Reproduction Parts for 1916-1964 Chevrolet Passenger Cars & 1918-1987 Chevrolet & GMC Trucks



Visit the new site at vcca.org

Previous Thread
Next Thread
Print Thread
Rate Thread
#359673 01/08/16 10:10 AM
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 2
p.k. Offline OP
ChatMaster - 1,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 2
I have noticed on new tires that they no longer put a air pressure p.s.i. hot or cold on the tire, Just max.
My tires on the 56 are 205/75R/15 and rated 51 p.s.i. max. tires of the past had recommended pressures molded into the tire.
When asking tire installers they all say to use whats stated in the owners Manuel. I don't know for sure but I think the Manuel states like 24 p.s.i / 26 p.s.i. ? This sounds a little Low to me but I don't know. As of now I'm running 32 p.s.i. in my tires rated at 51 max. Anyone have any thoughts on this or is it only me. HAPPY 2016 TO EVERYONE beermugs
P.K.


p.k.

1956 BEL AIR 2 DOOR HARDTOP

I've spent most of my money on Booze,Women and mechanical things. The rest I just Wasted........

Remember , I'm not Always Right. But I'm Never Wrong !
Wilwood Engineering1955-1957

Willwood Engineering

Wilwood Engineering designs and manufactures high-performance disc brake systems.
Wilwood Engineering, Inc. - 4700 Calle Bolero - Camarillo, CA 93012 - (805) 388-1188


p.k. #359674 01/08/16 10:50 AM
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
The Max. pressure shown on the tire is just that. That is the Max. pressure that is safe to use for that tire.
For later cars that came with radial tires, yes, use what is listed in the owners manual or tag on the door post. This is important as not all cars run the common 35 ponds. May have diferent pressures for front and rear also which if not followed could affect the handling of the vehicle.
My suggestion would be to run 32 pounds for older cars using rims that are not designed for radial tires.
Like todays "thinner" oils the higher tire pressures suggested lean towards fuel mileage among other things.

I might add that when radials first came as factory equipment 30 pounds was specified for inflation. When the government pushed for better fuel mileage they increased the pressure to 35 pounds.
You will find that 35 pounds makes for a rather "firm" ride for many cars.

Last edited by Chev Nut; 01/08/16 11:20 AM.

Gene Schneider
p.k. #359684 01/08/16 02:19 PM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by p.k.
I have noticed on new tires that they no longer put a air pressure p.s.i. hot or cold on the tire, Just max.
My tires on the 56 are 205/75R/15 and rated 51 p.s.i. max. tires of the past had recommended pressures molded into the tire.
When asking tire installers they all say to use whats stated in the owners Manuel. I don't know for sure but I think the Manuel states like 24 p.s.i / 26 p.s.i. ? This sounds a little Low to me but I don't know. As of now I'm running 32 p.s.i. in my tires rated at 51 max. Anyone have any thoughts on this or is it only me. HAPPY 2016 TO EVERYONE beermugs
P.K.

I have the same sized radials, as you, on one of my '51's.

Tires and rims came from Coker. They advised me to keep 35 lbs in those tires.



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 2
p.k. Offline OP
ChatMaster - 1,000
OP Offline
ChatMaster - 1,000
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,295
Likes: 2
thanku Gene and Bob !
I think I'll keep the pressure at 32 p.s.i. and run
them that way for awhile and keep an eye on the tread ware.
driving


p.k.

1956 BEL AIR 2 DOOR HARDTOP

I've spent most of my money on Booze,Women and mechanical things. The rest I just Wasted........

Remember , I'm not Always Right. But I'm Never Wrong !
p.k. #359737 01/09/16 11:52 AM
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
ChatMaster - 3,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 3,000
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,801
Likes: 1
32 is a nice number you can live with. As you stated, watch the wear pattern, as you move on. For me, I did not find 35 to be too firm, personal taste I guess. dance



1951 Chevy Styleline Deluxe 2 door sedan / purchased from second owner 6-19-2000.
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
ChatMaster - 25,000
Offline
ChatMaster - 25,000
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 30,701
Likes: 141
An example. In summer I run about 27 pounds cold in my 1950. 24 is recomended. When storing for the winter I inflate the tires to 35 pounds. What a difference in ride but steering is much easier. It has bias tires.
When I tried radials on it I used 30 pounds as any more made for a hard ride.


Gene Schneider

Link Copied to Clipboard
 

Notice: Any comments posted herein do not necessarily reflect the official position of the VCCA.

Powered by UBB.threads™ PHP Forum Software 7.7.5