SEMA White Paper - Mounting Radial Tires on Classic Vehicle Rims

[69 GT350 Vert]

This is an interesting read.

https://www.sema.org/files/attachments/WTC-2011-05-Bias-vs-Radial-Tire-Wheel-Fitment.pdf?__utma=95790915.1499687327.1527361338.1527361338.1527361338.1&__utmb=95790915.0.10.1527361338&__utmc=95790915&__utmx=-&__utmz=95790915.1527361338.1.1.utmcsr=google|utmccn=(organic)|utmcmd=organic|utmctr=(not%20provided)&__utmv=-&__utmk=264461127

[shelbydoug]

It is very interesting. I personally have heard no horror stories.

Jim Cowles was saying something about this a couple of years ago with mounting radials on the 14" Shelby 10 spoke wheels.

I remember there was a discussion about it as a result but I don't remember if there were any significant revelations discovered about it?

[Shelby_r_b]

Great read - thanks for sharing!

[JJH]

So I better hope they start reproducing Goodyear Blue Dots in 8.15x 15 size and replace the Avons on my Sunburst wheels??

[shelbydoug]

So I better hope they start reproducing Goodyear Blue Dots in 8.15x 15 size and replace the Avons on my Sunburst wheels??

I would think that if the tires mounted and they seal with no leaks, not to worry. The 10 spokes wouldn't seal to the radial tires. Ask Jim about the Sunbursts. I'd think he did some of those also?

[propayne]

And checking regularly for cracks isn't a bad idea at all.

- Phillip

[TedS]

Back in the early 80's I had a 65 Fairlane I had redone. After I put radials on it I started loosing hubcaps, and always the front. Just guessing at the time but I figured the radials were causing the wheels to flex. Guess I could have been right. I went to 68-69 styled steel wheels. Don't know if that was better but I didn't loose any more hubcaps or trim rings.

Ted

[Bob Gaines]

Good to know but apparently not a huge issue given all of the Shelbys and for that matter Mustangs that haven't reported issues related to this before.

[69 GT350 Vert]

Good to know but apparently not a huge issue given all of the Shelbys and for that matter Mustangs that haven't reported issues related to this before.

I agree.  I think if my original, glued 69 shelby rims were going to come apart, they would have done so already.  I've put 10,000 miles on them in my ownership period with radial tires. 

[acman63]

It is very interesting. I personally have heard no horror stories.

Jim Cowles was saying something about this a couple of years ago with mounting radials on the 14" Shelby 10 spoke wheels.

I remember there was a discussion about it as a result but I don't remember if there were any significant revelations discovered about it?

The deal is the original 10 spokes have an almost 90 degree bead surface  which is fine of you are using 90 degree bead bias belted tires but when you use a modern radial which has a 45 degree bead it can be an issue,  while the bias tire will seat easily  with 20 pounds of air ,  the radial may require almost 100  pounds to get all beads seated.  First tire I ever tried was a Goodyear GT radial  and the bead split at 85 pounds.  we polished the beads both sides  and that helped a little .  if you try this make sure you put the wheel and tire inside the protective cage at the tire store. Ill try to post some pics

[shelbydoug]

It is very interesting. I personally have heard no horror stories.

Jim Cowles was saying something about this a couple of years ago with mounting radials on the 14" Shelby 10 spoke wheels.

I remember there was a discussion about it as a result but I don't remember if there were any significant revelations discovered about it?

The deal is the original 10 spokes have an almost 90 degree bead surface  which is fine of you are using 90 degree bead bias belted tires but when you use a modern radial which has a 45 degree bead it can be an issue,  while the bias tire will seat easily  with 20 pounds of air ,  the radial may require almost 100  pounds to get all beads seated.  First tire I ever tried was a Goodyear GT radial  and the bead split at 85 pounds.  we polished the beads both sides  and that helped a little .  if you try this make sure you put the wheel and tire inside the protective cage at the tire store. Ill try to post some pics

Did you have the same issue with the 15" 10 spokes?