Need correct tires...

[48firetruck]

My '42 Series 63 has incorrect 8.10-15 narrow ww tires. I need 7.00-15. Is Coker literally the only game in town for this size? Also, my original spare is a wide white wall but I see the 1942 sales literature shows most models with black walls. Was the white wall an option? Which one is correct for my car?
For comfort and reliability I'd like to run radials but other than Diamondback there is no radial I can find that's even close in size.

[Jim Miller]

On my '41 I put Diamondback radial. They are 7 X 15 Yokahama light truck tire. They use that as a base and put appropriate white wall in the sidewall. Looks like a bias tire but you'll get the better ride and handling.

[Jeff Hansen]

Was the white wall an option? Which one is correct for my car?

Yes, whitewalls were available in 1942.  You can use either blackwalls or whitewalls - whichever you prefer.

Jeff

[suchan]

Diamondbacks are the way to go. Made a world of difference on my '37 LaSalle. BTW, the CLC judging manual specifies 4 1/8" white walls as optional on a '42.

[Bob Kielar]

If you are going to have your car judged at a Grand National or AACA you will lose points if the tires are not bias ply. Even bias ply look-a-likes will have a deduction per tire.

Keep Cruzin,

Bob Kielar

[David Greenburg]

That’s true.  Even tires like the Diamondback Auburns are not going to fool a judge.  They even say “Radial” in fine print on the sidewalk if you look closely.

[David Greenburg]

Then I’d suggest looking at the Auburn.  They do look like bias ply, and have the “pie crust” on the sidewall, so they give you the bias ply look and ride height with radial performance. I have them on my ‘61 and love them. While they won’t fool a GN judge, they look and ride great.

[35-709]

Diamondbacks are modern radials, you aren't paying $1,000 for old technology.  If you want the wide whites and driveability with long wear, Diamondbacks are the way to go.  The Diamondback white walls I run on my '35 Cadillac resto-mod are made by Michelin (at my request) --- whitewalled by Diamondback.  We drive that car at turnpike speeds all over the eastern U.S. and may head west with it next summer.   

[Jim Miller]

7.00 X 15
My build out sheet shows the white wall as an option.