Tires for my 59

[Makandriaco]

I am looking to buy a set of tires. My 59 4 door sedan has 3 sort of good WW's and a totally different 4th one. (also the extra is different).

Question 1: What are the dimensions of the tire I need to look for?
Question 2: Where do I get (not to expensive) WW tires that fit my vehicle?
Question 3: Would these ebay tires fit and look good?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Coker-Classic-Bias-Ply-Tire-G78-15-Whitewall-Bias-Ply-62800-Each-/330915925790?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item4d0c204f1e&vxp=mtr#ht_1558wt_921

Thank you all

[Chris Conklin]

My "bible" lists a tire size of 8.20x15 when installing white walls (8.00x15 black wall). The listing you linked to is an 8.05 tread width. It would work and look good. I'm not sure on the white wall width however, the literature I have shows a wide white and a narrower white wall on different models. The original equipment tires were either U.S Royal, Firestone, or Goodrich. The tire in the link also seems to be at a pretty good price. But, it IS a 1959 Cadillac, money is no object! 

[Makandriaco]

You do have a point there, but I plan to gradually restore it to the best of my capability, but for now, I want to be able to drive it soon, would it be wiser to have normal black wall tires for the time being and wait for the money to put the corret WW?

[Makandriaco]

I also saw a set of Inserts that make normal black tires look like WW, do those work? are they horrible?

[gary griffin]

We used to use the snap on white walls in the 50's. The good part is if you curbed them you could get more. I doubt they could be used with modern tubeless tires though.

Your car is very heavy and valuable, do not skimp on the tires.

[Eric DeVirgilis CLC# 8621]

You do have a point there, but I plan to gradually restore it to the best of my capability, but for now, I want to be able to drive it soon, would it be wiser to have normal black wall tires for the time being and wait for the money to put the corret WW?

There are some things that no '59 Cadillac should be asked to do. And wearing blackwalls is one of them. 

Seriously though, I'd suggest the following: If you plan to use the car somewhat regularly, perhaps install a set of economy 235-75R-15 WW radials while you're restoring it. At a later date when/if you decide to take the car to a higher level, then treat it to a set of correct 8.20-15 2 1/4" WWW biases for the ultimate look.

Radials will not only perform much better but will outlast biases. WWW radials will be more expensive than WW - that's your decision if it's worth the extra cost to you. 

*Note WW= whitewall (narrow); WWW= wide whitewall. 

[Bill Caddyshack]

Call Richard at Diamondback Classic Radials and get a set of four with the correct WW that will last you a very long time! I think they were $229 each and you can get a $20/tire discount if you mention Dik Wesson.

I have them on all my antique cars. Never had a problem! They balance beautifully (not like some others) and look and drive great!  Do remember to have the mounting and balancing shop put the weights on the inside, so your full-face hubcaps will fit snugly and securely.

http://www.dbtires.com/