The car is a 1954 Belvedere sedan, I would like to know what the factory correct size and brand would be? Would also like to know what would be the nearest corresponding size in a radial should I choose to go that route. I am torn because I love the look of the bias ply tire, but the improved life and handling characteristics of the radial are tempting especially when you consider how expensive it is to reshod these cars with wide whites. Thanks for any input you may have. :)
Try Coker for information at least.
http://cokertire.com/
And check with Jim Benjaminson as well as her has infoprmation about this.
Mr. Belvedere,
It is my belief that the correct size is 6.70 x 15 and the maker was Goodyear.
I also have a 54. I am looking to do the same thing this next year. I too love the look of the bias tire, but the radial is better for a driver. I checked with Coker and The price of radial vs. bias is minimal.... so its your choice. I will keep my (not too worn) bias ply for the summer shows and use the radials (Classic Wide Whites) for my outings.
I love living in Texas because we get to drive a lot in the winter.
good luck
Cliff54
I'm not sure of the correct tire size for a '54, but I bought 6.00-16 Goodyear tires and tubes from Jim Benjaminson a year or so ago , and I am very happy with them.
Jim has an ad in the PLYMOUTH BULLETIN each month.
Regards,
Pat O'Connor
Confirming what Bill Davis said, the original size was 6.70 x 15 and the manufacturer was Goodyear. I think your glovebox manual will confirm the size.
I put P 205 R 15 radials on a 54 and had some minor interference problems on the front fenders.
Thanks guys, I have a couple of radials mounted on a couple spare rims size 215/75R15 and there is an interference problem getting them on and off in the rear once on, they work ok I e-mailed Jim B. waiting to hear back. Wish I had the finances to have a set of both bias and radial tires. Seems like there is one small financial advantage to the radials, you only need to buy 4 wide whites and any cheapo regular radial for the spare plus the last longer. But there is nothing like look of the original goodyear supercushions eh? Right now I have a set sears allstate wide white bias ply that must be at least 15 years old and even though they look good, I don't want to risk a blow out.
I have ben using 185 R15's for about 16 years now on my 54 and do not have any inteference problems when removing and fitting them . i was advized not to go over 205 's as any thing over that would be to wide for the rims and would be inclined to roll when cornering