Go Back   The Ford Barn > General Discussion > Model A (1928-31)

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
Old 12-03-2017, 09:47 PM   #1
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default 21" Radial ply tyres

There has been discussion here now and then about radial ply tyres but nearly always 19". The general consensus seems to be that they improve the ride and road holding no end and I don't doubt it. Does anybody have experience with the 21" version. Coker don't say much about them on their site. I even had to enlarge the picture to be able to see that they are 5.50/6.00R21. At those figures, it seems to me that they are probably quite large and the rolling diameter would be about 2 1/2" more than the standard 21' cross ply tire and the tread much wider.
At $240 each, they are cheaper than the 19" ones (surprise) so I either buy a set of those or buy a set of wheels, then pay more for the tyres as well. Over here, pre-depression (28/9) cars are more common than 1930 ones and no 1931 Model As were sent to this country in the day. Finding a set of 19" wheels won't be as easy as over there but if I buy in the US, I don't get to inspect them and then there is the freight. AARRGGGGHHH!
I'm leaning towards the 21" tyres for obvious reasons but would like to get some feedback first.
Thanks in advance.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 02:19 AM   #2
Tom Wesenberg
Senior Member
 
Tom Wesenberg's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Mpls, MN
Posts: 27,582
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Aren't they made by the same company, so the results should be the same?

I haven't tried either, as they are outside my budget.
I just bought a set of four 225-75-15 whitewall radials for $276 for all 4 delivered to my door, for my Studebaker.
Tom Wesenberg is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 12-04-2017, 02:28 AM   #3
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post
Aren't they made by the same company, so the results should be the same?

I haven't tried either, as they are outside my budget.
I just bought a set of four 225-75-15 whitewall radials for $276 for all 4 delivered to my door, for my Studebaker.
Yes, made by the same company and as you say, the results should be the same. My question is about their large size will affect gearing and whether the high aspect ratio I expect they have will affect road holding.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 09:10 AM   #4
jhowes
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: upstate NY near Mass border
Posts: 789
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Might I ask what an "aspect ratio" is and how does it effect road holding? Jack
jhowes is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 09:26 AM   #5
Railcarmover
BANNED
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,262
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by Tom Wesenberg View Post
Aren't they made by the same company, so the results should be the same?

I haven't tried either, as they are outside my budget.
I just bought a set of four 225-75-15 whitewall radials for $276 for all 4 delivered to my door, for my Studebaker.
Nice...Im running 16" wheels on the A,thinking about 'chinese maypops' as well,can grab a set of 205/75 r16 radials for $48.50 a piece at Wallyworld..
Railcarmover is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 12:09 PM   #6
denniskliesen
Senior Member
 
denniskliesen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 877
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
I checked price last night @ Coker and they were $313.00 Where are you getting $240?

Just looked at price again and when looking for Excelsior radial it states starting @ $240 but that is for the least expensive of all sizes for that radial. If you choose 21" from the side bar it corrects to actual price $313.00 Plus you need radial tubes. Best to call Coker and ask questions. They show that tire mounted to a Model A 21" rim and we can assume they will work, but yes they are about 2" larger diameter at 32.10" I'm not ready for tires yet but would like to have a set before going on long tours.

Last edited by denniskliesen; 12-04-2017 at 12:16 PM.
denniskliesen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 12:29 PM   #7
barkleydave
Senior Member
 
barkleydave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 502
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Handling will be different but also radial profile will put a lot more side torque on the 21 wheels hubs and spokes. Radial do not drift like bias tires.
barkleydave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 12:37 PM   #8
Curtis in MA
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Leicester, MA
Posts: 296
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Why do you need special tube? Are radial tubes different?
Curtis in MA is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 03:53 PM   #9
1931 flamingo
Senior Member
 
1931 flamingo's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: new britain,ct 06052
Posts: 9,389
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Any new tires are going to give you a better ride and handling. JMO
Paul in CT
1931 flamingo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 03:53 PM   #10
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by jhowes View Post
Might I ask what an "aspect ratio" is and how does it effect road holding? Jack
The aspect ratio is the ratio between the tread width and the height of the walls. Eg, a 205-60 X (say) 16 tyre has a read width of 205 mm and a wall height of 205x60%= 123mm. 16" is 406mm so the inflated tyre would be 406+(2x 123)+ 652mm diameter. The higher the walls of a tyre, the more flexing you get as you corner and the more it will want to wander in a cross wind etc
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 03:56 PM   #11
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by denniskliesen View Post
I checked price last night @ Coker and they were $313.00 Where are you getting $240?

