VCCA Home Forums TECHNICAL - 1945 AND NEWER 1949-1954 Tire size

Hi,

My tires are Universal Tire co. Lancaster, PA 6.70-15 Bias Ply wide white-wall Tires. They have plenty of tread but I would like to go to a radial.

I am more concerned with the best handling I can get in a tire.
Through my research a 215 70R 15 radial tire will offer the best handling.

Would you agree?

Depends on what you consider handling.
You may go down the road straighter but will increase steering effort for parking, make ride stiffer.
The radial size mentioned will be smaller in diameter and effect speedometer accuracy.

I bought 205/75-15 tires. The diameter is very close. The diameter of the 6.70 is 27.4 inches while the 205 is 27.1". Your speedometer will be off a tiny bit but only a mile per hour or two. The width of the 6.70 is about 6.7 inches (hence the 6.70 size) while the 205 is about 8". The width of a 215 is about 1/4" wider. Unless you have power steering you'll find turning the 205 at low speed to be a bit easier than the 215. Some tire stores only stock trailer tires in the 205/75-15 size so you might have to get them ordered in. I was lucky enough to find them in stock. Good luck.

How do you feel that the 205/75 tires-15 tires handle?
They will fit my original rims?

I have bias ply tires on there now and they are not the best.
I know it is a '54 Chevy but I want to get the best size for handling I can find. I appreciate the help.

For handling I mean being able to corner onto a ramp(4 leaf clover) without squealing tires and sliding, and also tracking down the road as straight as possible with the least effort. I don't mind extra effort to park, etc.

Our 54 had 205-75-15 tires on it when we bought it, the tread was good but they were about 25 years old. I replaced them with 215-75-15, was trying to get the speedo closer. We have put about 8000 miles on it in 4 years, we drive it to tours and meets. I think it handles good but ours does have power steering.

Love the way they handle. I have OEM rims and they fit fine.

I replaced the very old bias tires on my 39 with new bias and it did ride and steer like a new car. The point is replacing an old tire with a new, bias or radial, will make a tremendous difference. I went back to bias on my 62 Corvette and I am pleased with the way it steers and handles , particularly low speed parking and maneuvering. Higher speed took a little time to get use to the difference but over all I am happy with the change back to bias.

Dave

I have had the same experiance....just new tires make a big difference, bias or radial.
I would not trust a radial that is over 10 years old for high speed driving.