35 wheels

M

model a mike

Junior Member
im sure many of you guys have had experience with the 16'' wheels. i just got my 16''s powder coated and am looking for tires. my question is where are you guys getting them put on at ? im looking at going with 215-85-16 to replace my 21's on my 1929 tudor. i have heard of going back to bias ply with a tube but the radials are the way i want to go. any suggestions or even a way to do it yourself without destroying the fresh paint ?
 
Avoid Michelin, if they even make that size - it's been my experience that any Michelin tire has the tightest bead-to-rim fit of any make...

If you're dead-set on modern radials, and have a size in mind, check tirerack.com... you'll quickly find-out what's available in modern tires.

Coker makes a line of "antique" radials that are sized to nearly match the bias ply tires that would normally go on an antique car... such as a 6.00 x 16.
 
Radial tires in general are harder to mount than bias ply. I cant give you a name but there are companies that use "no touch" machines which don't use pry bars or metal clamps. They are pretty expensive but they have guarantees not to mess the rims.
 
I'm running Firestone Destination LE 225 75R16. They are a little "beefy", but perform well up to 70 MPH on my Fordor. Reasonably priced as well...
 
Mike,

Where? Right down the street at the old fashioned tire dealer that opened in 1937. If you will tell us where in general you live (put it in your profile and your post) someone might suggest a similar shop in your area. Check the archives there are a ton of posts on this topic. Be careful you don't take them to a modern shop with air powered tire changers or the young kid doing the work will bend the rims. They should be changed using tire irons. I do my own.

Charlie Stephens
 
Try a motorcycle shop. The shop near me uses nylon rim guards like this. If you want to DIY, they're about $15 a pair. You need two pair and several good, smooth spooned irons. Use lots of tubless rim lube. Most auto parts stores have it.
08-0481_alt_650.jpg
 
If you want to do it yourself, ( I just mounted 5 new tires with tubes ) make up a spray bottle of soapy water, and use 3 wood tire irons. I make mine out of oak. They are 2" wide, 3/8" thick and 14" long. One end is sanded down to a thin point like a tire iron. Other edges rounded so they are easy on your hands. I put the wheels on a cardboard surface. Did 5 wheels in an hour although the first one took the longest. Good luck. The tires are Lester 21" white walls.
 
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