Why Did Henry Change Wheel Sizes?

42merc said:
Evolving style & design, cars were going to lower & wider features, especially the high priced cars.
Lower priced cars tend to follow.
Click to expand...

I believe this to be the best answer. Like everything in the early days of the automobile, evolution. As the years went by the designs improved.
 
Yep, following the industry trend, but it was likely Edsel that pushed the changes between the 28/29's and the 30/31's. Of course, he had to justify it to dear old dad (Henry) somehow. Probably something like "Shorter spokes cost less.":rolleyes:
 
I think the large wagon wheels gave a better ride than the narrower ones. Didn't sink into the sand as easily. May be the same with cars. I find the 21's followed groves in the road worse than the 16's I run now. Also smoother ride with the wide tires.
 
daveymc29 said:
I think the large wagon wheels gave a better ride than the narrower ones. Didn't sink into the sand as easily. May be the same with cars. I find the 21's followed groves in the road worse than the 16's I run now. Also smoother ride with the wide tires.
Click to expand...

I get the same effect running 5.50R19 Radial tires, plus the fact that they look original to the car.
 
The trend in bicycle wheels in recent years is to go bigger as they are thought to roll easier and be faster.
 
CarlG said:
I've always liked the look of 19" wheels on my '31s. A lot of my friends have 16" wheels on their Model As, primarily so they can use modern radials. I just opted to go with 19" radials. Very pleased with the look AND the road handling.
Click to expand...

Carl,

Those are really nice looking. They look bigger than 5.50's. Are they 6.00's?

David Serrano
 
California Travieso said:
Carl,

Those are really nice looking. They look bigger than 5.50's. Are they 6.00's?

David Serrano
Click to expand...

They are indeed 5.50R19s. Coker Stahl Excelsior Radials.

They are the same height as the 4.75/5.00 bias ply Firestones that were on there when I bought the truck. In fact my new tires fit the fender well much better than the Firestones did. That was a shock!
 
I heard somewhere that the smaller wheels made the car sit a little lower and it was easier for a lady to enter and exit the Ford. From most of the advertising I've seen from that era, the market was going after the "lady driver."
Just a thought.
Marty
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top