[Chrysler300] Radials on older rims

["Tim Tomlinson" <tomlin@xxxxxxxxx>]

Group and Tony,
1.  This is one thread of discussion that I think I can weigh in on with some degree of first hand information.  This is not a scientific viewpoint, however.
2.  First, in 1973 I put some of the first, reasonably available Goodyear radials on my 1968 New Yorker sedan.  I still have it, and have run nothing but radials since 1973.  I currently am running Michelin as Goodyear didn't have big enough tires when the last set of radials failed due to dry rot.  I had been stationed in Germany for 3 and 1/2 years, and was in Ft. Huachuca, AZ at the time they failed.
3.  I have not had any wheel failures, yet, in over 150K miles of driving it with radials.  However, I have never been able to keep the front wheel covers from "walking" and cutting the valve stems.  For the last 15 years or so, I drive without wheel covers and put them on for looks when needed.
4.  I also have two 300-K's, one with radials and one with bias ply tires.  The one with radials also causes the wheel covers to "walk" and cut the valve stem.  Once was a nasty surprise, but not while I was driving anyway.  The one with bias ply tires has no problems.
5.  Now, as to why I am wanting the updated wheels from Stockton for my '64 300-K--several years ago a friend, Chrysler collector and once a member of our club, was coming home from the WPC meet in the Twin Cities.  As he exited I-35 in his 57 Pymouth with radials, his front tire went flat very quickly.  He was at slower speed and kept control with out wrecking.  His wheel had cracked at the bead.  I saw the wheel.  It was generally solid, in good shape.  The metal in the 1 to 1 and 1/2 in long crack was bright and somewhat jagged as if it was totally a new failure.
6.  I hope one day, with nice weather, to be able to try out the Stockton wheels and see whether the wheel covers stay put.  Regardless, I am now suitably impressed, before all the printed matter, of the need for wheels designed for radial tires.
Tim Tomlinson
West Central IL

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