Tire advice?

[JoeKarasinski]

I'm going to call Diamondback tomorrow. I really like the look of the bias ply tires but being that my only experience with them is on our 41 and I'm not thrilled with the ride on it I'll go with the radials 235/75 R15. I can always get a set of the the US Royals at a later date since I do have a spare set of rims.

Thank you everyone your opinions are really appreciated.

[Jon S]

Be aware that Diamondbacks will not have any script on the blackwall portion as they grind that off and give you a smooth blackwall portion.

[Cadillac Jack 82]

Speaking of tires I plan on replacing my radials with bias ply sometime this year.  I personally prefer the old ride/feel of bias ply's.  My question is does anyone use the firestone white script tires here?  If so can you shoot me some pictures?  I've seen these on other makes and they look nice but never on a Caddy.

[Scot Minesinger]

Just installed these last week and balanced them.  They are the Diamondback dual white wall stripe radial tires I always recommend.  Balanced these myself with Hunter "road force" and used the correct CAX weights.  This 1970 Cadillac SDV has 36k miles on it and original paint on places above mid door level moldings.  Car is driving really well!  I know point deduction because no bias plies, function before form for me.

[OzellaJT]

Hey,

For that Vegas trip, considering radials like the Silvertowns or American Classic Radials sounds like a solid plan. They offer better performance and reliability than the classics. As for the bias look radials, hearing from others who've tried them could be helpful. Play it safe and go with what's tried and true for a smooth ride.

Happy cruising! 🚗✨

[PHIL WHYTE CLC 14192]

Speaking of tires I plan on replacing my radials with bias ply sometime this year.  I personally prefer the old ride/feel of bias ply's.  My question is does anyone use the firestone white script tires here?  If so can you shoot me some pictures?  I've seen these on other makes and they look nice but never on a Caddy.

I have the Firestone script wide whites on my 54 CDV. I love them. I don't like the look of radial tires on our cars, they just look too small. As for ride quality, bias ply tires are unforgiving of wear etc in the steering and suspension. Keep everything greased up and they're good. I drove my car on a 400 mile round trip one weekend and had no problems.

[TonyZappone #2624]

As far as the catalog cars looking lower, my partner worked for Chevrolet Division, and the display cars, or cars for catalogs were strapped down in the rear for appearance.  Diamond Back is your answer.  Have their radials on my '47, and the new Auburn 820x15R on my '58.  They have all your answers.  Great people, great tires.  I have been buying old car tires for 60 years.  They are the best

[dn010]

This thread is over 8 years old...

[Cadillac Jack 82]

I have the Firestone script wide whites on my 54 CDV. I love them. I don't like the look of radial tires on our cars, they just look too small. As for ride quality, bias ply tires are unforgiving of wear etc in the steering and suspension. Keep everything greased up and they're good. I drove my car on a 400 mile round trip one weekend and had no problems.

This was from 2016.  Currently my 59 has the US Royals and I plan on putting on the BF Goodrich ones on the 64.

[Bessy]

Thanks for the very useful information Club Members!
Our '56CDV will be getting new radial tires later this spring.
Looking forward.
Thanks again.
Respectfully,
mark & Bessy

[cadillacmike68]

Brian-

I would think  235/70's would be somewhat wider, and therefore tougher to fit in the rear. 235/75's are a little tight, but they fit.  225/75's might fit. But are they the right load range for our beasts?

Hi. 8.20 is the cross section width in inches. That's 208.28mm wide. Even a 225mm wide tire may have difficulty fitting in. The problem is that the series ratio on those old 8.20x15 or 9.00x15, while not part of the tire size was some 80 to 85%  (or 90%!). There are no large tires made in 80 or 85 series any longer. Series 75 is about the highest profile available unless you go to a specialty store. I would Not try to fit a 235mm wide tire on the car.

[TJ Hopland]

From my 2024 tire thread where we I was mostly asking about 70's and 80's cars someone mentioned Kintio who has a few US tire distributors but is stocked by online places like Summit, Jegs, etc.  They have a 165/80 does that work for these cars?

https://www.summitracing.com/search/part-type/tires?fr=part-type&SortBy=BestKeywordMatch&SortOrder=Ascending&keyword=kontino

[jwwseville60]

Both my 60 coupe and 1970 Fleetwood pitched hubcaps off
with Diamondback radials.
Ive gone to wires or the alloy sabres on cars that pitch them.
Im not sure, but Caddy steel wheels were not strengthened for radials until 1972.
Just an FYI.