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'41 Willys - Tire options?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Chris Wiehle, Jul 6, 2007.

  1. Chris Wiehle
    Joined: Oct 2, 2003
    Posts: 250

    Chris Wiehle
    Member
    from Byron , IL

    Hey guys I'll do a quick re-intro since I haven't posted on here in quite some time. I sold my '53 Ford a couple years back about a year after I got it done because we needed the money. Of course, like most, I regretted it once it was gone, so I finally got enough money saved up and bought a '72 396/402 SS Chevelle a couple months ago. It is a major undertaking but I am thrilled to have it, not really HAMB material so I haven't posted regarding it.
    I do now however have a reason to post which is for my Dad. He bought a steel '41 Willys which he has been searching for the latter part of his adult life. For the most part it is pretty much what he wanted. We will be installing a 354 Hemi to replace the 350 currently in it. We will be doing other various minor changes but it really needs a different wheel/tire combo. It has some tall goofy truck tires on the back which don't look all that bad but we want the car to look period correct. He is pretty sure he wants the big slot Halibrands or something similar but we would like some tire options. Nothing real wide. What's available? What sizes recommended? Who sells 'em? Pictures are good so let's see 'em. Photoshops welcome if you feel like it.
    Thanks Chris
    [​IMG]

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    My ex '53
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    My Chevelle in it's current state

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  2. Roadsters.com
    Joined: Apr 9, 2002
    Posts: 1,782

    Roadsters.com
    Member

    That coupe is an exceptional find. Lucky guy!

    The first thing to do is to pick a year, or an era, that you want for the Willys. If the theme you're going for is earlier than around 1968 or '69, that will rule out wrinkle-wall slicks, and call for bias-ply tires on the back, on something ranging from 15 by 8s to 16 by 10s.

    Dave
    http://www.roadsters.com/
     
  3. chromedRAT
    Joined: Mar 5, 2002
    Posts: 1,737

    chromedRAT
    Member

    pick up a copy of gasser wars if you can, GREAT book, TONS of color pictures to go from.
     
  4. I actually like the way it sits as is!Hey I.m old.Are you going for the on the deck look?I like the nostalgia wheels from E.T.Check them out or else its Halibrands.Thats a law.
     
  5. Chris Wiehle
    Joined: Oct 2, 2003
    Posts: 250

    Chris Wiehle
    Member
    from Byron , IL

    We like the way it sits as well. It just has friggin' truck tires on it. We are definetely not going for the "on the deck look". We want the car to keep the mild gasser look. If anyone has info on tire sizes that would be helpful.
     
  6. ShakeyPuddin55
    Joined: Dec 22, 2004
    Posts: 1,906

    ShakeyPuddin55
    Member

    Wow! Your pops scored big time. Cool car. Any history to it?

    Do you need a DOT approved tire?

    That car deserves real magnesium Halibrands or Americans. Please dont put the repop Chinese made aluminum wheels on it.

    Here is a 16x10 big window Hal with M&H Racemasters 11.00-16.

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    You can also buy the M&H Racemasters new in 12.00-16, but they are not DOT.

    I sold these. 15x11 Fenton wheels with MT ET Streets. I think if you need a street legal tire, the ET Streets would be the way to go.

    [​IMG]

    Here is my 40 coupe back in the late 60's early 70's with slots and Goodyear slicks.

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    Here is another teaser...

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    Wheels and tires make the car IMHO. Do lots of homework before you decide.
     
  7. ShakeyPuddin55
    Joined: Dec 22, 2004
    Posts: 1,906

    ShakeyPuddin55
    Member

    For the front, I would suggest a skinny bias ply. Here are the BFG Silvertown's in 5.00-15. They are available from Coker Tire. Mine are mounted on 15x4.5 Halibrands.

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  8. Chris Wiehle
    Joined: Oct 2, 2003
    Posts: 250

    Chris Wiehle
    Member
    from Byron , IL

    That's awesome. Great car. Thanks for the pics and input. BTW what are the last wheels?
     
  9. ShakeyPuddin55
    Joined: Dec 22, 2004
    Posts: 1,906

    ShakeyPuddin55
    Member

    The last pair are magnesium American Racing 5 spokes. Rears are 15x10 and the fronts are 15x4.
     
  10. Ebert
    Joined: Feb 13, 2006
    Posts: 1,920

    Ebert
    Member
    from Keller, TX

    Go to gassermadness.com and pick among a zillion looks.
     
  11. Mojo
    Joined: Jul 23, 2002
    Posts: 1,872

    Mojo
    Member

    [​IMG]

    I'm a big fan of chrome reverse and steel wheels, I think this version of the SWC car shows how good steel wheels can look. Also, it would be historically correct, and something different. Honestly, if it was me, i'd probably have two or three different sets of wheels to go back and forth with when the mood hit me.
     
  12. Chris Wiehle
    Joined: Oct 2, 2003
    Posts: 250

    Chris Wiehle
    Member
    from Byron , IL

    The chromes do look good as well. Thanks for everyone's opinions!
     

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