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Discussion Topic:
Tires, Coker vs Diamond Back vs American Classic
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len47merc |
08-04-2014 @ 4:17 PM
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Senior
Posts: 1165
Joined: Oct 2013
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Have read this discussion with interest to see where it went and have to weigh in now. Have to go back to Bob's ('BERTHA') comments of "..... born with bias, it will stay with bias" and "it's only original once". I have Coker's US Royal 3 1/4" whitewall bias plys on a stock/original '47 Merc and run them, with Coker's blessing, at Ford's recommended pressure for the Merc of 26 psi. They wear even, ride great and look great. Do they ride like radials - no. With rebuilt shocks all around and re-bushing'd front and rear suspensions and new king-pins/aligned front end - am I satisfied? - absolutely yes. Rides like it's supposed to. Whitewalls are understood not to have been original but I like the look and will accept any judging deducts. Even though radials would more than likely give a better ride and provide better handling, radials give a more 'hod-rod' look and I'll accept the diminished feel to keep the look and experience of the intent of the original ride. Steve
This message was edited by len47merc on 8-4-14 @ 4:24 PM
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Classic1 |
08-04-2014 @ 11:15 AM
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Posts: 27
Joined: Jun 2014
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Just as a follow up, I ordered the Diamondback II series. Went with 205/75/15 in the front and 225/75/15 in the rear. Wanted the car to appear less Hot Rod but the 205s were the largest I could stick in the front with a 15 inch wheel and the dropped axel. The back end needed something larger and the 225s seem to fit the bill. As a result, the front is slightly higher and the back slightly lower and the running board is more of a plank than a ramp.
Steve '39 DeLuxe Fordor
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42guy |
07-28-2014 @ 4:26 PM
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New Member
Posts: 108
Joined: Oct 2009
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I also have Diamond Back on my 42. Keep them at 35 and wear and ride is great.
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tomlud |
07-28-2014 @ 1:22 PM
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Member
Posts: 23
Joined: Jan 2011
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flatheadfan, I have diamondback radials on my 51 for a couple of years now. I keep them at 35 psi and wear is even and ride is smooth. Believe these made by cooper tire. Tom
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woodiewagon46 |
07-28-2014 @ 12:04 PM
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Senior
Posts: 696
Joined: Nov 2012
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flatheadfan, I have the similar issue with Cokers. I keep them inflated to their recommended 35PSI and after only 11K miles the tread pattern looks like they are grossly under inflated. The inside and outside of the tire are almost bald and the middle 2" looks new. I can't figure it out and Coker doesn't want to hear it. If I can figure out how to post a picture I would.
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flatheadfan |
07-28-2014 @ 11:24 AM
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Member
Posts: 450
Joined: Oct 2009
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I don't mean to hijack this discussion but I have a related question. I recently put Diamondback radials on my '51. It was recommended that I inflate the tires to 40 pounds. Well, I did and the car rides as if it has solid cement tires. If I go to 26-28 pounds would I be asking for trouble?? Thanks Tom
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fenbach |
07-27-2014 @ 7:47 PM
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Posts: 227
Joined: Dec 2009
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gotta add my 2 cents. i have coker radials on my '36. it drives just fine - now, but they were horribly lop sided. one has 4-5 ounces of weights, and balancing them was largely by trial and error because the weight distribution was so uneven. and coker wouldn't even acknowledge my inquiries.
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deluxe40 |
07-27-2014 @ 10:46 AM
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Member
Posts: 413
Joined: Oct 2009
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Here are some numbers I pulled out of the Coker catalogue when faced with the same question: Mfg: Size, Diameter, Cross Section (in inches) Firestone: 6.00 x 16, 27.91, 6.26 Michelin: 205/70vR15, 26.5, 8.3 Michelin: 215/70vR15, 27.0, 9.2 Coker: 205/75R15, 27.1, 8.14 Coker: G78/15, 27.68, 8.05 Michelin: 225/70vR15, 27.9, 9.1 BFG: 7.10 x 15, 27.98, 7.4 Michelin: 235/70hR15, 28.0, 9.3 Coker: p235/75hR15, 28.29, 8.95 Firestone: 6.70 x 15, 28.58, 7.01 Firestone: 7.10 x 15, 28.88, 7.70 Coker: p235/75hR15, 28.91, 9,41 Note: check my numbers before you buy (old eyes). List has stock '40 Ford at the top with the others sorted by diameter. Also note that the radials are wider and that might effect ease of steering.
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joe b |
07-27-2014 @ 6:44 AM
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Posts: 389
Joined: Oct 2010
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Which of these are made in the USA?
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JM |
07-27-2014 @ 5:33 AM
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Senior
Posts: 822
Joined: Oct 2009
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I have a set of radials from both suppliers. I prefer the Diamondback's
John
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