TC tyres

[Steve Simmons]

Even in tubeless radials, sometimes tubes are required due to older technology rims. Tubes are most certainly not required in any tubeless tire, but the rim itself often doesn't support running tubeless. Wire wheels can be made air tight by use of a silicon sealer on the back of the spoke nipples, with varying degrees of success. However you will still lack the legally required "safety lip" which is designed to prevent rapid deflation when cornering, especially if your tire is running low. That said, many people run tubeless on such rims without incident. But the additional complication with a TC wheel is the use of rolled lip rims. This makes it even more likely to suffer a seal failure at the bead. I don't know of anyone who has tried running tubeless on an original TC rim. I believe Dayton's TC wheels use a modern machined lip, so perhaps that would work. But considering the narrow, tall tire, I wouldn't assume it would be a great idea.

[Ian R]

Steve,

“ I believe Dayton's TC wheels use a modern machined lip, so perhaps that would work. ”

Can you please supply a link or details of these wheels ?

[Steve Simmons]

I just looked and it appears they no longer sell 19" wheels, unless I just missed them. Probably because no one liked the look of the square lip. If you look at their other wheels, they all have the square lip.
https://www.daytonwirewheels.com/

MWS wheels as sold by the usual suppliers have rolled lips as original, at least last I checked.

[Kenmgtc]

Reading about this new development of radial tires on TCs, everyone is enthusiastic about grip. But is grip always good? Won’t this put more stress on the wheels, stub axles, half shafts, etc? I like that I can break the rear loose in a turn and slide the car around on bias ply tires (I have Longstone 3 block). Is this possible with the radials?

[Steve Simmons]

That's a valid point. Sticky rubber will definitely stress everything more, and give a less predictable loss of traction. Probably great for easy to moderate driving but maybe a bit less forgiving when driving hard. Everything is a compromise.

[Duncan M]

I still say there is not a chance in hell the 6.1 inch wide tires are going to fit in the rear of a TC, unless non-stock wider rear fenders or cut down diff axles are used. The American Classic Model A tires Rob mentioned at 5.5 inch would be a very tight fit in back.

All the pictures of the 155's on TC's only show them fitted in front, and never in the rear. Why is that?

[Steve Simmons]

My guess would be that the front tires are a lot easier to see in a photo. As far as I know, Mike runs them on all four wheels. I would absolutely never run radials on one end and bias ply on the other.

[Steve Simmons]

A year later, how about an update, Rob? Did the radials work out and how are they?

[Charlie Mac Quarrie]

I really, really like the Bridgestones. I've experienced a panic stop that would have required evasive action with the 4.50s, the wheels didn't lock and the tyres didn't skid and I nearly hit my nose on the windscreen. In the rain on the road, I'm no longer puckered waiting to catch the car when the rear breaks loose. It sticks like a modern car. I have no wheel strength concern as I have stronger spokes in my wheels.
I'm running them tubeless with no leaks so far.
The tyres have reduced my overall gearing to about 5 : 1. I think I'll stick with that as I'm no longer doing as much long distance fast touring,. If I change my mind I'll go to 4.6:1 gear set which will get me back to 4.8:1 equivalent of what I had been running.
Charlie

[Steve Simmons]

Great info! It will be interesting to hear Rob's impressions on the American Classics as a comparison.

Any photos you can post from a couple angles of the Bridgestones? No one has posted an image of the rears at all so far.

[bergxu]

I used the Excelsior 450-19 tires on my ‘48 TC from Universal Vintage Tire and have just ordered five more to replace the aged ones on my recently acquired ‘37 TA. They performed well on the TC and I expect the same result on my TA.

[timberstone]

Regarding use of different sized tyres and different rear crowns and pinions, here is a report on M G T C 0820 using various combinations with Speedometer Readings Related to Differential Gear Ratios and Tire Sizes

Chronometric Speedometer calibrated for differential ratio 8:37 -- 1 to 4.625
Tachometer reading of 3,000 R.P.M. -- steady
Calibrated by using mile markers on Tollway against stopwatch function of IPhone
Tollway with mile marker posts over one (1) mile intervals

December 16, 2022
Differential ratio 8:41 (1 to 5.125)
Tires 5.00 X 19 inches (oversize from Model A Ford)
(overall diameter 30 inches -- circumference 94.25 inches)
Speedometer indicated 47 M.P.H.
Calibrated Actual Speed: 46.75 M.P.H.

January 1, 2023
Differential ratio 8:41 (1 to 5.125)
Standard tires 4.50 X 19 inches
(overall diameter 27.75 inches -- circumference of 87.18 inches)
Speedometer indicated 47 M.P.H.
Calibrated Actual Speed: 43 M.P.H.

May 23, 2023
Differential ratio 8:37 (1 to 4.625)
Tires 5.00 X 19 inches (oversize from Model A Ford)
Overall diameter 30 inches -- circumference 94.25 inches
Speedometer indicated 47 M.P.H.
Calibrated Actual Speed: 52 M.P.H.

May 26, 2023
Differential ratio 8:37 (1 to 4.625)
Standard tires 4.50 X 19 inches
(overall diameter 27.75 inches -- circumference of 87.18 inches)
Speedometer indicated 47 M.P.H.
Calibrated Actual Speed: 48 M.P.H.

[timberstone]

Further observation about using Model A tyres (5.00 x 19"):
Yes, they are a tight fit in the rear wheel wells, but still go on and off with a little fudging and do not rub inside the wheels wells if the rear fenders have been assembled properly to the body tub.
Must deflate them to remove and then remount them while deflated and then put in air when mounted.

Not having any problem with balancing wheels and tyres due to driving no faster than 55 mph on highway.

Using original Dunlop tyres (4.50 X 19") still is very agreeable with the 4.65 : 1 replacement Crown Wheel and Pinion at 3000 rpm cruising speed. Having old Dunlops seems to be good since these were stored out of the sun and weather and without weight bearing on them. Performance seems to be unquestionably good.

Speed is an illusion that is only heightened by prolonged freeway driving -- that is avoided as much as possible.