VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 1954 Radials On Old Style Rims

I have a question about useing radials on the old style rims. I see in other posts and a right up in Old Car Weekly the this is a NO NO. I would like to install a new style rim that I could use radials on but where would a person buy them? The off-set, bolt pattern and etc.?

Also would like to know about the timeing on a 1954 W/PG. I have seen "0" deg.s and "5" deg's advanced. What is correct?

1954 Radials On Old Style Rims single choice
	1954 Radials On Old Style Rims
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I have radials on the original wheels on the 52, most every member of our club runs radials on original rims. I have not run into a problem nor has any one I know. By the way when posting a new topic, click on the words NEW TOPIC not POST A POLL.

If the inner surface next to where the tire bead seats is not rusted away the rim should be strong enough for use with radial tires.Its best not to use a excesivly wide tire as this puts more strain on the rim.

The correct proceedure for setting the timing is to set the octane selector at 0 (at base of distributor) ,then set the timing on the "ball" which is also 0.Then the octane selector can be set towards the 10 deg. mark as far as possible with out the engine pinging or turning over slow when hot.With todays higher octane (87) gas it probably will not ping too easily....So in other words it can be run from ) up to 10 deg. advanced....the extra advance will produce more power and better fuel milage.

Thanks -- As for the wheels they are rusted (tire beads) and I have installed the Radials and have had trouble with keeping air in them. I did have the tire people put sealant on the rims and they seem to be holding air at this point. The spare has a radial tube in it as it would not hold air. The right front full hub cap is moving on the value stem also. So far no hub caps have hit the road! I just don't fell safe with them.

Rex,

It sounds to me like your wheels weren't in all that good of shape, especially for radials.

I'd give some thought to replacing the wheels. Especially the rusted ones. Or possibly using radial tubes.

I've had Coker (P205's) wide white radials on my 54 Bel Air since they were first availabe about 10 years ago. NO problems like you're mentioning. The same problems have been mentioned by others in MANY threads on this subject. I AM pleased I haven't had ANY of these problems. Incidentally, my wheels were in excellent condition. I'm sure that's a big part of why I haven't had any problems.

My 54 Hardtop is also a PG. I'd say just follow
Gene's advice......

Bill.

I have had P205\75R15 radials on the original rims of my 1950 for two + years without any problems. It drives and rides very nicely.

One of the tire vendors I spoke with believes that radials stress the rims less than bias ply tires because of the more flexible side walls (less mechanical transfer).

However, that might be offset (more or less) by the fact that most of us run our radials at higher air pressure than we did the bias ply tires. I ran bias ply tires at 26 to 28 and now run the radials at 30 to 32.

Jim

Jim,

I believe just the opposite of what you're saying.

I think the greater flex of the radial's sidewall causes the problems with the rims. I think that's why it's so important the wheels the radials are installed on need to be of superior quality.

Also, I think your radials are under-inflated. I'm pretty sure Coker suggests 35-36 pounds. I've always gone with 35. Great wear and ride.

The radials are a bit more difficult to parallel park than bias ply tires. But who the heck drives these old cars "downtown" and has to parallel park?? Not me. At least only very rarely!

Bill.

I run 34 in my 205/75 15s, ride may be a little harsh but that is what the tire guy recommended.

Gentlemen, THe informaion I have regarding radials on old style rims is that the old rims do not have a safety bead like later rims do. Under hard cornering and high speed the radial bead can slip. With out the inner safety bead it is possable the tire bead could slip to far and let the air out in a blow out fashion. Now I know our dead stock (although mighty) engines will not allow us the luxury of race car performance, so I don't believe it to be an issue. I plan to run WW radials on my second set of wheels for cruising (Bias on the other for shows)

In 1950 and up there were no safety beads on any wheels other than Chrysler products, which did have them, and given the early bead breaking equipment that was in use then they were a bitch to change.

Ron from Canada posted some interesting info about radials on old(er) wheels.

But, like Ron said, I DOUBT "hard cornering and high speed" driving are an issue when we're driving our 'old' Chevies.

HA!!! "Hard cornering and high speed" driving..... what a joke!!!

Of course that is something the safety weird-o's would insist on having a Congressional Investigation about if they got wind of this. Another gov't waste of time and money. Let's hope the "Nader-types" never hear about this!!!

Bill.

The only "hard cornering" involved is in how hard it is to turn the steering wheel to corner!

Hi guys, I think we've had lots of good input; I have '54 3100 that I have driven 20,000 yr for the last 8yrs all over the state of Colorado. My freeway speeds (downhill) have reached 85mph, and I drive daily 40 miles at 70mph...I have NEVER had any problems with the radials on the original rims...they work great! Bob

Hi allstate bob,

Have you changed the engine or rear end in your ride? That is some remarkable speeds for that unit.
Is it three on the tree or four on the floor?