Cadillac & LaSalle Club Discussion Forum

Cadillac & LaSalle Club Forums => Technical / Authenticity => Topic started by: kens49Caddy on June 13, 2020, 01:30:49 PM

Title: 1949 Series 6207 Radial Tires
Post by: kens49Caddy on June 13, 2020, 01:30:49 PM
Hi - I'm replacing my existing bias ply tires with new radials after many years of good service. I purchased my originals from Coker Tires many years ago and they performed well. I'm also looking at the Diamondback tires and they recommended the 820R15 as a good replacement.

My 1949 Cadillac Shop Manual specifications indicate the 8:20x15, so that looks like a good match if comparable.

Does anyone recall if radials will result in a deduction of points when entering your vehicle into the Club's national judging competition? If so, I guess you would need to swap out the tires. Thoughts? 

Title: Re: 1949 Series 6207 Radial Tires
Post by: The Tassie Devil(le) on June 13, 2020, 09:03:52 PM
G'day Ken,

Don't forget that following the change to radials, you will need to have a wheel alignment to get the best from the Radials.

The Factory Specifications are not fully compatible with Radials.

An older Wheel Alignment facility, or one with reasonably-aged operators should know what is required, as one can't simply go by the computer directions.

Bruce. >:D
Title: Re: 1949 Series 6207 Radial Tires
Post by: Jay Friedman on June 13, 2020, 11:49:29 PM
Yes, radials will result in a deduction of points when entering a vehicle into the Club's Grand National judging competition.
Title: Re: 1949 Series 6207 Radial Tires
Post by: jdemerson on June 14, 2020, 07:54:01 PM
Quote from: Jay Friedman on June 13, 2020, 11:49:29 PM
Yes, radials will result in a deduction of points when entering a vehicle into the Club's Grand National judging competition.

Jay is correct for all cars entered in Primary Division Classes. In Touring Division Classes, there is no longer a deduction for radials on cars originally equipped with bias-ply tires; the radials must be the equivalent size as the original (or optional) bias-ply tires. The Touring Division Class also allows conversion from 6-volt to 12 -volt and conversion from drum brakes to disc brakes. These changes were all first in effect in 2019.

John Emerson
1952 Cadillac Sedan 6219X