41 60 Special and radial Tires

[Eric Voigt]

Finally have decided on putting radials on and not sure what size will work with the skirts.

I would like the 235/75R's however, Coker is claiming the 215/75R is a better fit.  Also, thinking of adding the repro Eldo wires,  I've seen a few with them and think they really set the car off.

[Jon S]

Coker is probably correct.  Radials are a bit wider than bias ply's.  A 235 75 15 fits very tight in my spare tire wheel well whereas the original 8:20's slid right in.  What is the original size tire your car calls for per your manual?  I doubt it was an 8:20.

[35-709]

I ran 225-75R15s on my '41 60 Special when I had it back in the '80s.  The wires will look nice, not original to the car of course.  You will find them a royal pain to keep clean, fortunately I have a lift and can put my '35 Caddy wheels at about chest height and it makes the job easier, but still a time-consuming pain.

[Barry M Wheeler #2189]

Original size is 700X15

[Jon S]

If original size was 700 x 15, then the 215 x 15 Radial is the max you would want to go.  The 235 x 15 replaces the much larger 820 X 15 and the 900 x 15 used on Lincolns.

[Bill Ingler #7799]

You need to be careful in buying a radial so the width of the radial tire when mounted will allow clearance of the fender skirts. This is critical especially when buying radials for the 42-47 62 series. That is the main reason I bought the R700X15 from Diamondback. I believe they said their R700X15 radial has only 1/8 inch wider width profile than the original 700x15 bias ply tire that was original to the car. I used the same Diamondback R700X15 radial (pictured below)on my 41-60 special and had no clearance problems with the skirts.   Bill

[Dan LeBlanc]

What about the new bias look radials by Coker that are now available?  I haven't checked sizes but they may have something.

[Virgil Perkins]

I have a set of Cokers on my '41 60 Special, 215/75 R15, have had them 9 years, look good, ride good, less than 1/2" clearance with the fender skirts. You won't be able to go much wider and clear the skirts. Good advice from Coker.