Re: IML: Tires

[RandalPark@xxxxxxx]

I have driven my '60s Imperial's with radial tires ever since the early 1980's. I have NEVER experienced a "harsh" ride in any of the cars. I drove the same cars from the late 1960's and through all of the 1970's with bias ply tires. The only thing that changed by going to radials was that the cars drove BETTER. Bumps in the road were not felt as much with bias ply tires, but only when they were inflated around 25 pounds. I always ran my tires around 32 pounds, which is higher than recommended. Maybe that is why I felt bumps with bias ply tires about the same as with radials.

If you plan to drive your car, radials are great. The car will handle better, the tires will last longer, and you will get slightly better gas mileage. If you plan to show it, then you will be marked down for having the incorrect style of tires.

Frankly, I think that if radials were readily available in 1956, Chrysler would have installed them on their new line of 1957 cars in order to complete the handling package. If that had been the case, our cars would not only drive better with radial tires, but they would also be considered authentic and correct. 

Bias ply tires severely compromise the agility of any car wearing them.

Paul W.

In an email dated 16/5/2005 8:13:04 pm GMT Daylight time, Chris Hawkins <imperial1966@xxxxxxxxx> writes:

>I suggest getting the correct wide white bias ply
>tires for your car from Coker. ?They will look right
>and ride right. ?However, the tires are good for only
>about 15-20K miles and aren't meant for slaloming
>through the cones.
>
>If high mileages or aggressive cornering are
>anticipated you might want to consider radials for
>convenience and durability. ?Any good radial will work
>- 235/75 x 15 size. ?Downside is the Ride quality is
>not as forgiving as bias ply. ?Just be sure they are
>rated for TOURING not for PERFORMANCE, or you will get
>an even harsher ride. ?Although you can't get the
>correct ride quality nor whitewall width with radials,
>they certainly handle better and last longer. ?You
>pays yer money and makes yer choices.
>
>There is only one choice for shocks: KYB's. ?Go here
>for all the info you will need:
>
>http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Springs/install.htm
>
>KYB's are sold in many places. ?I got mine from
>Performance Suspension Technology. ?At that time, they
>were $119 for a set of four. ?Free shipping. ?Order
>Toll-free: (800) 247-2288. 
>
>Happy Motoring,
>
>Chris H.
>
>66 LeBaron
>
>
>
>
>--- John Longinotti <johnl102@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
>> I know this subject has been mulled over in the
>> past, however it was not in my interest at the time.
>> So... I would appreciate any input on what is the
>> best tire size and type of shocks for my ' 61 ' 4
>> dr. Imperial. Also would Kragen, Pep Boys, etc carry
>> these shocks or do I special order. Thanks Johnl
>> 
>> 
>> Ciao John
>
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