Just thought I would post this here as well since a lot of people probably don't check the intro forum.... Last fall we picked up a 26-27 model T coupe and Model A rolling frame on an auction. Since then we've been gathering parts including a 53 chrysler hemi, buick drums, and a 39 ford truck grill. I'll attach a picture of the pre-pre-mockup that we did. It's complete with a fake channel job (the original floor is still there, the frame is wired to the top of it), jack stand rear end, and motor mounts made of chain. You can also see the modified rear end from the same chrysler imperial where we got the engine. I'm thinking it needs at least 8" off the top, a bleed sweep in the front and a healthy kick up in the rear. I think I'm gonna try to squeeze the dash from the imperial into it as well as use that steering wheel and maybe hub caps. It's getting painted black (is there any other color?). I'm not sure about gloss or flat yet, I'll wait and see what my painter friends have to say about it when it gets to that point. Whatever happens, i promise it won't have red wheels! One question I have for you guys that have model T rods is about tire size. I want the tops of the tires in the rear to be about the same height as the deck lid, maybe a bit taller. I know this will depend a lot on where ride height ends up being but just for a reference what are you guys running front and rear?? I will most likely just figure out what I need for the rear and then get the fronts a few sizes smaller. Any suggestions or scoldings for what I'm doing wrong would be greatly appreciated.....
Finally decided to go with radial black walls on my 26' T Roadster. Got Firestones on it: 245/75/15's on thr rear, & 165/75/15's on the front with narrow chrome reverses all around. Gives it a nice "dropped" stance, * handles prety well too for as old & "low-tech" as it is! I drive it everywhere.
I run 165R15 fronts and P245/75-16 rear on 15 x 5 and 18 x 8 wheels on my hiboy. Diameters are about 24 and a little over 30. Good stance, adequate traction and handling, decent ride, and very good durability. I know radials are not considered the hot ticket by some here, but mine work really well.
The chrysler imperial where the engine and rear end came out of had 285's on the back (mounted on the front in this picture). I'd have to double-check what the fronts are but I ***ume they're the same. I'm planning on running at least that big on the rear. What I was mostly wondering is what size tire I need to use on a T coupe to get the "look". What I want is for the tires to be peeking over the deck lid just slightly. I am going to go with bias plys as of now because I like the way they look. Now I have seen good looking radials including the ones that are made to look like bias plys but a lot of radials are a little too street rod for me. I have also toyed with the idea of cheater slicks. Eventually I'll maybe have a couple sets of tires that I can switch around once in a while. Thanks for all the suggestions so far, hopefully this makes my question a little clearer.
The Jalopy Journal
