Pacemaker tires

[Deleted User]
[Deleted User]
edited November -1 in HUDSON
:cheer: I would like to pick a few minds out there about tires on my Pacemaker. When I bought the car it had G78 tires on it and I drove it many years with those tires. Two years ago I felt I should replace them and bought G78s again, as the price was right and I was used to the size. The new tires, from Coker, have a narrower tread than the earlier tires and I've definitely found that the car does not handle as well as it used to and the rears lock up under moderately hard braking which did not happen with the old tires. I assume that is because of the narrower tread.
I'm giving thought to getting radials, but as radials make steering harder when the car is stopped or at parking lot speed, and the car steers heavily now, will I find it too difficult to manuever the car at slow speeds with radials?
I value any input you might have. Thanks

Geoff Blake

Comments

  • J Spencer
    J Spencer Expert Adviser
    I have had radials on my Pacemaker for twenty years now. Yes, steering is a bit tougher at real slow speeds and over some bumps a little harsher, but I am used to it and it was the best thing I did. The car rolls easier, handles much better and does not follow every crack in the road. I have tried different air pressures and I found out 32psi seems to work out best overall. I think Walt Mordentti noted he runs 34psi in his.

    Jim Spencer
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    That is correct on tire pressure. Another advantage is a few more miles per gallon. And as you stated, car stays in a straight line when you hit road dividers, not like those Coker tires hit the broken line and hang on. Just good for show but no long distance driving in 105 degree weather. Walt.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    Thanks Jim and Walt. Yes, as you say, the bias plies follow every bump and crack. Walt, actually the G78s aren't good for show for the agent at Coker pointed out that if I was going for judging, the G78 is the wrong tire for a 1950 car, it's more of a seventies tire.
    What size and brand tire do you run, Jim and Walt? Is American Classic good or would you recommend a different brand?

    Geoff
  • Uncle Josh
    Uncle Josh Senior Contributor
    edited March 2011

    Just to muddy the water, I put a set of used radials (and painted whitewalls) on my 49 Commadore for the first 2 years after restoration. Great at high speeds but terrible at low speeds and around town where I do most of my driving.

    Furthermore, I'd heard stories and just talked to a guy who blew a rim with them. Then again, I've hear of people who have run them for years without any problem.

    Anyway, I sprung for a set of 710 Goodyear 4 1/4 wide ww Supercushions from Lucas. Now it rides and handles like I remember. Not quite as good at high speeds but very acceptable. Drove it from NY to MI for the National. 32psi
  • 7XPacemaker
    7XPacemaker Senior Contributor
    I have to agree with Josh here. Pacemaker steering boxes are light duty and aren't great to start with. If you do a lot of city driving where you are giving that box a workout, you should start looking for another spare box. I already tried radials on my Pacemaker and was less than happy with them. The radials were GREAT on the highway though. To each their own.
  • [Deleted User]
    [Deleted User]
    :cheer: Thanks for the input. I live in a suburban/country area and don't do any city driving. I rebuilt the center point steering box a few years ago, so don't feel I need to worry there. Perhaps what I will do is compromise and get a better quality bias tire. I know the tire companies such as Coker have some that are listed as being proper reproductions of original tires but with modern construction techniques.

    Geoff Blake
This discussion has been closed.

Categories

In this Discussion