16 inch wheels

Bud

Bud

Well-known member
Do 16 inch wheels really allow a Model A to handle better and give a nicer ride than say 19 inch wheels, disregarding authenticity for the moment?
 
16's is a CLASSIC RETRO MODEL A LOOK. Slightly harder steering helps us to get STRONGER!----Anything worth anything, IS NOT EASY.
Bill W.
 
Bud said:
Do 16 inch wheels really allow a Model A to handle better and give a nicer ride than say 19 inch wheels, disregarding authenticity for the moment?
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It sure would be hard to beat the LOOK of one of these. DD

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238289
 
I'd say yes they are diff, big'n'littles.

I think age and condition of tires either 16" or 19" have a large bearing on how a car rides/steers. JMO
Paul in CT
 
monto said:
My experience (and opinion):- Definitely better on the ride. Steering the same.
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For easier steering on a Model A, regardless of tire size, be SURE to maintain 35 Lbs tire pressure. Minervas' 19's got down to 12 Lbs, DIDN'T even look low, steered like a MACK TRUCK.:eek:
Bill W.
 
Hi Keith,
You are correct BUT 19 inch wheels with 'bicycle' tyres are about the same size as 16 inch wheels with normal car tyres. Hovever fatter tyres must have a bit more friction and drag than thin ones
At the end of the day, I think it is much the same. I think your arugment is good for 21 inch wheels as on my 28 RPU.
 
Bud said:
Do 16 inch wheels really allow a Model A to handle better and give a nicer ride than say 19 inch wheels, disregarding authenticity for the moment?
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My Roadster handles and rides very nicely with 16 inchers!!
 

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i M RUNNING 16 RADIALS 225 75R 16 GOODYEARS, RIDE,HANDLING AND BRAKES ARE MUCH BETTER, BUT GLENN IN CA THINKS THEY MAKE YOUR CAR LOOK FUNNY, MAYBE SO, BUT I WONT SWITCH BACK
 
I have 18" diameter 1932 Ford wheels with 5.50 tires on my Coupe. The ride smoothness is much better, but the steering effort is much greater. Use a shortened Pitman Arm to reduce the steering effort. The rolling diameter of the 18" wheel is approximately 29".

The rolling diameter of a 19" diameter wheel with 5.00/4.75 tires is also approximately 29". Using 6.50 tires on 16 wheels will also have approximately a 29" rolling diameter.
 
How about braking with 16" tires? With more rubber on the road, stopping distances should be much shorter. Are they? Can you still lock up the wheels with 16 inchers?
 
40 Deluxe said:
How about braking with 16" tires? With more rubber on the road, stopping distances should be much shorter. Are they? Can you still lock up the wheels with 16 inchers?
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I can lock up all 4 wheels with my 16s and Ted's brake kit. Can't comment from experience on reduced braking distance as my pickup has always had 16s on it.
 
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