1929 tire questions

fred93

fred93

Senior Member
Getting ready to purchase new tires for a 29 Tudor. I see lots of options online so I am confused.

What is the correct tire size for the 1929 Model A ?

I see tires out there that have nylon cords--but I remember some cars that I owned back in the day that had nylon tires and they had a tendency to get flat spots whenever the car sat for awhile. It would take some driving for them to get round again. I don't like that situation, so I guess nylon tires are out, unless they have been improved! I called Lucas Tire in CA and asked if the Olympic Tread Blackwall was a nylon cord tire and they said yes it was, but they said that they were NOT having problems with the tires getting flat spots after sitting. Anyone have any feedback on that? https://www.lucasclassictires.com/440-450-21-LUCAS-Olympic-Tread-Blackwall-344p.htm?categoryId=-1

Then I have seen several different sizes as well. 440/450 21 450/475 21
What is the correct size?
 
We have nylon Firestone’s on our 29. It sits from November until May. We have not had a problem with flat spots. Keep inflated at 35 psi. Enjoy.
 
I have the Lucas 440/450 21's. They seem to work fine.

I think any bias ply tire flat spots a bit when they are allowed sit for a period of time. ( I have a jeep with NDCC military style tires and it'll bounce you good for a mile or two)

A short drive usually rounds them out.

A few days of sitting does not seem to bother them.
 
WhenI got my new tires, I wanted to try Blockleys. They didn't make a 4.50-21, but said the 5.25 would shoehorn on and work well. I'd have to say they were right. The tires look like they fit, seem to work well, and are pretty flat across the tread. You can see a slight crowning. I have only done a few trips on them, but haven't noticed flatting while parked.
 

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Original size is 4.5 X21 but my cars are drivers so I go for roadholding more than appearance. 5.25X21 give better road manners and about 5% higher gearing. I think we’ll worth the extra $.
 
I have Lucas tires that are almost new,( were on the car when I bought it) and they don't seem to have flat spots after sitting for several weeks at a time during the winter. I do keep them aired up, and in a garage where the temp never gets below freezing, if that makes any difference.
 
I have the Lucas tires too. And they will be the last set I buy. Mine have low miles on them and are going to be replaced soon. No problems with flat spots.
 
denniskliesen said:
I have the Lucas tires too. And they will be the last set I buy. Mine have low miles on them and are going to be replaced soon. No problems with flat spots.
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I don't understand. If they have low miles, why are they going to be replaced soon, and why will they be the las set you buy. Are you saying they are good or bad?
 
Low miles and worn out. I drive much more in a year than the average Model A owner. I need more than 5,000 miles from a tire before it needs to be replaced.
 
The choices are varied on tires. You need to decide on what you want. Goodyears have the correct size and wear pretty well. If you want mileage get the Excelsior radials you get a 50,000-mile warranty with those.
Our roadster pickup is running the Excelsior tires.
 

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What is the correct tire size for the 1929 Model A ?

21" wheels are the correct original size for your car. They do not make a recommended radial for 21" wheels on a Model A.
 
Simonpie said:
WhenI got my new tires, I wanted to try Blockleys. They didn't make a 4.50-21, but said the 5.25 would shoehorn on and work well. I'd have to say they were right. The tires look like they fit, seem to work well, and are pretty flat across the tread. You can see a slight crowning. I have only done a few trips on them, but haven't noticed flatting while parked.
Click to expand...


Wow, 130mph rated Blockley bias ply tyres on a Model A !!! :eek:
 
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