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Classic1
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-- 07-25-2014 @ 1:33 PM
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In the market for some new rubber for our '39 Deluxe Fordor. Somewhere along the line, suspension was dropped and smaller 1950 15 inch Mercury wheels were installed. Previous owner set it up with 195/75/R15 in the front and 235/75/15 in the rear. I want to at least bring all the tires back to the same size and considering either a 205/75 or a 215/75. Also pondering the manufacturer and vendor options. Heard mixed reviews about Coker and a lot of support toward Diamond Back. Also wondering about the American Classic brand. Looking for feedback on tire sizing, tire brand and vendors.
Steve
'39 DeLuxe Fordor
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1934 Ford
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-- 07-25-2014 @ 6:36 PM
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This is a well discussed question, The answer boils down to what you like.
Radials ride better, bias ply's last longer, Diamondback's are better quality radials than other brand radials. (My opinion)
I use bias ply on the cars I consider stock and radials on the ones I consider modified.
1934 Ford's since 1972
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4t6v8
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-- 07-25-2014 @ 7:30 PM
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We have a 1946 fordor sedan, we fitted 225/75R16inch whitewall radial tyres from Diamond Back Classic onto 4.5inch wide rims. Totally changed the ride and handling of the car. The white wall is 3inch wide but it stays white, doesn't 'yellow', like the bias ply tyres we had, a great job. The tyres are branded Hankook Dynapro. We have travelled over 10000miles on them now, they still look sound. One regret was I bought five, I cannot fit it in the boot/trunk as it should.
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Classic1
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-- 07-26-2014 @ 10:23 PM
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No question about the fact that I want Radials. This car is a driver with enough modifications to keep it out of point judging. Presently, the tires are 13 year old Mastercraft radials that I believe came from Diamond Back. I like the idea of what Diamond Back is doing and right now considering the Diamond Back II, I believe that it's a Toyo Extensa A/S.
Steve
'39 DeLuxe Fordor
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BERTHA
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-- 07-27-2014 @ 3:58 AM
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Coker...
..... born with bias, it will stay with bias.
Bob
"it's only original once""
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JM
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-- 07-27-2014 @ 5:33 AM
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I have a set of radials from both suppliers. I prefer the Diamondback's
John
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joe b
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-- 07-27-2014 @ 6:44 AM
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Which of these are made in the USA?
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deluxe40
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-- 07-27-2014 @ 10:46 AM
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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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fenbach
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-- 07-27-2014 @ 7:47 PM
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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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flatheadfan
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-- 07-28-2014 @ 11:24 AM
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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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woodiewagon46
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-- 07-28-2014 @ 12:04 PM
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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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tomlud
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-- 07-28-2014 @ 1:22 PM
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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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42guy
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-- 07-28-2014 @ 4:26 PM
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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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Classic1
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-- 08-04-2014 @ 11:15 AM
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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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len47merc
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-- 08-04-2014 @ 4:17 PM
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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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