tire pressures

[leonard]

I purchased a tire pressure decal from Studebaker international looking at it it states front tires 24 psi, rear tires 20 psi. was that a miss print or is that what it should be, I have 1964 cruiser. thanks in advance.

[StudeRich]

1) The 1964 Tire pressure recommendations by the Auto Mfg's. were to produce a soft ride, not to maximise tire life, yes those were correct at the time for the Bias. Ply Tires, but people "in the know" and Tire Mfg's. used 30-32 PSI.

2) These recommendations were for the Original narrow 6.40X15 Bias Ply Tires, rarely used today.

3) The best handling, and best tire life etc. will be obtained by following the Tire Mfg's. Max Pressure cast into the sidewall of your current Radial Tires, usually about 35-36 PSI Cold.

4) Many "authorities" have said that 2 to 4 Lbs. less in the rear contributes to better stability and handling.

[leonard]

tire pressures

thank you for the info. len

[studegary]

1) The 1964 Tire pressure recommendations by the Auto Mfg's. were to produce a soft ride, not to maximise tire life, yes those were correct at the time for the Bias. Ply Tires, but people "in the know" and Tire Mfg's. used 30-32 PSI.

2) These recommendations were for the Original narrow 6.40X15 Bias Ply Tires, rarely used today.

3) The best handling, and best tire life etc. will be obtained by following the Tire Mfg's. Max Pressure cast into the sidewall of your current Radial Tires, usually about 35-36 PSI Cold.

4) Many "authorities" have said that 2 to 4 Lbs. less in the rear contributes to better stability and handling.

A 1964 Cruiser came standard with 6.50X15 tires and 6.70X15 optional.

Tire pressure for a 1964 Cruiser is listed as; normal 24/20, with a heavy load (defined) 26 and "for sustained high speed driving" 30.

The maximum pressure on the tire sidewall is just that, the maximum that that tire is to be run at. The tire manufacturer has no idea of what the application of that tire will be.

These 1964 tire pressures are for bias ply tires and do not necessarily apply to radial tires (probably don't).

[StudeRich]

Some '64's had 6.40, some had 6.40/6.50 on the SAME Tire, depending if they were Firestone or U.S. Royal, some may have been marked as 6.50 so obviously there was no difference or so minimal that it does not matter.
The differences in Diameter and Width between Makes of Tires would be greater than between a 6.40 and a 6.40/6.50 or 6.50, either way a TINY, skinny Tire for a 3,120 Lb. + Car.