The Ford Barn

truckdog62563 · 01-11-2015, 01:13 AM

I've gone back through the few copies I have of the Tire and Rim Association Year Book looking for a legend or citation explaining their usage of the rim letter codes. Nothing found. The system was in place, however, back to my earliest 1935 issuance. That year the passenger car codes were letters B through F. My next oldest issuance is for 1958 where the codes are J through L. There are also variances within these designs showing the addition of various "safety hump" features (SL or H) to aid in flat tire safety.

The passenger car section of each book also contains a listing of rim and tire sizes for each manufacturer and car model. Below are the 1958 pages to perhaps assist the gentleman in his Thunderbird research. I must admit that my use of these references has been primarily focused on truck 5° multi-part tube type and tubeless 15° rims which are my main interests. I've learned some things too going through the car sections of the books. Stu

01-11-2015, 01:13 AM	#22
truckdog62563 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rochester, Il Posts: 600	Re: 16" Wheel-Markings Info Wanted I've gone back through the few copies I have of the Tire and Rim Association Year Book looking for a legend or citation explaining their usage of the rim letter codes. Nothing found. The system was in place, however, back to my earliest 1935 issuance. That year the passenger car codes were letters B through F. My next oldest issuance is for 1958 where the codes are J through L. There are also variances within these designs showing the addition of various "safety hump" features (SL or H) to aid in flat tire safety. The passenger car section of each book also contains a listing of rim and tire sizes for each manufacturer and car model. Below are the 1958 pages to perhaps assist the gentleman in his Thunderbird research. I must admit that my use of these references has been primarily focused on truck 5° multi-part tube type and tubeless 15° rims which are my main interests. I've learned some things too going through the car sections of the books. Stu __________________ Stu McMillan Marmon-Herringtons