Radial tires on C1 Rims

[joe utz]

I just put a set of Coker radials on my '60 (245HP set up) and the difference in the ride is remarkable. I should have done this years ago. Anyway I just read a tech tip in "Old Cars Weekly" that noted that it is a mistake to place radial tires on wheels designed for bias ply tires. Something about too much stress on the wheels and potential wheel failure. I'm just a pleasure driver, no racing or motocross - but I do put the car on the highway for club cruises and that sort of stuff - and the last thing i need is a blow-out. Any coments on this. Do I need a new set of wheels.
Thanks,
Joe Utz

[John H.]

Re: Radial tires on C1 Rims

Joe -

Radial tire construction does impart more lateral load on the wheel, but certainly not enough to cause wheel failure (at least not on Corvettes - don't know what wheels were discussed in the article you mentioned). There are thousands of Corvettes out there with radial tires on wheels that originally had bias tires on them; you may notice wheel covers that move a bit on the rim after switching to radials, but that's about it.

[Rob Dame]

Re: Radial tires on C1 Rims

I also put radials on my C1 and am very well pleased.
I was advised to install steel valve stems. The steel stems will keep the wheel covers from rotating and perhaps cutting the rubber type valve stems

[Doug Flaten]

Re: Radial tires on C1 Rims

I also read years ago that radial would wear out the suspension quicker, because it transferred more shock to the components. I think this is on par with other old school practices such as warnings to not use synthetic oil because it is too slippery.

[Duke W.]

Re: Radial tires on C1 Rims

They ought to research their "facts" a bit better. They may have misconstrued
the advise not to put tubeless tires on wheels designed for tube type tires.

Duke

[joe utz]

Re: Radial tires on C1 Rims

Thanks to all for your comments. It really didn't make sense to me. I think I'll just leave the radials on the orig. wheels. I will watch the hubcaps for movement and if it looks like they may cut into the rubber valve stems then metal ones it is. Last thing I need is a leak. Thanks again for the help.
Joe Utz