Bias Ply Tire retrograde - ‘60 Lark Regal

[Kurt W. Krauss]

I will be replacing the existing Hancook thin whitewall radials mounted on Ranger wheels on my ‘60 Lark Regal with bias ply whitewalls and OEM steel wheels. Which is more appropriate - Firestone 640-15 with 2 1/8” whitewall or BF Goodrich with 3” whitewall? I think the former, but interested in feedback. Hard to tell from brochures. Thanks in advance.

[jetboat]

IMOP I would go with the 2 inch, 3 is to wide for period correct. I found 2 1/2 was correct for my 57 Hawk for i had the original spare to measure from. I do like the 3 for more of the hot rod look, put them on my 54 3r6.

[StudeRich]

You will find the handling will be considerably Worse with loosing those wider footprint Radial Tires.
The Radials Track much straighter instead of following the Road Surfaces like Bias tires do.

Then there is the added strength of the newer Ford Wheels.
Most Stude. owners do exactly the opposite, and others use the Wide White Wall, "Period Correct Look" Radial Tires.

But, it IS your Lark !

[Kurt W. Krauss]

StudeRich - yes I know, you are right - but I prefer the look of the Firestones and I think it might be easier to parallel park (I don’t have power steering).

[StudeRich]

Were you running 36 Lbs. air pressure in your Hankook Radials ?

With the Alignment correct, a '60 even with the VIII, should Not be all that hard to Turn.

[Kurt W. Krauss]

I haven’t checked lately- it was ca. 33 PSI last time I checked. It’s certainly better than my ‘72 Saab 99E but still a bit of a struggle. My desire for the Firestones is mainly for the look on my Lark which is all original except for an alternator conversion (I have the generator from LarkTruck) and an electric fuel pump for those hot days or when it hasn’t been driven in a while.

[IndStudenut]

StudeRich brings to mind a question I have...... I have heard (and experienced) bias ply tracking with the pavement. but is that because of construction of the tire? or the fact that the tread pattern is so narrow. Anyone out there have some of the new bias ply look radials on their car? And if so is the pavement tracking mentioned still a problem? Or do they behave and track better because of the radial design.

Rick

[mbstude]

Anyone out there have some of the new bias ply look radials on their car? And if so is the pavement tracking mentioned still a problem? Or do they behave and track better because of the radial design.

Rick

I don't have any experience with the Coker versions, but I put a set of Diamond Back "Auburn Deluxe" tires on my '53 Commander. I have about 2000 miles on them so far and they ride and handle as well as any other normal radial tire. Should also mention that the wheels are new and 6" wide.

Actual bias ply tires may have the "right look" but they are terrible for driving, IMO.

[IndStudenut]

That is why I was asking.... Haven't bought any yet by I also am looking at the diamond back auburn deluxe and wondered if the radial design fixed the bias wander issue. Sounds like it has .....

[Randy Bohannon]

I have 7.10 - 15 radials that look like old Firestone's on my '56 Golden Hawk and on my '52 Commander running 30#. They eliminate all bias ply wander, ride silky smooth and track straight as an arrow. You have to read the tire to tell they are not bias ply. The only way to go.

[StudeRich]

GREAT, but What Brand are they ? Firestone clone by Coker? Or a Non Common Brand from China?

[gjamesk]

I have had Coker American Classic 710R15 mounted on aftermarket 15" x 6" wheels on my '52 Commander for 5000+ miles. They are great tires. Nice ride, no wander. I'm
happy I got them when I did as they're over $400 a pop now.

[pinehurstbob]

I had a set of Coker wide whitewall radials on my 60 Lark Convertible and loved the look, especially with skirts and full wheel discs. Problem was, I drove the car too much!! Coker were great on the warranty and replaced 3 out of 4 in the first 2 years. Problem was , I had to find a hunter road force balance and send them the paperwork to get a replacement tire. If you are not going to drive your car ( and my definition of driving your car is less than 2000 miles a season ) you could be happy. For me they could not send a free set of tires that I would be happy with. So I have gone with mag wheels and "conventional" tires. Keep on cruising!!!
Bob

[Dwight FitzSimons]

I second studerich & mbstude - stick with radials. A local '67 Firebird owner once told me of the bias-ply tires he had on his car just for judging: "With them, you think you are going to crash any minute." Buy radials and get a gym membership.
--Dwight

[Andy R.]

+1 on the Comer bias ply.

Pressure is the most important factor in any case.

The perfect match to original spare 2.25” ww Firestones (Coker) drive my Hawk perfectly and the proper diameter for the speedometer.

My other Hawk has radials, but the wrong size (too big) and wanders.

Unintended consequence is that radials will exert more lateral force on your front suspension bushings. The resulting negative camber made a spirited Wagonaire handle great, but sure wore out the tires (and looked janky)!

Another added benefit is the bias plys won’t rust on the inside and can last longer.

[Andy R.]

If your suspension has already been restored, it’ll be great either way.