19 x475 tyres

[ian theobald]

G ,day folks.has any one used 19 x475 size tyres
The reason I ask is that one of the few suppliers advised that many TC owners use them and that they are cheaper by 20 %.
How does this size affect diff should one get a flat tyre or would it be similar to constantly going around a gradual bend?
My current rims are not original but are Italian in manufacture and not rolled on the edges and have the appearance of being narrower.
I have 4 original wheels which will eventually get sand blasted but not sure if to powder coat or have sprayed in 2 pack.I have had some motor cycle wheels powder coated but have been told that if get rust under neath will peel and is difficult to remove.
That can wait for a while until tyres replaced
My existing tyres are Firestone on the front which have been unavailable for 20 yrs I was told and Excelsior on the rear.
The 19x475 are Olympic pattern meant for Ford model A and cheaper as more produced.

[stephen stierman]

Most use 4.50 x 19 as the larger size may be a bit difficult to fit at the rear depending upon how the rear wing is positioned. I did not find the larger size cheaper from the suppliers I looked at in the U.S. some years ago. The proper size tire also looks right. There is always a debate about powder coating wire wheels. My advise is to paint them as when you strike them inadvertently with a knock off hammer, the coating may very well chip off. Good luck with a nice touch up on powder coating. How do you true a powder coated wheel without cracking the coating?

[Steve Simmons]

I agree, paint is easier to touch up although it may not be quite as tough. And if you break a spoke, the replacement will never look like the others. I simply give my wheels a new coat of paint every few years. Removing powder coating is difficult and expensive to re-finish. It will also hide cracks in the rim that I'd personally rather see than not.

I know a few people who run 4.75 tires. They're too big for my tastes, and being Model A tires are not intended for hard cornering. Some people also have to raise the car by the chassis to change a rear tire because raising by the axle doesn't give clearance to get the tire out. So you might need a tall jack. If your car rides high on the springs then this may not be an issue.

[ian theobald]

thanks.I don't think TC,s are made for hard cornering either
.Loved my old Riley 21/2 ltr with radial 16x205r.
Point the bonnet where ever you wanted and put your foot down ,not so the TC .Hit a bump in the road and bounce to the left or right .
My tyres are possibly a bit hard as no idea how old so in the wet I treat it like a motorbike, especially going around roundabouts .
Tyre place recommends 32 psi but way to hard .I run about 26 and even that feels a bit hard.
Looks like I am convinced to get 19x4.50

[Steve Simmons]

I must disagree on the cornering bit. TCs were specifically designed to drive fast around tight bends! They were the most popular sports car in North America for years. Yes they are bouncy but so are all sports cars from that era. I drive mine with gusto in our local canyons. Four wheel drifting is great fun, especially when you can do it at only 40 MPH.

[tone]

On a slightly different tack
I have dunlop tyres as fitted to the original car, now about 50% worn with a brand new spare.

I hear these are no longer being made by dunlop but a similar tread pattern is to be made but under a different brand
I don't like the Blockley tyre tread pattern, definitely doesn't suit the delicate look of the car as they are so chunky.

My question is do I change out my Dunlop's and keep for special events/ shows as they will become impossible to find/ replace & a bit of the originality will eventually go

Or do I not worry and put it down to progress

Or is life too short to worry about these things!

[Marv]

The latter!

[Steve Simmons]

From what I understand, the tires will continue to be made, but without the Dunlop name on the sidewall due to licensing complications.

[stephen stierman]

The Excelsior's have the same tread pattern as the Dunlops.