VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1946-1948 Wheel size mystery, '48 Fleetmaster

I have a 1948 Fleetmaster Sport Coupe. I need to replace the ancient tires so I thought I would just see what size was on the car now. I notice that the car presently has 15-inch wheels while any spec that I see for that year and model says they should be 16 inches. Is there any case in which 15-inch wheels were used? I understand that they may have been an option but I can't find a reference for what size tire was used. I can get 15-inch tires for those wheels that are darn close to the outside diameter and width as those for the 16-inch wheels. Open to ideas and suggestions.

In 1948 the 6.00X16 tire was standard equipment. There was a factory option for 15 inch wheels and the tires were 6.70X15.
I would say at least 50% of 1948 cars had the 15 inch low pressure tire option.

Thank you Gene, this helps immensely.

Eclector,

Now you've gone and woke up folks who just snoozing away. Don't worry none though, they'll soon go back to sleep. Will too!

About those 15 inch rims, I suppose the wheels would be reduced in circumferance from the 16 inch ones. So my question is Gene: Was a different speedometer gear called for?

Best,

Charlie

BTW: To all the Fleetliners: You're getting sleepy, you're getting sleepy, you're getting s l e e p y, y o u' r e g e t t i n g s l e e p l y, there there. Now sleep tight, you special thing you.

The fatter 6.70 tire made up for most of the one inch small diameter. The same speedometer gears were used.

Okay, Thanks.

I suppose the small difference was not enough to warrant a change.

Best,

Charlie