i will say the look of the bias-ply tires are great! some cars they work better on than radials. my 63' nova front end would come out of alignment with radials because the tracking was to positive.
Thank you Denise, I've always loved your big Olds and especially the adventures it goes on Takes a real car enthusiest to drive that many miles and a convertible to boot! The radial tires do make a big difference, don't they,( keeping on point) Thanks again! Mrs. Bassfire
Ah yes...bias ply tires ride like shit, don't handle, unsafe, blah, blah, blah. I'd bet a doughnut that those comments are coming from you youthful types that have fully asymillated (sp?) to the current thoughts, AIR PRESSURE. You pump your bias plys up to 32-34 psi like a radial or because "that's what the tire says..." you'll get just what all the bitching is about. 28-30 psi is normal for bias, even as low as 26 on lighter cars with no ill effects. Bias tires don't last as long and maybe sacrifice a tad of mileage but if the need is for the look you just go for it. But suppose you want to try to pass Denise in the accumulated mileage game and feel a radial is the way to go, well kids there's a way to do it without it lookin too bad. Pick the tire 1st as in size, diameter, whitewall and series (60-70-78). Then pick a wheel that's the maximum width the tire will allow. The specs are available in the book and all over the 'net. Suddenly the bulge in the sidewall that seems so disturbing is reduced to a point where it's almost as if it was gone. It's still a radial and still handles great but looks far less outta place. Think about it for a min and it'll make sense to ya.
Or 6.70 Goodyear Supercusions. I don't necessarily think the front should come down as Denise said as long as the selected tire can fill the void. 7.10's would do it but I am not sure if that car is big enough to use them.
I have a 53 Ford with Bias, a 50 Ford with radials, a 60 Elco with radials and a 49 Stude truck with bias. Both the bias ride like crap and do not handle well. The 53 and the 50 are both similar in suspension. I had a 62 Stude Lark that had bias on it when I bought it and later on I put a set of Goodyear wide-whites on it and it handle so much better. (as an aside, the Goodyear wides look very cool.) I am building a 53 Stude coupe and it will be driven every day, on wide white radials, but I will have a set of universal rims mounted with bias plys on Radirs for days when I just want hubcaps and to go to a car show.
here is my 54 with rad's, I would love the full whities, but my wallet doesnt permit me at this time...but I dont think it looks too bad:
...been thinking about those, can you post a side shot of car close enough to see the design in WW? Thanks!
Got them from Wallace Wade antique tires in Dallas TX. He sets up at most of the local swap meets, but you can order from him directly. Great guy to deal with too and stands behind his products. I had a problem with a Coker tire on my 36 coupe and he replaced it at no charge. I have been buying from him for a number of years and highly recommend him.
I ran bias plys on MCD and thought I had major front end work to do. I switched to radials and it was 100% better. Do bias plys look better, sure, maybe 10% better (on a full-fendered car. Like shit on a fenderless car) but function 100% better. Although the new tall radials from Coker look pretty good even on open wheel cars.
i ran bais on all of my cars till 10 yrs ago the look good but if you drive the car alot you can,t beat radials
I used to say "FIRESTONES FIRESTONES FIRESTONES". Especially on fenderless Hotrods,but now I don't care. I still prefer Firestone bias-plys,but I don't criticise peoples choices anymore. What bothers me more is a bitchin Custom with shitty mirrors,hahaha!
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