my flatbed going to a show or pull.

Oh yea they would work and look great for a doodlebug (especially attractive price - can hardly find modern pickup truck tires for $88...) but on a truck thats meant to be driven on the road im not sure. Especially wet roads as the center has no "tread" I would be cautious about skidding. Although modern 18 wheelers front tires are virtually bald with just some grooves in it so who knows...

Do they howl when you are on pavement?

 

[Chris_AAFord]

Thanks for the ideas, its tempting but i'll need to go at least 25 mph . i'm trying to find a set of used tires for a reasonable price.

 

[SeaSlugs]

hate to say it but you wont find used tires at less than $100 a piece...gonna be awhile to even find used tires period.