Hot Rods BIG and little tires

Love those Center Door T's.

 

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No kidding and that's one of the best around....

 

4.50-18 and 7.00-18. Rears were 33" tall.

 

I like this one from the hamb classifieds

 

And I REALLY like this one.

 

The big guy versus a size 12 sandal is quite a comparison.

Hello,

In the late 60s,early 70’s, the custom cars without fenders and custom motorcycles with fenders were on the hunt for the widest tires they could find. Perhaps it was not for a daily driver, but it was for “show.”
So, starting with the 9 inch slicks from the drags as street tires made an impression. Then the hunt was on for larger and wider tires. The drag racing industry was the only one at the time to have taller and wider tires.

Then, various sources in the auto industry came up with their versions of wide tires for traction. The hunt was on for the most unusual source and look for those custom street and show cars. The main source for the wide tires were the hot rods without fenders as the wheels and tires would not fit under any fenders. The custom motorcycles and trikes had more space for unusual applications.

These days, the widest tire possible accentuate the “bigs and littles” tire look for hot rods. Lets hope a flat tire is not in their future.

Jnaki

Many tire companies made/make wide tires with grooves so they can say it is a street tread for grip and safety.

Some are functional, while others call for possible hydroplaning at any time... YRMV

 

Hello,

We have seen plenty of hot rods, drag race street hot rods and the variety of show cars with big tires to make an impact statement. Whether or not they actually use the big tires for daily driving or just for show… that is the statement. For a cars and coffee event, huge tires definitely makes a statement as to where the origin of the hot rod sedan comes from in its past. Add in a cool license plate and now those that know what the letters mean will get the “big” picture. Pun intended…

So, how do we know it is a daily driver and not just a weekend garage queen? We have seen it on the local beach community streets during our local cruising drives. So, it just does not come out for a Saturday morning road trip to the local car show.

Jnaki

Obviously, care is to be taken when the local misty days and coastal fog days and nights. But cautious driving is always good.

A nice 1965 Comet with a normal look until ones gets closer to the actual car. YRMV