16" to 19" wheels

[48thames]

My 30 tudor has a set of 16" wheels and firestone tires, but he also tossed in a good set of stock 19" wheels with firestones. If I switch to the 19" will I notice a big difference in the ride or steering? Any advantage to running either size?
Thanks.

[DJ S]

I have no first hand experience with 16", but from my understanding they give a lot better ride.

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by 48thames

My 30 tudor has a set of 16" wheels and firestone tires, but he also tossed in a good set of stock 19" wheels with firestones. If I switch to the 19" will I notice a big difference in the ride or steering? Any advantage to running either size?
Thanks.

If you drive your A at low speeds and on good roads without ruts, the 19s are great for this use , IMO.
It you drive fairly high speed and long distances (as in touring) , I'd go with the 16s. Of course this takes for granted that all tires on both sets of rims are in good condition, eh !

My reasoning is that the wider 16 tires are easier to replace if need be and/or emergency, that is.... available. The 19s are great looking /original and thin, therefore follow road irregularities easier than 16s. Also, unless you carry good spare(s), you may have a time getting replacements to you in emergency. I like the extra braking surfaces that the 16 provides over 19s. What is great here, IMO, is that you have BOTH sets to change back/forth as your mood/circumstances dictate

[J Franklin]

If you notice much difference you are more sensitive than I am. The 19" rims look better to me.

[Ron in Quincy]

If your 16" wheels have modern radial tires on them, they will certainly give a better ride.

Ron

[Brother Hesekiel]

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I started out with 16s, fitted with Firestone 6.00-16s and switched to 19s and like the ride and gearing it entails much better.

[C26Pinelake]

In my opinion 19's look much better and more period correct and 16's for sure ride better !
Wayne

[quickchange]

19" correct but for a better ride, bigger print on the ground , 205-80- 8ply radials are the way to go. you don,t lose any gearing either. make sure they are 8ply fitted to toyota utes & nissen couple of years ago. tried normal ply radials & vehicle was all over the road, too soft in side walls of which you dont get on stockers , my old delivery sits as nice at 120K,s as a modern.At last national rally in NZ 35% ran them on the 16" 1935 v8 rims, 19" for show , 16" for go.

[George Miller]

Need to think about how many more RPMS at the same speed you will be running with the 16".

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by George Miller

Need to think about how many more RPMS at the same speed you will be running with the 16".

I agree with George and would want a faster ratio or overdrive if I went to a smaller tire. The Model A has a long stroke (4.25") and runs best at speeds of 2200 RPM or less. Even my 1950 Studebaker with a 4" stroke and overdrive (final ratio with OD is 3.19) kicked in sounds plenty wound out at 55 MPH.

[ronn]

appearance or comfort-to each his/her own...............

[Tom Foster]

Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg

I agree with George and would want a faster ratio or overdrive if I went to a smaller tire. The Model A has a long stroke (4.25") and runs best at speeds of 2200 RPM or less. Even my 1950 Studebaker with a 4" stroke and overdrive (final ratio with OD is 3.19) kicked in sounds plenty wound out at 55 MPH.

I hate to be the one to correct the Master, but...
The size/diameter of the wheels themselves has little to do with this. What you need to look at is the rolling radius of the tires fitted to the wheels. My figures show that 6.50-16 tires generically have about the same rolling radius as 4.50/5.00x19. Individual makes will vary. You need to study a Coker catalog to choose tires that match in rolling radius.
Fearless

[motordr]

Switching back to 19's will make it feel like you have power steering. I drove my 32 with 16" Dunlop radials for 15 years. I have switched back to 18" with new Firestones and I like it. Good springs, Stipe shocks and tight steering components all help, of course.

[glenn in camino]

16s will make your Model A look funny. Stick with the 19s. Nineteen inch radials are available.

[Charlie Stephens]

If you go with the 19's be sure to look into the high quality tubes that Bratton's has available.

Charlie Stephens

[Mitch//pa]

Originally Posted by Charlie Stephens

If you go with the 19's be sure to look into the high quality tubes that Bratton's has available.

Charlie Stephens

yes the Brattons tubes are well worth the extra few bucks.. they are made to there specs and are not available thru other venders.

[pat in Santa Cruz]

which 19's you choose makes a difference in the feel too. The Goodyears feel best, almost the same as radial 16's. I use 16's for touring, as they are less expensive, corner and stop better and last longer, but I put the 19's on for local use and club meets as they make the car look more original.

[Charlville]

My 29 Sport Coupe has 16's and it rides well on them, I also like the look it provides

[George Miller]

If you do go with 16", they are a very narrow wheel. If you used bigger 16" tires to get the conference right. They will be pinched on the rim.

Here is a picture of my 30 pickup with 16" tires. They are smaller than 19", but I'm running a F150 4 speed which has over drive.

[jhowes]

Glenn above says that radials in 19 inch are available but where. I have been looking and cannot find them, and what size 19's do you recommend.