Just looked at price again and when looking for Excelsior radial it states starting @ $240 but that is for the least expensive of all sizes for that radial. If you choose 21" from the side bar it corrects to actual price $313.00 Plus you need radial tubes. Best to call Coker and ask questions. They show that tire mounted to a Model A 21" rim and we can assume they will work, but yes they are about 2" larger diameter at 32.10" I'm not ready for tires yet but would like to have a set before going on long tours.
http://www.cokertire.com/tires/style...m_diameter=121 is where I got the price. There is only one size made for 21" wheels and Coker says they don't make a tyre for the Model A rim yet they show the tire mounted on one. What is going on?
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 03:59 PM   #12
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by barkleydave View Post
Handling will be different but also radial profile will put a lot more side torque on the 21 wheels hubs and spokes. Radial do not drift like bias tires.
Barklydave, I'm not into drifting my Model A but even with cross ply tyres, I have pulled spokes off the rim and split the centres due to strong and consistent crosswinds over a coupe of weeks driving every day - a total of about 4,000 miles.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-04-2017, 08:32 PM   #13
barkleydave
Senior Member
 
barkleydave's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 502
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Yup for sure... not intentional drifting however bias tires will break loose sooner than radials so less strain on the wheels. I folded a 48 spoke wheel on an MG when I changed to radials and was driving it hard. folded like a playing card! Ouch..
barkleydave is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2017, 07:18 AM   #14
aermotor
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Greenville, SC
Posts: 1,099
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Post #12 & #13 were my main concerns. With todays roads I can live with the slight wandering more than busted wheels.

John
aermotor is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2017, 07:59 AM   #15
2manycars
Senior Member
 
2manycars's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern CT
Posts: 2,732
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by barkleydave View Post
Yup for sure... not intentional drifting however bias tires will break loose sooner than radials so less strain on the wheels. I folded a 48 spoke wheel on an MG when I changed to radials and was driving it hard. folded like a playing card! Ouch..
That is why we use 60 spoke wheels on our MGs over here. Especially in the east where there are lots of twisty roads.
__________________
Bill
www.brauchauto.com
2manycars is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2017, 05:10 PM   #16
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

I sent a "contact us" to Coker asking about these tires and they replied that they don't make a radial tire for a 21" Model A wheel. I replied asking why is it then, that you show one mounted on a 21" Model A wheel on your website? There has been a deafening silence since. So much for customer service! So much for honesty in advertising!

Late addition: Coker have responded and say that the only 21" tire they make is 5.00/600R21 and is too wide for the Model A wheel. That sounds more than reasonable so it looks like I might have to find a set of 19" wheels (not so easy here).
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

Last edited by Synchro909; 12-05-2017 at 09:29 PM.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-05-2017, 07:00 PM   #17
NCRebel
Senior Member
 
NCRebel's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Oxford, MS
Posts: 102
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

There are two brothers that visit my car every home football game I attend. These men are in their + 70's. They talk about racing the Model A's they had as young men. One brother admitted he would win by using 21 inch tires while his brother had 19's. They said the road conditions were no factor in the outcome, just the extra diameter of the tire.

They winked a lot and smiled as they remembered the tale.
NCRebel is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2017, 04:23 PM   #18
updraught
Senior Member
 
updraught's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,966
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

The Comp V 600x21 supposedly can go on a 2 1/2 inch rim!

The 19 and 21 inch radials are unlikely to fit any pre war cars as most did not have 4 inch rims.
updraught is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2017, 05:32 PM   #19
2manycars
Senior Member
 
2manycars's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern CT
Posts: 2,732
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Coker old stock radials. Not for road use.

https://www.cokertire.com/550-600-21...or-comp-v.html
__________________
Bill
www.brauchauto.com
2manycars is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2017, 05:37 PM   #20
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by 2manycars View Post
Coker old stock radials. Not for road use.

https://www.cokertire.com/550-600-21...or-comp-v.html
They are Bias ply and most likely all gone by now. Thanks anyway.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2017, 05:52 PM   #21
updraught
Senior Member
 
updraught's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,966
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

They have been old stock for about 9 years I have been told.
In the last few months recently they have been labeled as such. No warning previously.

Nothing about not fit for road use:
https://www.cokertire.com/550-600-21...or-comp-v.html
updraught is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2017, 06:03 PM   #22
1955cj5
Senior Member
 
1955cj5's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Boise, Idaho
Posts: 1,576
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by updraught View Post
They have been old stock for about 9 years I have been told.
In the last few months recently they have been labeled as such. No warning previously.

Nothing about not fit for road use:
https://www.cokertire.com/550-600-21...or-comp-v.html
There is a note at the bottom of the page....

"PLEASE NOTE

Our New Old Stock tires are offered for display purposes only. They offer all of the authentic details of their brand new siblings at a reduced cost. NOS tires from Coker Tire Company are not intended for use on the road and are offered with no warranty"


I emailed Coker some time ago about 21" radials. They wanted to know how many I wanted. I replied 5 at most......pretty quiet after that....


