Questions re tires for 430 HT, and interior heat

[orwin]

Hi Guys,

I have been dormant for a while due to Covid, etc, but now I'm just putting my 430 HT back on the road and have a few questions. Sorry for putting this all in one post.

1. TIRES - I know this has been discussed endlessly, but I am totally disgusted with the Coker Classic P225R/75R14s that I have on the car. They ride like they are full of rocks and at any speed over 60, the car shakes badly. I note that when they were balanced, they had to put a LOT of weights on at least one of the tires.

I always thought that the tire size for the J-Code cars was 850-14. However, I just looked at my ROT sheet and my car has TS code 2 (800-14). There is an old post on this site that decodes the ROT codes and it shows that 850-14 is correct for the A/C equipped 430s. Mine does not have A/C.

I went with the 225s because the tire diameter is closer to the original 800-14.
800-14 27.6"
850-14 28.1"
P215/75R14 26.7"
P225/75R14 27.3"

So, staying with 225s, the only choice I could find other than Coker is Diamondback Auburn Premium P225/75R14. The standard whitewall is 2-1/2" but they list "custom" so maybe they can make the correct 2-1/4". Price is not listed. These have had good reviews but I wonder what tires they use to start with (Hankook?)

Just a few years ago I was able to buy Cooper tires in 225/75R14 with 1" whitewall, but they seem to be no longer available. I would probably be OK with the 1" whitewalls, but would really like to have 2-1/4" for all the money a new set of tires costs.

I'm leaning towards the Diamondbacks, but would like to hear members opinions.


2. HEAT - The engine runs at normal temperature. I needed to add a fan shroud and change to 5-blade fan to get to this point. However the interior of the car is unpleasantly hot, especially in warm weather. I considered the following:
- Bypass the heater core, so as not to get that heat bleeding into the car
- Add electric fans
- Vintage or Classic A/C. This is expensive and destroys authenticity.

Ideas?

John

[jopizz]

John,

I don't have any experience with the Diamondback tires but from everything I've heard they are an improvement from the Coker's. As you say 225's are closer to the original 800-14's. I have 215 tires and they look really small compared to the original 800-14 belted tires.

As for the interior heat most of it is coming through the firewall and transmission tunnel. I would recommend putting in insulation like Dynamat under and along side the console under the carpet and on the interior firewall. That should help some.

John

[partsetal]

I have Diamondbacks on my 430 Convertible, my 430 Sunroof, and my 58 Convertible. The oldest are 3 years old and they're driven infrequently but the feel in all 3 cars is like riding on a cushion. They are the 225 Auburns. No problems, balance well and all have the 2 1/4" Whitewall. Other than the Coker, there are no more 225 14" tires available. The cores that Diamondback uses for these are made from molds that are owned by them and produced in Thailand. A good firm to deal with.
Carl

[orwin]

Hi John,

I did put the full Dynamat kit in when I restored the car, including firewall insulation. I can't believe it was like this when the car was new, but maybe I just have to live with it. I know some members have installed Classic Air in 430 cars, but I wouldn't be able to do it myself. I suspect the kit + installation would run about $3K. I would consider it but I'm afraid that it would make the engine run hotter.

Any thoughts?

John

[jopizz]

Other than bypassing the heater core I don't know what more you can do. These cars were hot originally and people just lived with it because they were used to it. The majority of people back then never rode in an air conditioned car so putting up with the heat was normal. Vent windows was the best we had.

John

[jopizz]

If you are thinking of adding aftermarket AC I suggest that you read through this thread.

https://www.squarebirds.org/vbulletin/forum/-1958-to-1960-thunderbirds-general-technical-discussion/-1958-to-1960-squarebirds-general-technical-discussion/23759-rob-s-1960-non-ac-430-to-ac-install

There are no complete kits made for the 430 engine so you will have to locate the engine pulleys and compressor bracket yourself.

John

[bird 60]

Hi John, I've had the same size Cokers on my '60 Bird for the past 13 years, with about 13 thousand miles on them. I've never had any problems. Could it be that the rim is the problem and not the tyre. if the tyre is faulty sent it back and hopefully solve your problem.
Chris......From OZ.

[Dan Leavens]

Chris I also ran Coker tires for years on both my wife's 58 and my 60 with no issues at all. Regards