pro and cons 16 inch vs 19 inch wheels

[ford31]

thinking about changing my 31 pickup to 16 inch tires and wheels,will it drive better ect

[Charlie Stephens]

I assume you are talking 16 inch wire wheels. Remember that you will need to let some air out of the spare (and carry a pump) to get a 600 16 into the fender well. Running a 550 16 might fit but I haven't tried it. The 1932-34 4 cylinder hub caps look good on the '35 Ford wire wheels.

Charlie Stephens

[hardtimes]

Originally Posted by ford31

thinking about changing my 31 pickup to 16 inch tires and wheels,will it drive better ect

This is like oil and can o worms type question, i.e.- everyone has an opinion ..and I'd bet that yours will vary also !

Ideally, locate a friend/club member who has some of the wheels/tires that you would like to try. Borrow, etc, and see what conclusion that you come to.
As to color, do what is known as photo shop your A with differing wheels and colors. You might even come across a combination that you like.

[1931 flamingo]

New tires (19's or 16's) and a front end rebuild will make anything drive better. JMO
Paul in CT

[CWPASADENA]

I have 16's on one of my cars and 19's on the other. I like them both.

16's are generally smaller overall diameter unless you run 7:50's which are really big.

Smaller overall diameter tires will make the engine turn faster for the same road speed as the larger overall diameter 19 in tires.

I do like the ride of the 16's especially if you run them a little soft.

My opinion,

Chris W.

[Kevin in NJ]

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The original A wheels and brake drums are designed as a structural unit. The thin steel drums and the A wheels formed a box section when together. Some drums were even machined on the outer surface for the wheels from Ford.

So using steel drums with other then factory A wheels may allow the brake drums to warp funny. Then again, it may not.

With new cast iron drums I do not know if that is as true.

Just something to consider.

[FRANK PKNY]

I run 16's on my every day driver, modern radials, large in the back and a tad smaller in the front. Rims from a 46 Ford no tubes. The old coup rides and handles like a race car. I love to drive it on back winding roads. Really makes a Model A handle like a charm.

[1929]

I like the ride with my 16s, also, when I hit the brakes the car stops on the spot, it doesn't slide like it did with the 21s on a quick step on the brakes.

[Chris Haynes]

My car rides, handles, and stops better and looks better with the 16's.

[Dodge]

The only downside I see is that it lowers your effective rear end ratio. But if you have
an overdrive or a higher ratio rear end its a good thing.
Also its probably the most done modification to a Model A that has been done since
1935. I prefer my cars with the stock wheels for looks but I thing the 16's look great.
I have noticed photos of some club tours that almost all the cars in certain clubs have
16's. Go for it.....

[ronn]

of course we all have an opinion........

16's make the car look "chubby" to me.

I prefer svelte!

[Bob Bidonde]

1932 18" Ford wheels look better than 16" wheels in my opinion.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Lots of folks "think" Model As came NEW, with 16s'----They were SO commonly used. I'll bet there wuz a KAZILLION 16" wheels made, to satisfy the DEMAND????---Even for TRAILERS!
Bill W.