Wheels / Tires: 1930 Studebaker Commander 8 Tires

[rowdyruggles]

My 1930 currently has 475/500-19 tires on it. After a visit to the Studebaker Museum last weekend, all of the vehicles similar to mine had wider/larger tires on them. After visiting the Coker Tire website, it recommended 550-19 tires.

I don't know how old the current tires are on my car, but they probably need to be replaced. Should I put on the recommended 550-19 tires or stick with what is on it currently? I will also need tubes. They are sold at Coker as well.

My last question is about Flaps and Rim Strips. What are they and do I need them if I change the tires?

Thank you!

[garyash]

You keep posting the same questions here and on the AACA Forum (but not in the Studebaker thread). Pick one and stick to it!

[rowdyruggles]

Hi Gary,

I am new to both groups. I am not sure what you mean by this isn't on the Studebaker thread. This is a forum in the Studebaker Drivers Club, so is there a separate Studebaker thread? It would be great if you could help me out and not call me out. I get different responses from different people in both places so that is why I post on both sites. I am trying to get some advice and education on a car that I recently acquired and don't want to do something to mess it up. If I am doing something wrong, then help me with what I am supposed to do.

Jeff

[Hallabutt]

It sounds like your tires may be approaching the age where replacement might seem prudent. But before you spend $1000+ on tires you should evaluate what you have first. Tube, type, bias-ply, tires aren't as prone to failure as modern steel-belted, radials are-the sidewalls don't flex as much as SBR's, no steel belts to rust, no tubeless bead to break, and they are not as prone to tread separation. Remember a vintage car is not driven as fast as a modern car is either.

Are the tires holding air? You should check for cracking of the sidewalls and for tread separation. Spin the wheel and tire with the axel off the ground to check the runout of both the tire and wheel. If you do detect a wobble try to determine if it is the tire or a bent wheel. Too often a tire is condemned when a bent or out of spec, wire, wheel is the real reason for the wobble. I wouldn't even consider new tires unless your present, tires have failed the visual and runout tests.

Once you are sure that you need new tires you will have to decide if you might need new tubes as well. Careful because some of the newer tubes are light duty junk, so if your tubes look good they might be better then the available replacements. Vintage car "tire flaps" are like a big rubber band that fit inside the wheel where the spokes attach to it. They help protect the tube from puncture by the spoke ends and other anomalies in the wheel. They provide an important level of protection. I think they are good insurance, but chances are that your wheels already have them.

Your tires do seem rather narrow. If it were up to me I would go a size larger. One problem we often find is that the tires that were used, when the car was new, tended to be narrower then new, tires of the same, size. Often the new tire will not even fit in the fender, well. If the car is equipped with side, mount, covers they too may not be able to fit over the new, wheels. This often requires using two of the existing tires for the spares. Good luck!

[rowdyruggles]

This is great information. I really appreciate your input.

[tsenecal]

Rim strips are used on spoked wheels to cover the ends of the spokes. Flaps are a "U" shaped piece of rubber that cradles the tube inside the tire and keeps it from chafing on the wheel .They are used more on split rims and two piece wheels.

[rowdyruggles]

Thank you!

[greyben]

The 475/500 was the size used on the 30-31 Ford A. That's a considerably lighter car than your Commander. I'm sure it was originally equipped with a larger tire.

[rowdyruggles]

Thank you. I thought so, especially after visiting the Studebaker Museum. I didn't see any tires as skinny as mine. . Thanks again!