Radial tires
 

I just went from bias to radial tires. Has anyone experienced any changes or sounds when they did this. Do you have to / should you have to get the front end re-alined when you make the switch. This is on a '50 shoebox.

Re: Radial tires
 

I would get the front end re-aligned. Also I found that if I increased the tire pressure to about 32 PSI it tracked better. Is your suspension stock? I have the JAMCO ball joint & disc brake kit on my 50 and that required a different front end alignment set up.

Re: Radial tires
 

I agree a front end alignment is in order
and yes the radials should run quieter and track better

Re: Radial tires
 

Stock front end except cut coils (1 1/2). I heard once that switching to radial tires brings out the worst in the drive train.

Re: Radial tires
 

When I purchased my 51 it had biaed ply tires on it,it handled terrible.I installed a set of Diamond back radials and a good set of shocks.The changes made the car quieter and handle like a dream.Phil

Re: Radial tires
 

Alignment is critical, especially if you have cut the coils.

Re: Radial tires
 

My '51 had belted tires and cut coils :mad: when I bought it, with lousy ride and handling. I rebuilt the front suspension with Aerostar coils and switched to Diamond Back radials, resulting in much improved ride and handling. Realigned using stock specs. :)

Re: Radial tires
 

the one thing I noticed was increased stopping grip--seemed to stick to the road. I have two flatheads on radials and love them both

Re: Radial tires
 

I love the radials on my 51, I won't be going back to bias ply, ever!
Lots of advantages for radials. none for bias unless you like the look of them. I have drivin' many miles with both types on my 51 & radials are better in many ways. I approve of diamondbacks.


http://www.dbtires.com/airpressure.html

Re: Radial tires
 

Someone told me to run the toe in at 0 with radials but not sur eif that is necessary. They do make a world of difference. Running Diamond backs also.

Re: Radial tires
 

I've had radials on my '49 for over 20 years with no problems. Handles well as long as I drive it like a '49.

Re: Radial tires
 

Re: Radial tires
 

I don't know about a IFS front end, but on straight axles there's a difference setting for bias and radial tires on the toe in + 1/8 vs -1/8.

Re: Radial tires
 

Cutting the front coils changes the steering geometry. Did it on a '49 Merc many years ago and never could get it to work right. Got it steering ok but it chewed up front tires bad. Cutting coils is a bad way to lower a car.