tovigba
- Reaction score
- 1
- Thunderbird Year
- 1956
My recently acquired 1956 came with 14-inch Kelsey-Hayes reproduction wire wheels and very old, must be replaced. Coker Classic 205/75R14 tires. There is almost no clearance between the left rear fender skirt and the existing tire - so little that the latch has to be pushed up against the tire when installing the skirt (the right side has approx. 1/4 inch more clearance).
I am about to order a set of American Classic Bias Ply Looking Radial Tires 750R14 with 2.25 whitewalls by Coker instead of ordering a replacement set of 205/75R14 radials, specifically the less costly Diamond Back I Radial Tires w/ 2.5-inch whitewalls. I am hoping that the American Classic being a little "taller" than the existing Coker's (approx. 27" vs. 26" diameter) and a little thinner (7.65" wide vs. the likely 8.1" width of the existing Cokers) would somewhat alleviate the rear fender skirt/tire shoulder clearance issue.
I would appreciate any and all thoughts on whether the extra expense of going with the American Classic Bias Ply Look Radial 750R14 over the cheaper Diamond Back I Radial 205/75R14 would be worthwhile towards providing more space between the shoulder of the tire and the rear fender skirts. To that end, it is interesting to note that the Diamond Back I spec sheet shows a 7.80-inch width which is less than a typical 205/75R14 tire. And as an aside, I'd also appreciate opinions on which tire would have the better appearance (and drivability) with the 14-inch wire wheels on a 1956 peacock blue baby bird.
Thanks all, Barry
I am about to order a set of American Classic Bias Ply Looking Radial Tires 750R14 with 2.25 whitewalls by Coker instead of ordering a replacement set of 205/75R14 radials, specifically the less costly Diamond Back I Radial Tires w/ 2.5-inch whitewalls. I am hoping that the American Classic being a little "taller" than the existing Coker's (approx. 27" vs. 26" diameter) and a little thinner (7.65" wide vs. the likely 8.1" width of the existing Cokers) would somewhat alleviate the rear fender skirt/tire shoulder clearance issue.
I would appreciate any and all thoughts on whether the extra expense of going with the American Classic Bias Ply Look Radial 750R14 over the cheaper Diamond Back I Radial 205/75R14 would be worthwhile towards providing more space between the shoulder of the tire and the rear fender skirts. To that end, it is interesting to note that the Diamond Back I spec sheet shows a 7.80-inch width which is less than a typical 205/75R14 tire. And as an aside, I'd also appreciate opinions on which tire would have the better appearance (and drivability) with the 14-inch wire wheels on a 1956 peacock blue baby bird.
Thanks all, Barry
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