Porta walls

Sid

Sid

Well-known member
Since I am having my front axle on my 40 coupe dropped I am figuring I am going to change my front tires from 205/75 to 195/75. The only ones I see are a whitewall. I like the idea of a white wall but my rears are 235/75/15.Like new. A 235/75 whitewall is over $200.00.So the question is has anyone had any luck with the Porta Walls as to where they look natural? If I try to sell my existing 235's I won't get anything for them and $210.00 is a tough pill to swallow.
 
My only experience with Portawalls was in the 1950's. Are they still around? My opinion.... I thought they were great. Couldn't tell from just a few feet away.
 
Shop around on the 195X75. You should be able to find them in blackwalls. Check a company called Tire Rack. Also check with your local tire shop.
 
I see the Porta Walls on evil bay. I was just thinking if I need to go with a white wall on the front it would be a shame to turn backward. That's why I was thinking about adding to the rear. I like the look of the whitewall. I just have a little trouble with the price. I would consider the Porta wall if they hug the tire well.
 
Tony said:
You can still buy whitewall tire paint. Don't know what it will end up looking like. Just an option. https://www.rangerpaint.com/products/white-sidewall
Click to expand...
?u=https%3A%2F%2Ftse1.mm.bing.net%2Fth%2Fid%2FOIP.jpg

$15.00

Ranger Tire Paint provides the best method for creating a white sidewall. Capable of providing over three coats of paint for all four tires, the Ranger Tire Paint White Sidewalls can create that simple sidewall shine.
Specifications
Each Ranger Tire Paint can is half a pint, enough paint to coat four standard sized tires with a 3” whitewall three times.
 
In 1970 I couldn't afford real whitewalls so Porta Walls did the job. (Menomonie, WI)
 

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I ran port o walls on this '49 a number of years ago. They looked pretty darn good, frankly. Never had any problems with them. I don't remember now where I got them though.
 

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I seem to remember there was a guy at one of the local filling stations that was a specialist at installing them when I was a kid. I vaguely remember him using a rubber hammer to "set" them under the bead during installation. His "porta-walls" always hugged the tire and never loosened up (unless you had a serious encounter with a curb). I wish I remembered more about it.

A guy I worked with in the early sixties had a '50 Merc with "porta-walls" that were attached to beauty rings (trim rings). I thought the "porta-walls" looked good, but the trim rings had this gaudy diamond pattern that turned me off. These had the advantage that if you damaged one, you could go to the FLAPS and get a replacement for $4.95.
 
If I remember correctly, and this is going back a ways, inflate the tire just enough to seat the bead with the porta wall in place. Then use the rubber mallet to beat the porta wall enough to flatten it against the sidewall of the tire. This causes it to conform to the tire and really does make it look as if it is a "real" whitewall. Then air the tire up to the proper PSI. If done correctly they truly are convincing.
 
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