OT...The DeSoto gets new shoes...Wow, what a difference!

[BloodyKnuckles]

Well the old tires on Heather's DeSoto were starting to crack along the sidewalls but the tread was in great shape so they often got overlooked. While doing the brakes I had a chance to inspect them and decided to replace them.

Being a part of the HAMB I have joined their "Alliance". The "Alliance" has many vendors that sell lots of parts but only one sells tires, Coker. I run Coker Classics bias on my Plymouth and the look is dead on. But as everyone knows bias can wander a bit and looks are not as important as safty when it comes to my wife. Also Coker's reputaion for thier radials isn't the best in the industry. So the HAMB Alliance discount was out, oh well.

After a bit of research and many reasons I have decided on 225/75-15 Diamonback radials. Being that the DeSoto is blue with a white top we also decided to go with a very wide white @ 3 1/4". We sandblasted and repainted the wheels to match the blue body color.

Before;

After;

I really like how it looks without hubcaps;

We are very happy with the results and most importantly, the ride.

BloodyKnuckles

[NatesSedan]

Looks nice. I like the blue as well.

Where do you find the time for all these projects??? I can barely keep up with the one I have! Time and money....Time and money.

Work sure gets in the way of things....

[BloodyKnuckles]

Work sucks!!

Heres a rundown of what I have been working on;

1.) '61 Buick Skylark needs the AC hooked up, 700r4 installed, rear axle changed out.

2.) '51 Plymouth needs the windows and trim finished, the interior which Heather and I are doing, fuel filter and regulator changed out, engine cleaned and detailed.

3.) I have got to rewire the DeSoto bad.

4.) The Model A is waiting patiently in the wings, I am always collecting parts.

5.) I have been working on the house, walk-in closet, pantry, hvac, breakfast area, attached garage, 40'X40' shop.

6.) oh and work.

Now all of this is going on everyday. The only car I don't actually work on is the "A" but like I said I am always looking for parts and pieces.

I'm not sure you guys know this but my days are actually 48 hours long condensed into 24 hours. Thats how I get all this stuff done.

HEHEHEHE

BloodyKnuckles

[BobT-47P15]

Looks nice. Should drive reeaal good. I think the tires from Diamondback

are a good product.

[daddyo23]

Bloodyknuckles,

I wish I had that kind of energy. Doing 11-14 hr nights driving semi's and dock work leave me beat. But, hopefully that will change soon. Keep posting those pictures, you got me inspired to get out there and finish putting that dual master on. Thanks, Wayne P.

[David Maxwell]

Now I want a Desoto too!

[BloodyKnuckles]

The DeSoto looks good. However' date=' I have new bias Coker Classics (about 200 to 300 miles on them) and they don't wander any more than the radials would on an uneven surface. I think the key is proper inflation and just having good tires on the car, and steering, and suspension gear. The car can also sit in one spot for a couple of months and the Coker Classics have no flat spot. Now, I did notice that when I put about 30 to 32 lbs in the tires originally, the car did wander a bit. However, the book says 24 lbs for the P15. I didn't feel right with only 24 lbs, so I have 28 lbs in them and they ride fine and steering is good. Plus with the bias tires, the ride is nice and soft and no tire hum.

I will agree that radials are a stronger tire and have an extra set of wheels to put some on when I pick up a "round to it" just to try them out. Not sure if I'll leave them on though. Everyone I know locally that has put radials on their old 40's and earlier with original type steering gear has gone back to bias tires. That's simply because the radials make the car harder to steer when parking etc., without power steering.[/quote']

Norm, trust me when I tell you "I am a die hard bias ply tire guy"!!! I have over 20,000 on my Cokers and I love them. My car is probably heavier than yours mainly because I carry about 600 pounds of mobile repair items all the time. I may try a lower pressure but I don't mind the bit of wander I get. The DeSoto does ride far better than my Plymouth but that is because of many things, tires being one of them.

When it comes to a period based custom like I'm trying to do with my Plymouth there is nothing finer than a set of wide white bias plies!!

Thanks for comments guys.

BloodyKnuckles

[Normspeed]

Now I want a Desoto too!

David, great minds think alike. I want one too. What a great looking ride.