.
__________________
Early '29 CCPU that had a 4-speed, but not any more.......in the family since '62
1955cj5 is offline   Reply With Quote
Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
Old 12-06-2017, 06:06 PM   #23
updraught
Senior Member
 
updraught's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,966
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

So if I bought them 6 months months ago ? Where would I be.

Anyway, these were sold for many years for use on 2.5 inch to 3.5 inch rims for use at up to 149 mph I believe.

PS. The Comp H 600 x 21 which is rated for up to 130mph has a rim width of 3.25 to 4 inches. Keep in mind that the sidewall is supposed to straight up and down.

Last edited by updraught; 12-06-2017 at 09:21 PM.
updraught is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-06-2017, 06:49 PM   #24
2manycars
Senior Member
 
2manycars's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Eastern CT
Posts: 2,732
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by Synchro909 View Post
They are Bias ply and most likely all gone by now. Thanks anyway.
Sorry, my mistake. I followed a link for radial tires and ended up there, and did not read the fine print.
__________________
Bill
www.brauchauto.com
2manycars is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2017, 01:17 AM   #25
denniskliesen
Senior Member
 
denniskliesen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: SoCal
Posts: 877
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Interesting... not the first time I've heard a similar story about Coker. Yep 2 sets of 5 - 21" rims. So who has good tires for driving in wind? Don't be caught with a set of Lucas in strong winds. I found that out last night.
denniskliesen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2017, 03:42 AM   #26
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)
I've found Lucas to be very much inclined to wander. No wonder when you look at the width and height of them. Of the Bias ply tyres I have used, I think Firestones are the best. That said, I have Goodyear on the P/U but I haven't owned it long enough to form a reliable opinion.
I (and others) have found that 5.25X21 Firestones improved roadholding no end over the standard size. They are about 5% larger diameter.
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.

Last edited by Synchro909; 12-07-2017 at 03:52 AM.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2017, 08:44 AM   #27
eagle
Senior Member
 
eagle's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Eagle Bend, MN
Posts: 2,025
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

I've found that running higher pressure in the tires helps crosswind wander. I run 45 lbs, have for years.
__________________
"There are some that can destroy an anvil with a teaspoon and shouldn't be allowed to touch anything resembling a tool."
eagle is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-07-2017, 04:23 PM   #28
updraught
Senior Member
 
updraught's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,966
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Keep in mind that increasing the tire pressure will reduce the tire patch.
updraught is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 03:45 PM   #29
M2M
Senior Member
 
M2M's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Australia/USA/EU/Soviet Russia
Posts: 1,105
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

MACS and others seem to have the 21" radials for Model As in stock, see:

https://www.macsautoparts.com/ford_m...blackwall.html

https://www.performanceplustire.com/antique-tires/excelsior-tires/stahl-sport-radial-tire/ty:Antique:ts:550600-21/?
__________________

M2M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-09-2017, 05:03 PM   #30
updraught
Senior Member
 
updraught's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,966
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Well, there you go.

Macs say they fit Model AFord.
updraught is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 08:25 AM   #31
M2M
Senior Member
 
M2M's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: Australia/USA/EU/Soviet Russia
Posts: 1,105
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by Synchro909 View Post
Late addition: Coker have responded and say that the only 21" tire they make is 5.00/600R21 and is too wide for the Model A wheel. That sounds more than reasonable so it looks like I might have to find a set of 19" wheels (not so easy here).
The Stahl 550/600R21 will fit a 21" Model A rim although the width a the 21" rim is less than ideal (a bit too narrow) which is why Coker told you no so they cover themselves as far as liability. I personally would use them without fear.

The 19" Model A rims I believe are slightly wider than the 21" plus the Stahl comes in five 19" widths including 500R19 and 550R19.
__________________

M2M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 12-10-2017, 05:51 PM   #32
Synchro909
Senior Member
 
Synchro909's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2014
Location: Melbourne, Australia
Posts: 7,471
Default Re: 21" Radial ply tyres

Quote:
Originally Posted by M2M View Post
The Stahl 550/600R21 will fit a 21" Model A rim although the width a the 21" rim is less than ideal (a bit too narrow) which is why Coker told you no so they cover themselves as far as liability. I personally would use them without fear.

The 19" Model A rims I believe are slightly wider than the 21" plus the Stahl comes in five 19" widths including 500R19 and 550R19.
Thanks, M2M. I also think Coker are just covering their backsides however, I think if I go with radials, I will use the 19". Even allowing freight from the US for a set of 19" rims, a wheel will work out cheaper by the time you allow that the 21" tyre is $US313 and the 5.00R19 starts at $US253. (as you know, they are not as common here as the 21")
__________________
I'm part of the only ever generation with an analogue childhood and a digital adulthood.
Synchro909 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)


All times are GMT -5. The time now is 07:52 AM.