16 inch wheels

Jordan,
What size 16's did you put on?

now you're asking too specific of a question! I'm not sure... the car's back in it's hiding spot 45 miles from my school. Maybe my brother can check it out and let you know.
 
finally got the spares in. Was bad lighting, but I don't think my car looks half bad with 16's. I prefer the look of 19's, but had to go with 16's for practicality purposes.
 

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Id like to put on some 16" wire wheels if anyone has a good set for a fair price. I think they look better than the 40 ford steel wheels that came with my car.
 
What would happen if you tried to use 21" or 19" wheels and the matching tires without tubes? (Assuming that you could fit a valve stem to the wheel.)

Doug

We have done this with 21" wheels. Back in 2008 on our Summer Tour to Texas the tubes that Coker was selling were coming apart. I got caught in the middle of no where when the first one went bad and put the spare on but thought I should fix the problem some how since I was pulling a Mullins trailer with 21" wheels on that and my one spare was now flat. Saw a tire shop went in and they helped me put a stem in the wheel and reinstall the tire with no tube. Worked all the way home. Two more of the 7 tubes went bad and I am still running one with out a tube on the trailer now. Coker did replace all the tubes at no charge! I just haven't taken the time to change out the last tube and am curious as to how long it will work that way.
 
I got 16 inch wheels on my hot rod a. I put 195/80 r16 tires on it. Made by bridgestone or yokohama i think. There for electric vehicles but that doesnt matter cause its still a tire. Diamond back uses the yokohama for their purposes. Cheap and what an improvement. Same they dont look like bias. I decided based on some old threads on here.
 
I have had "16's" on several "A" over the years, P.U., Coupe and 2-dr Sedan. I liked the "Look" ,ride and handling.
 
I have 16" Firestone WW on my 30 Deluxe Roadster. I don't really care if other's like them or not. I LIKE THEM, plus they give a much better ride and are more stable at higher speeds on the road.
 
I like the look. Brings back memories. In the mid 60's, I drove the family '31 Model a coupe to high school. It had 16" steel rims with chrome baby moons. Before me driving it, Dad drove it 30+ miles to work - one way. I still have the car. :)
 
Jordan is right, Slackcat, about those wheels being applied to Model As ever since 1935. My 45B was, and had been for years, wearing them when I acquired it in 1959. And except for some excess air 'twixt tires and fenders, you are right about looks good. Looks much more stable. Of course, you could arrange for much less air 'twixt the running boards and the ground too, for a fix, but that would just make it look even younger and even more stable. Who wants that?
 
Jordan is right, Slackcat, about those wheels being applied to Model As ever since 1935. My 45B was, and had been for years, wearing them when I acquired it in 1959. And except for some excess air 'twixt tires and fenders, you are right about looks good. Looks much more stable. Of course, Vanspeed could arrange for much less air 'twixt the running boards and the ground too, but that would just make it look even younger and even more stable. Who wants that?
 
Many folks switched to the 16's when they became a common tire in the 40's. One fellow I ran into who had a 32 swore that his 16 inch wheels were the stock wheels from 1932. The comment about the 16's fitting in the wheel wells is very true. Even a 18 inch(1932) wheel won't fit fully inflated.
donQ
 
Radial tires are the best way to ruin a vintage car... if you want to drive a modern car just drive a modern car... the reason you buy or build a vintage car is to feel and look like it was back when it was in its day. Don't get butthurt its just my opinion.
 
After a lot of consideration going every which way but loose, I settled on Coker Radials, 550R19. Couldn't be happier.
 
Replaced the 16's that came with our car. Installed stock 19". The 16's had a 5" + tire foot print, while the 19's are 3 1/2" or so and easier to steer @35 psi. The 16's had no spacers on the drums.
 
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