Powerhouse Posted April 20, 2011 Report Posted April 20, 2011 (edited) Hello all. This info may help some of you looking to get radials on your rides. For my 39, I went with Dumflop Radial Rover 215/75r15 on the front...and 225/70r15(only 10mm wider - hardly noticeable, but all my supplier had left in stock - for 3 months) on the rear. The wider rears could possibly be wider but I do not want to have any rub. Tire looks nice and traditional as far as pattern...so aesthetically it doesn't scream modern tires, but the performance DOES! Also I mounted the tires with the white letters to the inside. The real factor in converting to modern radials/wheels is NOT wheel size...it is TIRE CIRCUMFERENCE. The old tires I had were 91" circumference (29" tall) Tornell 650-16 The new tires are 87.25" circumference (27.7" tall) I wrapped those skins around some 15x5 5/4.5 bolt pattern smoothies from wheel vintiques. They actually are multi pattrn bolt pattern but the extra holes allow to keep the pin on the drum. The rivets do need to be ground off a bit to allow the wheel to sit flush on the drum. Easy to do. AND they only take certain hub caps...not the originals. I opted for the baby moons. Look semi-original, eventually I will print some repro (1939-40 style)ship decals to make them look more stock. ALSO...I converted drums to accept wheel studs and lug nuts instead of the old wheel bolts. The new wheels hubs have bigger center bore and are not so easy to hold on and mount. I am still in the process of getiing hardware for the rears. The fronts were sent to me by a forum member. A GREAT guy! I can now use my overdrive in 2nd gear..and hardly even have to use 1st gear on flats or downgrades. Even on some slight inclines. My speedometer seems to be on the ball too. Edited April 20, 2011 by Powerhouse Quote
greg g Posted April 21, 2011 Report Posted April 21, 2011 what no pictures?????? smoothies and baby moons Quote
Powerhouse Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 Sorry...pics coming ASAP. I have my running boards off to re-cover...but I guess it doesn't matter for a pic. Lookin good greg g.... Quote
Powerhouse Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 It has a 3.9 stamped on top of the case...hard to see. I do not know hat gears are in the OD, it is out of a 37 Chrysler. Non-electric. Speedo gear is an 18. Quote
P-12 Tommy Posted April 21, 2011 Report Posted April 21, 2011 How much difference is the ride? I'm going to convert here soon 'cause my bias-plys are getting down there. Tom Quote
Powerhouse Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 How much difference is the ride? I'm going to convert here soon 'cause my bias-plys are getting down there.Tom WAY different ride. In a good way. Feels like it runs better too... Besides being safer...they feel great. Quote
Powerhouse Posted April 21, 2011 Author Report Posted April 21, 2011 Those look very nice PH Thanks! I am pleased with the looks and handling. I didn't want to get radials because I was afraid of ruining the look of the car...but it's not very noticeable...and it performs way better. Quote
P-12 Tommy Posted April 22, 2011 Report Posted April 22, 2011 Looks like you need a hood handle on the drivers side. Someone on E-bay is selling some if you need one. Tom Quote
Powerhouse Posted April 22, 2011 Author Report Posted April 22, 2011 Good eye! I have the handles at home though. I took them off and replaced with a special bolt that I have a key too...kinda like a locking lug nut. Too may people think it's ok to just turn the handle and check out the show under the hood...when I am not even there! Can't believe some people....gee whiz! Quote
Alshere59 Posted April 22, 2011 Report Posted April 22, 2011 Good eye! I have the handles at home though. I took them off and replaced with a special bolt that I have a key too...kinda like a locking lug nut. Too may people think it's ok to just turn the handle and check out the show under the hood...when I am not even there! Can't believe some people....gee whiz! I would be more than a bit upset if I found anyone attempting that. Sad comment on society. Hopefully its just a few isloated incidents. Still to many though. Quote
Powerhouse Posted April 22, 2011 Author Report Posted April 22, 2011 (edited) yeah...I don't know how many times it happened...but no more chances is better than one jerk with a bad plan. I was more worried about vandals than enthusiasts....but enthusiasts wouldn't just go around randomly opening another persons hood....and not expect a black eye. I'm working on a hood latch design that works from inside ONLY. Edited April 22, 2011 by Powerhouse Quote
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