Thread: tire size

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The definition of "traditional look" has changed a little in recent years, I think mainly since the advent of the rat rods. Used to be, 15 inch tires and wheels were the norm, but now you see lots of 16 inchers as guys are going more for the '40's look, as opposed to the '50's look.

That being said, I run 15's on everything because that is what we used when I was doing it back then, plus, most 16's are tube type, and a bear to mount and live with. I use 15 x 5 on the front and 15 x 7 rear, shod with 5:60 front and L78 x 15 rears. This gives you a 26 inch tall front and 29.5 rear tire for the big and little look. If you do this in whitewalls, buy a wider whitewall rear than front, or it comes out looking funny. Do something like 2 3/4 rear and 2 1/4 front.

My Son just got his new tires for his T bucket he ordered from Coker, and he went with the L 78 rear, but 5:00 front for a skinnier tire up there. They can custom make you wheels with various backsets, and his should be done in a week or two.

To give you some perspective, here are some shots :

The first picture is of the 15's on my '27. The second is my T with 15's but with 10:00 x 15 Firestone slicks on the rear, The third is of the 15's we mocked up on my kids T bucket, and the last one are the 16's on my other kids '29. BTW, yes you are being smart. Have the final tires and wheels there for the early mockups, because they set the look and posture of the car, and if you use other ones first, things may change when you mount the final tires and wheels.

Hope this helps a little.

Don