I have a 38 roadster with solid front suspension. I need to put 6.00 x 16 white wall tyres on it. I see that I have a choice of crossplies from Firestone, BF Goodrich and Coker. Coker also make a Coker Classic Radial. I would appreciate any advice on these tyres. Is the Coker radial a "must have" or is a cross ply satisfactory? Is any one of the crossplies better that another? Are there any other choices that are better? This needs to be a considered choice because the tyres have to come from the USA and aren't cheap. Thanks.

I looked at several types of tires and decided on this company.I really like the ones they make. Check out this link. Some guys have had a few problems with Coker.I think Coker finally made it right but still...shipping tires from the usa to austrailia back and forth could cost alot.

http://www.dbtires.com/tires.html

Terry,
You can do a search on this topic. Just go to the blue "search" heading in the bar above. There has been much discussion and some of it has been fairly recent.

The best I can determine after having read all the posts is the following:

a. Radials ride better
b. Radials may have some issues owing to the flex on the rim.
c. Radials may have issues of keeping pressure on some old rims.
d. Regular bias-ply tires are good and deliver good service.
e. Regular bias-ply tires are closer looking to the original.
f. Regular bias-ply tires are a little cheaper.
g. All in all, its about six of one and a half dozen of another. You know.

Others will likely advise you on the above and may have a better take on the subject and you attending questions that I.

I recommend the B.F. Goodrich. They seem to hold the white wall color well and are fine for most applications. Get new inner tubes.

Firestones are merely a personal choice and seem to be the favorite of those rascally Frod folks. That's reason enough to stay away from them. Grin.

Good luck,
Charlie

BTW: I'm told that the BFGs do well on either side of the road and upside down.

BTW2: They ain't "tyres." They be "tires." Or in MrMack or Tiny's lingo, "casins."

Charlie. I have been following your lengthy and interesting post on various subjects. Until now I figured you knew proper English. Being from NC you should know them thar things are "tars" not "tires". If you are going to correct verbage tell it like it is. Please don't let this discourage you on your editorials but I could not stand by and let this gross error go without comment.

BTW-(your favorite addition to your post) This is just one example of Ozark coliqual(sp).

JIM

They are all rubber rim protectors but some are made of a plastic imitation.
Tony

If you can find a supplier that sells 185/85Rx16s or 190/80Rx16s locally the size is very close to the 600x16. The link Steve posted is to Diamond Back and their new catalog shows a 190/80Rx16 radial made by Yokohama as a radial replacement for the 600x16. If you can find a tire dealer locally that sells Yokohama you might be able to get them without paying shipping from the US.

Atta boy, Tiny. Unlike me you went the extra mile for Terry.
I hope it works out for him.
Best,
Charlie

tiny or anyone , what 15 inch radial tire would be most like a 600 * 16 bias tire ? i heard a 28 inch diameter , but ........

It would probably be an 85 series. The best advise I can give is research the 15" tires available to find the one closest to a 28" diameter without being too wide. Most tire sites have the details (cross section, tread width, diameter, etc.) available. You can always just buy the tire that you like and check how far off it throws your speedo and adjust your driving speed to fit. A smaller diameter tire will make your speedo indicate faster than you're actually traveling.

In germany (witrh strict laws) The only one type to replace 600 x 16 would be 185 R 16.
Stefangermany

Thanks for all the input. I will now check the local suppliers and see what they offer and at what price. Some people use a Michelin radial and put a whitewall on it but I don't like detachable whitewalls. I am inclined to use an original crossply type of tyre because that's what they had and they are cheaper but then again I have located a Diamondback dealer who specialises in whitewalls so I will have a word there too. Thanks again to all.

Look at that, it's been 18 months since I asked about this but still it's sitting on its brand new 30 year old blackwall crossplies. The reason for this is varied. I decided to use Coker Classic radials and they said "No, no they delaminate". Perhaps Diamondbacks and they said "No, no too wide for 4" rim and it's not legal to scrape the walls". Perhaps Firestone Vintage cross ply and they all said "No, no you'll wander all over the road". Seeing as it is an expensive purchase I put it off and went on happily with my Triumph TR3A and 28 Chev tourer. Now my wife loves the TR but lives in fear of the 28 and has indicated that she won't get in it again after 20 years of it. Looks like I will have to do something. Ultimately I can buy any number of radial blackwalls cheaply and put flaps on them but they all say "No, no the flaps tear and discolour and scuff the tyres". If it wasn't a roadster I would just put blackwall radials on it and leave it at that. The day will come when I will make my decision and just do it.

Terry
Looks like the 38 may have found a brick wall in respect of the tyres and now the petticoat government has shut the door.

Tony

Hi Terry,
Have you tried Old world lamps in Mudgee.
I haven't bought tyres from them, just seen their web site.
(tyre)is correct ausie spelling,

DiamondBack is the way to go.

Be aware that the Diamondback tire Steve is showing is just under 1.5 inches wider than a 600x16. I had to send a set of tires that size back because of clearance issues. Their catalog says it's the "perfect" replacement for the 600x16 but when I called them they didn't even know the tire was too wide. The only radial tire I know of in a true 600x16 is the Coker and they are expensive. If someone knows of another source for a true 600x16 radial please post it.

My 40 special deluxe has 36 year old Firestones on it and have 4K miles on them . Still solid with no tread cracking etc. I got the car last June , and plan to run the tires till I get a flat, then start my search too. I am surprized at the great condition of the firestone tires after all this time! The white walls are good too. Martinomon

Coker ................... Diamondback

600 x 16 ................. 195x80rx16
Dia. 28.36 " ..............Dia. 28"
Section width 6.4 " .......Section Width 7.7 "
Tread width 4.5 " ........Thread Width 5 "

Cost $206 ................Cost $209

They both fit a 4inch wide rim. The diamondback does not need a tube. I've had mine 2 years ..no leaks I don't know about Coker.


