Re: [FWDLK] Tires for a '57 Chrysler....

[Jan & Roger van Hoy <vanhilla@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Short version, if you really don't like "non-bulging sidewalls" you'll need 
to get the original size bias ply tires.

If you're willing to compromise the looks for the perceived improved 
handling of radials, you can do so.

Here are some sites with tire comparisons:

http://clubs.hemmings.com/clubsites/chevylist/tech/tire_size_conversion.htm

http://www.miata.net/garage/tirecalc.html

The last one is really cool as it calculates the diameter and displays 
graphically.  However it's for radials only.

If you're sold on Diamondbacks, go to their website:

http://www.dbtires.com/catalog2.htm

They have a 225/75R14 Diamondback II with 2.5" WWW, 27.2 height, 5.7" tread 
width for a 5 1/2" to 7" rim. [Not sure where you got the 215 and the 27.6" 
height.]  225/75R14 is the size the first chart recommends to replace either 
an 8.50 or 8.55 x 14 bias size.

There are folks who can spot a 15" rim from 20 feet away.  Don't really see 
a reason to go that route to get a correct height.

The "75" is the aspect ratio; an 80 ratio is taller and skinnier, but AFAIK 
they're not readily available.

It's your car so you can do what you want.  There are some of us folks who 
think that wires on anything newer than 1956 just don't look right, but 
that's just our opinion.

--Roger van Hoy, Washougal, WA, '55 DeSoto, '58 DeSoto, '56 Plymouth, '66 
Plymouth, '41 Dodge


----- Original Message ----- 
From: "James Z" <sartana@xxxxxxx>
To: <L-FORWARDLOOK@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, December 19, 2007 8:34 PM
Subject: [FWDLK] Tires for a '57 Chrysler....


> Ok, I know this issue is discussed quite often so I will try to summarize
> what info I believe to be true and seek input on how I can best achieve my
> goals. The goals are to achieve the look/diameter of the original
> application, or at least as close a possible. The application will be for 
> a
> 1957 Chrysler. I will be going with Radials from Diamondback.
>
> Here is what I understand was original for the car back in '57:
>
> 1) The size of the whitewall is 2 ¼"
> 2) The original tire size was 8.50 x 14
> 3) This would make the diameter of the tire 28.1"
> 4) What is the correct width of the rim? The wheels from my 59 dodge seem 
> to
> be 5 ½" wide and I believe these wheels to be correct for the car.
>
> Here is what I understand regarding the new radials:
>
> 1) There is no true equivalent to the 8.50 x 14 tires of old. The closest
> would be 235/75R14 but those don't exist.
> 2) That being the case, I need to settle for a 215/75R14 which gives me a
> diameter of 27.6"
> 3) I should also use a 80 series metric tire to achieve the measurement of
> #2 above
>
> The last part of the question involves the wheels. I believe that I will 
> be
> getting wire wheels for the car. A secondary benefit of that is I can 
> state
> the size wheel I want and build a tire around that. I could go with a 15"
> wheel and allow myself more tire options but if I add an inch to the wheel
> via the 15's, what tire do I need to get to the correct diameter mentioned
> above? Then what about a 5 ½" or 6" or 7" width wheel? I don't mind added
> width as long as it does not affect my turning radius.
>
> I am also not clear on the relationship between wheel width's and the 
> tires.
> All I know is I like tall, non-bulging sidewalls.
>
> This is all so very confusing..any help would be great.
>
> James 

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