Radial tires

[Blu Dice]

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.

[flathead4rd]

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.

[kidflash]

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

[Blu Dice]

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.

[trainguy]

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

[TJ]

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

[V8 Bob]

My '51 had belted tires and cut coils 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.

[alan]

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

[jdl]

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

[Frank Miller]

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.

[George49Ford]

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.

[Merc Cruzer]

Originally Posted by Frank Miller

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.

Is there anything to this? I had mine set at the original specks.

[Blu Dice]

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.

[4t8v8]

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.