Tire pressure

[Dan LeBlanc]

As spring approaches and getting the car ready to stretch its legsagain, I'm wondering what tire pressure I should be running the bias plys on the 61 at. They're set to the 24psi listed in the manual, but that seems so incredibly low. Especially for such a heavy car

[Jon S]

I run 32 in my radials; I would think 30 in your bias plys. Others chime in.

[joeceretti]

Are the bias plys new or newish and what does the manufacturer recommend? I ran 24 in mine when I had the bias but they were at least 50 years old and the car was all over the place.

[Alan Harris CLC#1513]

My 1940 LaSalle recommends 24psi all around. I run tube type bias ply tires at 30psi all around. The car feels 1000% better at that pressure. At 24psi it wanders and wallows. At 30, the handling is better, the steering is easier, and the tires will probably last longer.

I don't know what they recommended such low pressures back then. I guess peoples' standards were different.

[Dan LeBlanc]

Hi Joe - the bias plys were put on in October for Fall Hershey and I've put on about 100mi since.

Alan - I'm getting much of the same symptoms you describe.

I suppose it cant hurt to give it a try at 30psi.  The sidewall says max 32psi cold.  The pressure seems low enough that the car is driving on four flat tires. I know that bias ply tires will feel sonewhat like that but I was thinkijg the low low pressure may be causing it too.

Can't wait for spring after the winter we've had

[Gene Beaird]

If the tires recommend 32 cold, then definitely go with 30.  Personally, I'd run 32 and see if there's any harshness or vibrations with that setting.  If not, then I'd go with that.