Some of that probably depends on class. A lot of guys ran tall tires for more roll out while others, like the gassers and altereds, seemed to favor shorter tires. I suppose because they were wheels up off the line or for weight reasons.
Many but not all went with either "slots" (aluminum or steel), "Cragar SS", "chrome reverse" or just plain "painted" steel wheels. However it does matter on the car you have. The wheels I mentioned were mainly found on "door" cars. Gassers, Dragsters, Altereds, A/FX and early versions of "Funny Cars" could have ran anything from "Spokes", "Halibrands", "Cragar SS" etc.
Yep. I'm running aluminum slots 3.5" front and 8.5" rear, with piecrust slicks. This is for an "altered"(street freak? But I don't intend to run it on the street), '62 Corvair with a front mounted V-8.
In that case you might want a short tire like this http://store.cokertire.com/tire-styles/bias-ply-tires/blackwall/560-15-u-s-royal-blackwall.html Or if you prefer a radial, this is a sports car tire that saw duty on a lot of early drag cars http://store.cokertire.com/tire-styles/radial-tires/blackwall/125r15-michelin-x.html
Don't have many options for a "period" correct front runner these days... Hurst Super Cushion - ($$$$) Michelin XZX - ($$$$/If you can find them) Motorcycle Tires VW Tires I'm searching for some skinnies as well, not finding the tall size I want though.
Richard, been doing some looking myself. Locally the only tire Ive been able to find is a 165-80-15 basically a VW tire its about 26 in tall and 5 in wide. Dont look too bad and was easy on the wallet!!
I don't want a radial. Price is right on these: http://store.cokertire.com/400-425-15-excelsior-blackwall-tire.html
Budget is a big factor as well. I wonder how a motorcycle tire would hold up? Engine will be set back, so not too much weight. I have a vintage-looking tire on the rear of my Harley, it was only about $30-$40.
That tire might be a little too small and not rated for that kind of weight. Also, the radial in my previous post is a tire introduced in 1949 for European cars and used on many gassers, etc. through the 60s and might be a nice compliment to a Hurst recapped radial.
mostly vw cause thats all there was....they didn,t like the extra weight and would blow out at 65 on the parkway sending you across three lanes onto the grass
I'm running Pro-Trac 5.60 15's on my Comet. X2, thats a good looking period correct tire for the money. Ya Comets looking good muttley!
I ran michelin x 6.40x15 on ansen slots in the 70's on my nova now got some on my altered they were used on early volvos and are tube type the thread is about 4" inches and they are tall
Hurst super cushions sucka! Richard, I used a pic that didn't show the rest of the car intentionally. I am sensitive to your cars fear of blown nailheads. You're welcome.
I am curious about these period-looking front tires, too...have been for a while. I am running new Goodyears on the front of my truck, but, I'd really rather have the Pro-tracs, or super cushions. They look right, for sure, BUT...I seem to remember being scared off when I was looking at them a couple years ago by the speed rating??? I think??? I don't recall exactly now, but...damn...I really like the pro-tracs. Anyone know from experience what these might behave like at 120 mph? I worry....that's all.
why not....most of the heavy hitters were running skinny 135 style pirelli's. or atleast the ones in the books.
I used motorcycle tires mounted on Anglia wheels on the front of my dragster in mid '60s. Still on today.
Primewell 830's for the old gasser look, they are cheap I have a new set that came off 3.5" slots. I switched to M/T front runners to go from 24" to 26" and 8 ply for more spring rate the M/T's are a ton better for my application.
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