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Joined: Jun 2015
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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OP
Shade Tree Mechanic
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I am replacing the tires and was wondering would it be possible to use 650x16 tires on my 41 Chev Coupe without changing to a wider rim or rubbing when turning? I have 600x16 tires on the car now with what I think are 4" wide rims. The Coker catalogue shows the "recommended rim width" for 650x16 tires at 4.5"-5". Thank you.
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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I recommend you stay with the 600X16.  
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: May 2002
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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ChatMaster - 6,000
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Like Ray I recommend staying with the 600 x 16 on the 4" rim. By putting a wider tire on you risk rolling the tire off.
Tony
1938 1/2 ton Hope to drive it before I retire
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Joined: Jun 2015
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Sounds like good advise, safety is more important than looks. Thank you Ray & Tony.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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Actually the 6.50 looks too "fat".
The option in 1941 was a 6.25, a size that was discontinued in 1942.
If you want a litte fatter tire get a Firestone. They tend to be a little more plump than the the other brands and have a nice white, white wall also.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jan 2012
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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I know this subject has been worked pretty thoroughly but here is my experience. I live in a very rural area and often drive natural dirt roads with a lot of sharp flint rock-- tough on most 4 ply tires even steel belt radials. After using up two sets of 6:00-16 bias 4-ply in 17 years on my '47 sedan I decided to try 6:50-16 8 ply bias. My local tire guy had a set in house at reasonable price so I figured why not? They actually were meant to be truck tires for a 5 inch rim but went on fine, balanced nicely and looked great. Did not bulge out and caused no interference with wheel wells. Traction is really good (3/4 inch tread) and there is no road wander. Since they are bigger diameter the car sits up higher and gear ratio is reduced so taking off in first requires a bit more clutch slippage or more abrupt start. Rpm drop at 50 mph quiets the interior a lot.
I have put 1500 miles on them and they still make me happy. Obviously so non stock but it's a driver!
Dan
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I think you could run them without any trouble. The only drawback I can see is that the 650 will be a tight fit in its place in the trunk. BTW: Unless one has changed the speedometer gear 50MPH is not 50MPH for the car when using a taller tire (larger circumference). It is a bit more. Charlie 
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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ChatMaster - 25,000
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I know of several that rans 6.50s with no rim problem.
Gene Schneider
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Joined: Jun 2015
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Thank you for all your responses but I am a little confused. Does going from a 600 to a 650 mean a wider tire and a higher tire? I am a bit of a purist and I was only wanting to go wider to slightly change the look of the car but still stay close to the original specs but if it means a performance change I would rather stay with the 600x16. Thanks again.
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Okay, here is the deal, pure, time-tested and simple. Almost all of us must get down and look at the tire size if we suspect for some reason that they are not 600-16. I have done that many times. Others have too. They are very close in size. The 650 is slightly larger in circumference and width. The footprint is a bit larger also. Not enough to tell without looking at the size on the tire, though. The weight of the car has an impact on size of the footprint. My recommendation is, if you have any doubts at all, run the 600-16s. Charlie
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A 6.50 tire is both wider had higher.
From the 1960 chevrolet specs for small trucks and cars, the 6.00 tire is 6.4" wide and 28.4" in diameter and the 6.50 is 7.3" and 29.8".
Doesn't sound like much but very noticeable.
Gene Schneider
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Wow, lots of great information and lots to consider. It's great to have several points of view to help reach an informed decision. Thanks very much to everyone..
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Joined: Jul 2002
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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When I restored my '41 I was fortunate to find a good used set of 600X16 WWW tires at a good price. When I installed the tires I discovered one was a 650x16. I installed the 650X16 on the right rear wheel. No problems and no one has ever noticed the odd tire. All same brand , etc. just one was a 650X16. If and when I replace these tires I may go to radials. If I go bias tires I will go to 650X16. JIM
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Joined: Dec 2001
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Technical Advisor ChatMaster - 10,000
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Having two different size tires on the back of the car is not a good idea. Extra wear of the differential gears. The car will think you are driving in circles. (Which may be true). I strongly urge you to go all 5 tires in 600X16.
RAY Chevradioman http://www.vccacolumbiariverregion.org/1925 Superior K Roadster 1928 Convertible, Sport, Cabriolet 1933 Eagle, Coupe 1941 Master Deluxe 5-Passenger Coupe 1950 Styleline Deluxe 4-Door Sedan 1950 Styleline Deluxe Convertible 2002 Pontiac, Montana, Passenger Van 2014 Impala, 4-Door Sedan, White Diamond, LTZ 2017 Silverado, Double Cab, Z71, 4X4, White, Standard Bed, LTZ If you need a shoulder to cry on, pull off to the side of the road. Death is the number 1 killer in the world.
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Joined: Jun 2015
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Jim, Would you possibly be able to send me a pic of the one 650x16 on your car. Really curious how they look on your car.
Thank you. John
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Joined: Jul 2002
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Backyard Mechanic
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Backyard Mechanic
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No more than I drive my '41 the wear on the rear end will be minimal. I am in Texas for the winter. When I get back to Missouri I will send you a picture of the 650X16 on the car.
I think I will go back to 600X16. Since my car is restored to original the 600X16 look a lot better JIM
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Joined: Jun 2015
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Shade Tree Mechanic
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Jim, Thanks very much, I'll look forward to your pic. John
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