Tires and wheels

[Brian T]

Do model A owners install 16 inch wheels (35-36 V8) for the looks -- or because they can use modern tires that are easier to find than the original sizes, the wider tire patch having a better grip during braking is an obvious benefit, in addition would a 17 inch A wheel accept a modern tire?.

[CarlG]

1. Yes
2. Yes
3. Yes

[LopezCarguy]

mostly because they don't know the benefit of keeping a car stock...

[Gary WA]

Originally Posted by LopezCarguy

mostly because they don't know the benefit of keeping a car stock...

Mine is stock! ready for Walla Walla too!

[Chuck Sea/Tac]

It drives better with the wider tire.

[Manager]

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I put my 16's on for looks but it does ride and drive better with them on. It may only be because my 21's are old and hard but I ain't buying a new set of 21" tyres to find out. And also as someone else posted I havn't worked out any benefit of staying with the stockers.

[Charlie Stephens]

Originally Posted by Brian T

Do model A owners install 16 inch wheels (35-36 V8) for the looks -- or because they can use modern tires that are easier to find than the original sizes, the wider tire patch having a better grip during braking is an obvious benefit, in addition would a 17 inch A wheel accept a modern tire?.

Did you intend to ask about a 19 inch A wheel and make a typo?

Charlie Stephens

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Originally Posted by LopezCarguy

mostly because they don't know the benefit of keeping a car stock...

The BENIFIT to me is making the car look the way I LIKE IT!! In the "OLD TIMES" it was the most common Model A look & tires were easier & CHEEPER to come by!
Po' Bill W.

[P.S.]

Some people put 16" tires on their Model A because they say it doesn't wander all over the road with them. Translation: Their Model A has worn out front end parts. The stock 19" or 21" tires do not cause a properly maintained Model A to wander.

If you actually fix the car, the tire size won't matter. Discovered this first hand.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

IF you've driven a car very much, with 21" tires, even with EVERYTHING PERFECT, they WILL wander!!!!
Bill W.

[P.S.]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

IF you've driven a car very much, with 21" tires, even with EVERYTHING PERFECT, they WILL wander!!!!
Bill W.

I disagree.

Based upon personal experience and the experience of others in the club, a Model A in proper condition will not wander. Its steering is quite solid.

In fact, my all original 29 Fordor steers perfectly solid on its 21" tires, very similar to a modern car. The front end is in perfect condition.

When I bought the Tudor, the front end was worn and it wandered. After rebuilding the front end and steering components properly, it steers perfectly, even on roads with greatly uneven surfaces.

Marco confirmed as well. His roadster can be steered with one finger and does not wander. I have video to prove it.

I'm still quite new to the Model A, especially compared to many of the people here including yourself. It puzzles me how the wandering Model A became accepted as "normal" over time, and how wide tires on V8 wheels became the popular "solution".

[Blessyouboys]

Originally Posted by P.S.

I disagree ...

As do I. A properly restored Model A will not wander.

[BILL WILLIAMSON]

Dog here,
I think Ol' Bill jist wanted to git everyone stirred up, to see if you're AWAKE & had COFFEE yet??
I gotta' go QUICK, afore he ketches me, he's on the THUNDER MUG, but, he's SLOW, jist lurnin' to walk agin, after "they" put the "SCREWS" to his KNEE!!
Buster T.

[Barry B./ Ma.]

My experience with a 16 or 17 inch wheel has shown me the steering is harder and the engine rpms are higher due to the smaller diameter. I had a set of 17s on my 30 roadster and even with the 3:54 rear end the rpms were noticeably higher than with the 19s. I put the 19s back on before I sold it and the steering was noticeably lighter. Another benefit to the stock Model A wheels is they are much easier to mount on the hub. Anyone try to find the lug holes when you are mounting those heavy 16 or 17" wheels? No fun.

[CarlG]

A lot of the guys in our club have 16" wheels just so they can buy tires at Costco or wherever. I actually prefer the way my 19" wheels look and will be getting a set of Coker radials for them when I replace the tires.

When I was a teenager, when I bought my '31 Fordor with 16" steelies on it. I found a guy that had a set of 19s on a trailer and asked him if he wanted to trade. In fact he actually had a whole set of them, not just the 2 that were on the trailer. Done deal!

[HoarseWhisperer]

Originally Posted by BILL WILLIAMSON

IF you've driven a car very much, with 21" tires, even with EVERYTHING PERFECT, they WILL wander!!!!
Bill W.

My truck (21") must be imperfect. No hands, or fingers when on a straight road. I'm playing with the kid's mother.

[Richard/Tennessee]

Gary Wa.................Great looking wheels and tires