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Technical Rear tire size help

Discussion in 'Traditional Hot Rods' started by HaroldDegand, Oct 11, 2025.

  1. Hi.
    I’m building a ‘32 Ford roadster prewar style, but about 1-1/4 lower than stock suspension height.
    I run 5.50-16 on the front and I’m hesitating between 7.00-16 and 7.50-16 for the rear ones.

    According the Coker specs. the 7.50 is taller but also narrower.

    IMG_3554.jpeg

    IMG_3559.jpeg

    IMG_3556.jpeg

    Can you post some pictures of yours to help me in my choice ?
     
    Last edited: Oct 12, 2025
  2. krylon32
    Joined: Jan 29, 2006
    Posts: 10,743

    krylon32
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Nebraska

    I've done quite a few deuce highboys. I've done several with 7.50/16's rear but did one with 4.45/16's on the front and 700/16's on the rear which looked good. They were all Firestone's. Currently I have 2 deuce hi boy roadsters both with 500/16 front & 700/18 rear. they are all Excelsior's. Not so traditional but they drive good.
     
  3. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 16,995

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    A friend has exactly what you are building. I’ll see it Saturday and take photos.
     
  4. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,669

    clem
    Member

    The differences that you are asking about are minimal. (in my mind anyway).
    Have you considered the difference in ply ratings.
    8 ply on a roadster may be a stiffer ride than the 6 ply version, (or it may be just what you want).
    .
     
    Last edited: Oct 14, 2025
  5. Mart
    Joined: Mar 3, 2001
    Posts: 5,002

    Mart
    Member

    Chatting to people at Pendine it would seem those in the know prefer a 7.00. Wider tread and not a truck tyre. 7.50s were traditionally a truck tyre. That's what I was told anyway.
     
  6. Thanks everyone for the helpful replies.
     
  7. clem
    Joined: Dec 20, 2006
    Posts: 4,669

    clem
    Member

    0.6” equates to your car sitting around 0.3” lower at the rear, - thats about 8mm to those using metric.
     
  8. jimmy six
    Joined: Mar 21, 2006
    Posts: 16,995

    jimmy six
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    Is this what you’re looking for…16” front and rear. Coker’s! IMG_7253.jpeg IMG_7251.jpeg IMG_7252.jpeg
     
    Deutscher likes this.
  9. 32partsguy
    Joined: Jul 16, 2012
    Posts: 154

    32partsguy
    Member
    from DFW,Texas!

    Wash 8-2-2019.jpg

    Here's mine. 5.00/5.25 - 16 front, 7.50 - 16 rear. Coker Firestones. I hear Coker now offers the 7.50's in a bias ply look, but is a radial inside. They also have a couple of sizes of 16" fronts that are bias ply looking, but are radials. I'm NEEDING the 5.00/5.25 size fronts to be made with the new radial insides. I think this combo is perfect! I love 'em! (Just my personal opinion) I DO get a lot of "darting" with the bias ply fronts. Just a FYI, but Coker sales guy call the fronts I want "The 500's" John
     
    Happydaze likes this.

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