The Diamondback is 1.3 inches larger in the mid section.
The Diamondback is .360 of an inch smaller in Dia.
The Diamondback has a 1/2 inch wider tread

Overall the diamondback looks slightly fatter, but I think this is as close as it can convert to a modern radial tire size.

DB says they'll have a 600x16 radial available in the spring. I'm curious to see the specs and price on it.

I am sure the radials would be nicer, but I put a set of the Coker Classic bias ply white walls on my 37 a couple years ago and I am very satisfied. They are much smoother, quieter, and ride much better over all than the 30 year old Firestones that were on it. So far about 2000 miles and the tread seems to be wearing well. I had them balanced and haven't had any vibration issues with them. I have radials on my 48 and they work good also. The radials may ride a little better but I think they have more road noise than the bias plies.

(I deleted some of the quote and underlined for emphasis.)

Terry, I do NOT have experience with the 600x16 radial replacement size(s). I can only address what you call "flaps." Back in the day (40 years ago), in my circle of friends the "add on white walls" were called "Mickey Mousers." (Also back in the day that was our slang for "not so good.") The "Mickey Mousers" sorta worked. But usually just for a few months. After that time they often discolored. With NO satisfactory way discovered of cleaning them/making them 'white' again. And, God help you if they were ever scraped on the curb while parking. They ripped or got smooshed up badly. And could not be re-installed and ever look right again.

What I'm getting to is suggesting you do not use the "flaps." If I were you, I'd continue researching wide white wall tires, or tyres.

In Coker's support, I will say I've used their wide white radials successfully for years. But just on early 50's Chevs with 15 inch wheels. Both P205's and P215's with fine results. I never did get around to putting 16 inch wide white radials on my '42. So, no experience with "600x16" replacement size radials. Just bad experience with "flaps."

Bill.

Just thought I'd add a bit from my limited experience...My '47 came with Firestone/bias ply when I bought the car 20 years ago...And although I dis-like the ride (wander) they sure are holding up well...I can no long kept the white-walls "white", though...

I'd like to thank everyone for their input, as I'm always gathering info as to what I'll purchase next time...It'd be nice to get this right, being so much $$$ is on the line...

Gee, Martinomon...36 years...? My your brave...My inner tubes are starting to fail and they must be around 25...My Firestones look fine, though...It's the high-way speeds that concern me...

Tiny...? the DB's were to wide for comfort...? I thought you and Steve had the same year/coupe...?

Steve doesn't have fender skirts to worry about. Even at that if I remember right he had to modify his trunk floor to make clearance for the wider spare tire. The thing that disappointed me the most was the 'experts' at DB didn't know their "perfect" 600x16 replacement tire was significantly wider than an actual 600x16 until I told them. Even after being made aware of it they didn't seem to give a crap.

I had to add 2 flat washers under the shelve to keep from scratching the white wall. The DBs are a little wider in the middle. GM didn't leave much space for clearence. As far as fender skirts, I wouldn't know about that except that it looks pretty close, just looking at it.

I'd forgotten about the fender skirts...Now, I wonder why your "after" photo isn't your avitar photo...

Now I forget...Did the DB's come from Coker...? Because I also had a problem with their attitude's...And customer service as well...

You have mail..

Following all of this is very interesting and informative.

I should stay out of this - - particularly since I don't care about trophys and am not a "purist" (although I don't fall out with either approach).

FWIW, in my ignorant opinion, the single, most dramatic thing one can do to an old car involving safety and drivability is to put radial tires on 'em. Bias ply tires follow every imperfection in the pavement making my driving miserable. Radial tires simply go where they are pointed (by the driver) and make my driving a pleasure.

I have the 600X16 WSW (orig wheels) that were on the '41 when I bought it recently. I wouldn't put 'em back on the car other than to sell it. The '41 is sitting on 4 15" radials and drives much better and safer as a result. Since I drive my ol' cars, I always put radials on 'em. I'll take drivability over looks every time.

Granted, to each his own. No argument with that.

Also, FWIW, (learnbed from a nephew) many of the Corvet guys have had trouble with Coker tires. However, many of 'em like Diamondbacks very well.

As I said, I should have stayed out of this. No offense intended.

I agree. It might be a point deduction to have radial tires but not everyone is into the points game.I think if you are going to drive the restored car at all you need radial tires.I love the Diamondbacks I have.

I've been been driving on bias ply forever...And I have to admit it's a little funky (and scarey) at times...They seem to be too firm/hard for my tastes...

All very interesting. I have read all the posts and went to the club Christmas party with the roadster. Much discussion. Basically all agree that the car is better on radials but some are prepared to live with the shortcomings in the name of originality.The car has a set of wheels of varying colours which doesn't help with the look and it also sits too high. For now all wheels will be painted body colour and fitted with new hubcaps and wheeltrims/beauty rings and the body lowered to a reasonable height. I actually have two sets of crossply/bias tyres which have full tread, though they are most probably 30 years old, so I will leave them on and see what it all looks like. If it looks OK I will most probably fit radial blackwall which I can buy for about $150 ea. Beyond that my choices are blackwall crossply/bias at about $180 ea, same thing in whitewall at $300 ea, Diamondback radial whitewall at $365 ea and Coker Classic Radial at $400 ea. It will all happen. Thank you all for your constructive comments. Much appreciated.