How wide should the whitewall be?

[Jimmie]

I am now ready to purchase a new set of whitewall tires for my 50 Champion. I did a search and have read what many have had to say. It appears to me that the best type of tire for me will be a bias belted like came out on the car. How wide were the white walls on the 50's?

Thanks to those who can be of help.

Jimmie
Orleans, Indiana


1950 CHAMPION -ORANGE COUNTY, INDIANA

[52-fan]

If you buy the correct size bias ply that is made from the original molds, like the Firestone Deluxe Champions I put on my 52 years ago, the white wall should be the correct width. I think mine came from Coker.


1952 Champion Starlight, 1962 Daytona, both w/overdrive.Searcy,Arkansas
"I may be lazy, but I'm not shiftless."

[Pat Dilling]

Jimmie, Please regard this as my opinion only. I don't know how much you drive your Champion, but if you drive it much at all I suggest you consider a good set of radial tires. They are available from Coker or Diamondback in sizes and whitewall width correct for your car. Many advances have been made in tire technology over the 60 years since your car was built. Radial tires will make it more enjoyable to drive, and will be safer. If I recall correctly there are no longer deductions for radial tires at Studeabker meets if that is a concern. Correct me if I am wrong. Just something to consider.

Pat

Pat Dilling
Olivehurst, CA
Custom '53 Starlight aka Stu Cool

LS1 Engine Swap Journal: http://www.hotrodders.com/forum/jour...ournalid=33611

[paul v]

Jim, I like the way mine look and they are 2.5" wide. Paul


50 champion 2dr sedan

[Dick Steinkamp]

Coker's tire time line...

http://resources.coker.com/tire-tech/tire-history-and-information/history-of-the-tire-timeline.html

...says this...

1949-1953 Tires
*4 Ply nylon construction, 3" whitewall or wider
*Conventional tire size 670-15, 820-15, etc.
*Conventional rim 15x4.5"

Dick Steinkamp
Bellingham, WA