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Old 02-12-2019, 01:28 PM   #1
AL in NY
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Default Tubeless 16" tires

Would tubeless 16" radial tires work on 1935 Ford rims?
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Old 02-12-2019, 01:44 PM   #2
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

No,

1932 Model B and V8 used a 18" rim. \

1933-34 V8 and Model B used 17" rim

The 16" spoke rim was 1935 only
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Old 02-12-2019, 02:15 PM   #3
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Yes you can use tubeless on 16 in 1935 Ford wheels.
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Old 02-12-2019, 02:59 PM   #4
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Yes but I would use Radial tubes. I would not go tubeless with those wheels.
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Old 02-12-2019, 04:10 PM   #5
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Mine have been tubeless for 6 years. I add air once a year. Never had a problem with them.
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Old 02-12-2019, 05:03 PM   #6
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

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For safety reasons it is illegal to run tubeless tyres on those rims here. I wouldn't do it for my own sake and for the safety of my passengers and others on the road. Waaaay too much at stake to take a risk like that, IMO.
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Old 02-12-2019, 06:43 PM   #7
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

works on all four of mine, no issues
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Old 02-12-2019, 07:51 PM   #8
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Yes, I have two Model A s and both have Bridgestone Ecopias . They are LRR which gives you a excellent ride and easier steering. I have over 20,000 miles on one set and not much wear. The old 21 inch bias ply would barely make 10,000 miles and they would be worn out . I used three sets of them and biasply are not cheap. I believe the size is 185/80,16 and 28 inches in diameter but would have to verify that when I get home. The tires are for electric car use only. I emailed Bridgestone and gave them the weight and speed of the Model A and said they would be fine and not a problem.
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Old 02-12-2019, 08:57 PM   #9
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Bruce. I have those same tires. What air pressure do you run in yours.
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Old 02-12-2019, 11:31 PM   #10
Bruce Newbery
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

I run at 32lbs and it handles well .I have them on my29 Hardtop pickup and on a 29 Business Coupe
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Old 02-13-2019, 02:02 PM   #11
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Bruce/Guys, thanks for the feedback. I've been toying with the idea for 16" rims with radials, but wanted to be sure I could run them tubeless. Now the search is on for four 16" rims. I did see a really nice set of 15" rims for a 33-66 Mopar that has the same bolt pattern. I have to check and see if they will work on Model A brake drums.
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Old 02-13-2019, 02:28 PM   #12
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by AL in NY View Post
Bruce/Guys, thanks for the feedback. I've been toying with the idea for 16" rims with radials, but wanted to be sure I could run them tubeless. Now the search is on for four 16" rims. I did see a really nice set of 15" rims for a 33-66 Mopar that has the same bolt pattern. I have to check and see if they will work on Model A brake drums.
Hey AL,
As stated, in answer to you OP, yes they will work !
However, depending on the condition of your wire 16" rims, you should consider using 'radial tubes' with your radial tires.

I have always 'prepared' the center of wire rims to prevent any chaffing of tubes, if used.

I have a set of Coker steel belted radials on wire rims (KH) for many years now. I installed the Coker radial tubes recommended and have lost only a few pounds of air a year from each. I maintain 32 lbs and ride/steering is great !

One thing that I recommend is the Coker tube stem 'protector". Wonderful/cheap insurance against rim chaffing the tube stem.
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Old 02-13-2019, 02:51 PM   #13
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Quote:
Originally Posted by AL in NY View Post
Bruce/Guys, thanks for the feedback. I've been toying with the idea for 16" rims with radials, but wanted to be sure I could run them tubeless. Now the search is on for four 16" rims. I did see a really nice set of 15" rims for a 33-66 Mopar that has the same bolt pattern. I have to check and see if they will work on Model A brake drums.
I must start by saying I don't know the answer to your question but be sure to check for the fact that Model A (and all the way to 1935) Ford brake drums are at two levels. If the Mopar wheels are designed for a flat drum you may have a very dangerous situation. The raised area on the Model A brake drum will keep them from seating and tightening the nuts will put too much stress on the lug nut holes leading to possible failure (the wheel falls off). You may have to make adapters to solve this problem.

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Old 02-13-2019, 07:50 PM   #14
Bruce Newbery
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Al ,I would stick with the 16 inch .The Bridgestone tire is very close to the Model a tire in outside diameter and it is probably 2 ply sidewalls. They would be perfect for your F150 overdrive so you can keep your speed up.You will find perfect rims,just keep looking.
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Old 02-13-2019, 08:55 PM   #15
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Been running 16" modern Tubeless radials on 1935 16" rims on blue coupe for over three years now. Befor that the same tires and wheels were on my speedster - first installed in 2008. woe it has been ten years. Yes, I know it is time for new tires. The tread is stilll good but the sidewalls are beginning to crack.


The tires are Dunlop 215 70R 16. The new tires - sometime this spring -will be either Goodyear or Dunlop -same size.


Its IMPORTANT. Make sure there are no rough spots, barbs, scratchy thingees on the inside of the rim, expecially at the spoke weld joints. I took a die grinder and polished the inside of each of the four rims.
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Old 02-13-2019, 09:22 PM   #16
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

yes you can. I put 16" Good Years on Glorrian Nau`s tudor years ago and they drove it to Loveland, with know problems
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Old 02-13-2019, 09:22 PM   #17
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Ford 16" wire rims are welded spokes,use a decent valve stem and run tubeless

Kelsey Hayes 16" wire rims are true spokes that anchor inside the rim,use tubes and flaps

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Old 02-14-2019, 08:01 AM   #18
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Nice pictures and explanation, railcar. thanks.
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Old 02-14-2019, 08:42 PM   #19
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

nice set on facebook marketplace..4 1935 for wires with coker classics and hubcaps for 650 bucks.
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Old 02-15-2019, 03:28 PM   #20
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Default Re: Tubeless 16" tires

Railcarmover, I don't know much about Facebook Marketplace. Could you post a link or the sellers cont6act information?
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