Can tires be too wide

[Packard John]

On a 50's car that originally had bias ply tires with 6" tread, can you put too wide a tire on it, aside from clearance problems? Like would a 255 width tire on an improved 50's suspension be a problem?

[Jaden Young]

I usually stick to the original size or go +1 or +2 bigger. I don't want any rubbing issues on my car that's why I don't put wide tires on it.

[Jonathonar89]

Very general statement here. I imagine you'll be fine on a 255 if you're not thrashing the car hard. The good ole 70's 225/70-15 size that everything had is only 30mm difference compared to a 255. I would say tire height would make the most difference in how the vehicle tolerates road obstacles.

[raustinss]

Absolutely not a fair question, what is the intended horsepower, transmission , use of car.. race, street daily ... weight change from stock ? Literally way too many questions that need to be answered first

[Packard John]

Thanks for responding. Car will be used as a driver no track. I was thinking 255/60/17 so I could still have some white wall. Car is 4600 pounds may get heavier. 350 hp. Gm 4L60e trans. Upgrade original suspension with swaybars coilovers etc. Not looking to lower it. Just want modern car handling. 2011+ Ford Explores are similar weight and use 255 width tires so that is where I came up with 255s. Could try to go wider if better.

[andrewb70]

Thanks for responding. Car will be used as a driver no track. I was thinking 255/60/17 so I could still have some white wall. Car is 4600 pounds may get heavier. 350 hp. Gm 4L60e trans. Upgrade original suspension with swaybars coilovers etc. Not looking to lower it. Just want modern car handling. 2011+ Ford Explores are similar weight and use 255 width tires so that is where I came up with 255s. Could try to go wider if better.

What kind of car is it?

Andrew

[Packard John]

1953 Packard 127" wheelbase sedan.

[andrewb70]

1953 Packard 127" wheelbase sedan.

Cool car!

I think at the end of the day the width you run will be dictated by the tire diameter that you want and the availability of decent tires to match those requirements.

Andrew

[Packard John]

Thanks! And Good point. Just trying to get some thoughts on what I was planning to see if I am missing something. 29" diameter is stock.

[andrewb70]

Thanks! And Good point. Just trying to get some thoughts on what I was planning to see if I am missing something. 29" diameter is stock.

John,

What is the diameter of the wheels you plan to run?

Andrew

[Packard John]

I was planning to stick with the same 29" diameter tire but go from 15s to 17s. I wanted to still have some white wall.

[andrewb70]

I was planning to stick with the same 29" diameter tire but go from 15s to 17s. I wanted to still have some white wall.

Looks like that will be a 255/60-17...seems there is a decent selection of tires in that size.

[68Formula]

Diamond Back will do white walls up to 22" rims: https://dbtires.com/product/diamond-back-fx/

Or you can get something that attaches to the rim and simulates a whitewall up to 20": https://www.amazon.com/Port-wall-Whitewall-Portawall-Topper/dp/B07SZQFXSS/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=port-a-wall+20%22&qid=1618337265&s=automotive&sr=1-2
(I've seen something like this in person... they are actually very realistic looking (if they are the exact same ones). Really hard to tell unless you're looking very closely.

Then you go go 18s or 20s. This could open up size selection, and perhaps some more performance oriented ones.

[Packard John]

Yes I was thinking 255 60 17. And thanks.