Question about RIM WIDTHS

[DustDevil]

I'm in the market for some new tires for Bonnie, my 1930 Town Sedan. She came with some economy tires that Coker says would fit on 2 1/2 or 3 inch rims. I measured my rim width at the farthest out edges and they are 4 ". Am I measuring the width correct or do you measure the rims from some other spot, like where the tire sits inside? If I'm correct, I should have a bigger, better tire on these rims... possibly Coker's Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials.
But my real question is about rim widths. I never heard of such skinny rims as 2 1/2" or 3".

[Bob C]

You measure on the inside of the rim. See the link.

http://www.gemplers.com/tech/tires-measure.htm

Bob

[CarlG]

I have stock 19" rims on my pickup. Mounted on them are 550R19 Coker Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials.

IMHO -- the perfect combination.

[DustDevil]

You measure on the inside of the rim. See the link.

http://www.gemplers.com/tech/tires-measure.htm

Bob

Thanks, Bob. That's exactly what I was looking for.

Chuck

[DustDevil]

I have stock 19" rims on my pickup. Mounted on them are 550R19 Coker Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials.

IMHO -- the perfect combination.

Thanks Carl, The 550R19 looks very inviting, but it looks like they recommend them on 4" or 5" rims. As per Bob's link, I have 3" rims. I suppose 3" rims are stock then. Are you saying they will fit ok on 3" rims then? Any other experiences out there?

[CarlG]

There are several in our club running the Coker radials. All are using the stock 19" wheels. One guy is even running 650R19s. I wouldn't go that far myself but he seems to have no problems. Most are either 550R19 or 500R19.

[DustDevil]

There are several in our club running the Coker radials. All are using the stock 19" wheels. One guy is even running 650R19s. I wouldn't go that far myself but he seems to have no problems. Most are either 550R19 or 500R19.

That's good to know. I hear the radials are a major improvement, and worth the $$$$.

[tbirdtbird]

Carl, is it safe to assume you radial guys are using tubes.....

[CarlG]

Radial tubes as specified by Coker.

[DustDevil]

Carl, is it safe to assume you radial guys are using tubes.....

I just brought my wheels to the sandblaster who also powder coats. He liked my wheels, and said they'd be ok without tubes. TBird, what is your opinion, or anybody, on tubes or not on Excelsior radials on stock wheels?

[DaWizard]

IF you insist on getting the radials, you MUST get the radial tubes to go with them. See, even though the rims have now been powder coated and probably would not leak, the bead of the tire and rim area where it sits are NOT tubless compatible and COULD have the tire blow off the wheel.

[tbirdtbird]

that was why I asked; I could not imagine stock rims holding tubeless air properly, I am sure the lip is wrong for starters.
The next question is what is the diff between bias tubes and radial tubes??

[Mitch]

post #19 gives some info on the difference of the bias to radial tubes

https://www.vintagefordforum.com/forum/model-a/2047-do-radial-tires-improve-the-steering-and-ride-of-a-model-a

[DustDevil]

Thanx Mr Wizard. That makes sense.
Mr TBird, I believe the bias tubes have a butt seal on the back, but the radial tubes have that, PLUS a lap of rubbover THAT seal, that is molded over it. They are supposedly more flexible in the right direction for radials. I was just fishing for another option.

[DaWizard]

Without going into a depth that will put me to sleep, the regular tubes are not built the same as radial tubes. As the radial tire generates way more heat and sidewall flex, the radial tubes are built stronger in the sides to help dissipate the heat and flex more with the tire.

Ya know, I am still not sold on radial tires for the A. See, the whole geometry of the A suspension isn't built for radials, and there is really not enough weight in the A to allow the radials to flex like they should to give you the radial ride. I am not saying you can't run them, hell, I have '35 16's on mine with tubeless radial tires, and sometimes going around a corner kinda fast it scares the hell outa me at the amount of flex in the sidewall while the suspension is groaning at the amount of forces placed on it. I'm just saying, I don't think the cost vs ride is worth it.

[DustDevil]

Thanx for the link, Mitch. More good info. I read this before, like a lotta stuff, and I can never remember where I read it (Wait till YOU are in your 60's). Thus, bookmarks and subscriptions can be handy.

[1931 Flamingo]

D/Devil: What are you running for air pressure on the 35's??
Paul in CT

[DaWizard]

I run 35# all around and have a decent ride, with geometry and all.

[DustDevil]

I believe that was Da Wizard who commented on his '35 16's.