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Old 05-01-2023, 03:19 PM   #1
kurt v
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Default 35 rims on 31 roadster

What would be the best looking tire size, 550 or the 600 bias ply ?
thanks kurt
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Old 05-01-2023, 04:21 PM   #2
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

I have two roadsters. I have ‘32 16 in. rims for my ‘30 roadster and I plan to put 5.50’s on the front and 6.00 or 6.50’s on the back.

David Serrano
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Old 05-01-2023, 10:48 PM   #3
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

I would vote 600 front and 600 or 650 rear.

I think 550's are a little small.

My opinion,

Chris W.
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Old 05-02-2023, 12:10 AM   #4
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

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Originally Posted by California Travieso View Post
... I have ‘32 16 in. rims for my ‘30 roadster ...
David Serrano
'32 Fords had 18" wheels, '35s had 16" wheels
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Old 05-02-2023, 07:29 AM   #5
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

I have 18" wheels on my Coupe because they fill the wheel openings really well.
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Old 05-02-2023, 08:10 AM   #6
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

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Are you running fenders or highboy style. I’m running 6.00 in the front and 7.00 in the rear on my highboy roadster with 35 rims.
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Old 05-02-2023, 08:19 AM   #7
kurt v
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

31 roadster with fenders, just want it to look a little lower no hot rod just stock except the 19 in skinny tires and wheels.
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Old 05-02-2023, 09:25 AM   #8
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

I went with Westlake SU318 225/75R16 tubeless radials. A better ride then bias ply tires and NO TUBES. Also, tire diameter is nearly identical to 19" Model A tires, so no speedometer correction needed.
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Old 05-02-2023, 01:21 PM   #9
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Mine has 6.50 radials all around. A friend has bias ply 6.00 front and 7.00 rear with a 2" front drop that looks good.
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Old 05-03-2023, 05:43 AM   #10
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

The model A stock had a 31inch total rear wheel diameter.. 550/16’s and 600/16’s are quite a bit smaller diameter, 26-27inches or so, it affects overall road speed like a higher rear axle ratio does… to achieve 31”s I had to run a light truck tire to get a tall enough sidewall..for ease of steering I ‘crown’ the fronts, inflate to max load capability. Smaller foot print, less effort
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Old 05-03-2023, 07:54 AM   #11
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Someone has to support Henry's design and I don't wish to appear critical but WHY? Part of the Model A Ford experience is the 21/19 in. narrow wheels. It is harder to steer with the fatter tires. Just my take, Ed
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Old 05-03-2023, 02:41 PM   #12
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

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Someone has to support Henry's design and I don't wish to appear critical but WHY? Part of the Model A Ford experience is the 21/19 in. narrow wheels. It is harder to steer with the fatter tires. Just my take, Ed
Bought mine with the "fat" tires and KH wheels. I like the look better than the light weight looking stock wheels. Mine also has the F1 steering box added and it steers easily.
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Old 05-03-2023, 03:54 PM   #13
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

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Someone has to support Henry's design and I don't wish to appear critical but WHY? Part of the Model A Ford experience is the 21/19 in. narrow wheels. It is harder to steer with the fatter tires. Just my take, Ed
And it’s a whole lot harder to stop with stock tires.. skidding isn’t stopping, it’s a car out of control.
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Old 05-03-2023, 09:58 PM   #14
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

FWIW,
I run radial tires of modern design/build/supply on my two coupes.

I ran the bias ply tires originally supplied and will not go back.
The car drives much easier, typically you don't turn the steering wheel unless the car is rolling at least some. The radials track much better on less than perfect roadways and running above 60 is much less exciting.

Yes, for brakes, all hydraulic and stopping is not a problem.

The original car design was for roads in the late 20's, now a days the requirements have changed, some...

John
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Old 05-04-2023, 12:47 AM   #15
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

They used the best available…… then. We have better available now if we choose to use them.
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Old 05-05-2023, 12:07 PM   #16
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Here's my 31 with 550 and 750 17" BFG's. 16's will look similar
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Old 05-05-2023, 12:26 PM   #17
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

I am running Diamond Back 600-16 bias look radials on my RPU.
Warren

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Old 05-06-2023, 03:47 PM   #18
kurt v
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Tiny, like the way the roadster looks, thanks.
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Old 05-08-2023, 10:29 AM   #19
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

thanks
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Old 05-08-2023, 02:05 PM   #20
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
'32 Fords had 18" wheels, '35s had 16" wheels
Carl,

My mistake. Thanks for the clarification.

David Serrano
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Old 05-08-2023, 02:16 PM   #21
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tiny View Post
Here's my 31 with 550 and 750 17" BFG's. 16's will look similar
Tiny,

Those tires and rims look great. I thought 700+ tires would be too big but they look fine.


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Old 05-08-2023, 02:30 PM   #22
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Quote:
Originally Posted by CarlG View Post
'32 Fords had 18" wheels, '35s had 16" wheels
Carl,

My mistake. Thanks for the clarification.

David Serrano
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Old 05-09-2023, 11:59 AM   #23
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

IMG_1391.jpg

Here's 5.50 Firestones and 7.00 rears that are not Firestones for comparison
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Old 05-23-2023, 05:41 PM   #24
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

Stock wheels and tyres vs 16' 35 wires with 7.00x16 and 5.00x16 stahl radials i borrowed of my mums sport coupe to fit in a bit better at a hot rod event my mums model a wasn't ready for

For reference my mums burtz powered 28 sport coupe that has since been finished
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Old 05-24-2023, 12:39 PM   #25
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Default Re: 35 rims on 31 roadster

The 550 tires might (?) fit in the fender wells if that is what you have. If I remember correctly I had to let some air out of the 600's to get then to fit.

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