The Ford Barn

The Ford Barn (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/index.php)
-   Model A (1928-31) (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=3)
-   -   Radial tire pressure (https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/showthread.php?t=325340)

Easy 04-08-2023 06:42 AM

Radial tire pressure
 

What is the recommended pressure to run in the 19 inch American Classic radials?

nkaminar 04-08-2023 07:04 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

The tires have 35 psi printed on them. I found this to be too low. I run 50 in the rear and 45 in front with my heavy Fordor. Go for a drive of about 10 miles then touch the sidewalls. It they are hot to the touch then the pressure is too low. The sidewalls should be warm, but not hot. Disclaimer: Since the tires have 35 psi printed on them, you are on your own when increasing the pressure. Modern tires that are not damaged, for instance by running on them when they are flat, can withstand 200 psi. But I am telling you what I do and not recommending that you do the same.

old31 04-08-2023 08:06 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

Coker told me to run 35 psi on my 19" ww radials.

Y-Blockhead 04-08-2023 09:54 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

I tried 40psi in my 4.50-500x19 American Classic radials and found the ride a little on the harsh side. Drop down to 35psi and the ride is much more to my liking.

I suggest you try different pressures on your car and find what you like.

alexiskai 04-08-2023 10:07 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

I’m guessing the different answers have a lot to do with the different weights of these cars. Neil’s car is pretty heavy as I recall.

Y-Blockhead 04-08-2023 10:19 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by alexiskai (Post 2217160)
I’m guessing the different answers have a lot to do with the different weights of these cars. Neil’s car is pretty heavy as I recall.

I can't imagine his car being that much heavier than my '30 Town Sedan.

Big hammer 04-08-2023 12:07 PM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

IMHO by over inflating your radial tires, you’ve turned them into bias ply tires

CarlG 04-08-2023 02:07 PM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

My Coker 19" radials say on the sidewalls: Max 44 psi. I run mine at 40 psi, works for me.

alexiskai 04-08-2023 02:57 PM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

If you run the car’s weight and the tire load rating through tire pressure calculators, usually you come out with 25-35 psi as the recommended pressure, depending on the body type and expected passenger weight. I did this for the American Classic 21” radials.

jadatis 04-08-2023 05:02 PM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

Tirepressure is all about load on tire, and maximum speed used.
All not to overheat any prt of tire-material, when driving the speed constantely.
So if you give tire specifications, this "pigheaded Dutch selfdeclared tirepressure specialist" will make a pressure/axleloadcapacity list, with build in reserve.

Then you only need to determine the axleloads acurately and s3arch them back in my list, the most tricky part, and your responcibility.

Need next.
1. Maximum load or loadindex.
2. Kind of tire to determine the maxloadpressure.
3. Speedcode, less important.

nkaminar 04-08-2023 07:07 PM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

My Fordor has a heavy metal trunk in the back loaded down with heavy tools and parts. Another heavy tool box in front with oil, coolant, and more parts. Plus all the added body insulation and tools under the seats. Did I mention there are lots of tools. With the tire pressure I run the radials still perform like radials.

Again, it comes down to heat. High temperatures can limit the life of a tire and ruin the inner tube. Too much flexing leads to too much heat.

Model A Ron 04-09-2023 09:50 PM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

Quote:

Originally Posted by nkaminar (Post 2217289)
My Fordor has a heavy metal trunk in the back loaded down with heavy tools and parts. Another heavy tool box in front with oil, coolant, and more parts. Plus all the added body insulation and tools under the seats. Did I mention there are lots of tools. With the tire pressure I run the radials still perform like radials.

Again, it comes down to heat. High temperatures can limit the life of a tire and ruin the inner tube. Too much flexing leads to too much heat.

I just got a set on this weekend and filled them to 35. I have not went for a test drive yet but the tires look underinflated at 35. I will see if they get hot after a 10 mile ride and I have a feeling they will......next will be increase to 45. I tend to run my modern cars at max psi.....tires last longer and better MPG. You do get a harder ride but I will take that for more tire life.

TerryO 04-10-2023 08:13 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

I run 35 lbs and they drive very well...


TOB

goldie 04-10-2023 11:16 AM

Re: Radial tire pressure
 

If you remember back in the olden day when radial tires first came to use in the USA they all bulged. They appeared to be low on air pressure but were not. My new American Classic radials set at the max of 35 psi also have that bulging look where the rubber meets the pavement. Have to believe modern radials have stiffer sidewalls, but not the American Classics.


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 11:51 AM.

Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2025, vBulletin Solutions Inc.