wheels and tires for my 49 Kaiser

[Jim B PEI]

Now that I have my Studebakers all sorted, it is time to upgrade the Kaiser. The original wheels are in quite good nick, not rusted or banged about, but they are OLD. I also want to change from bias to radials. ISTR that certain Chrysler rims from a junkyard ie new unused are likely NLA-- are a direct fit. There is also the issue of nuts as well (just like Studebaker) is there not? I want to run the larger end of the tire spectrum ie the size on convertibles or Dragons etc, not the Specials. For comparison, I runs 215/75/R15 on my Studebakers, and tires fit perfectly on the cars on more modern Ford wider rims AND provide the more or less correct ride height that 205 or 195 don't (so they aren't as narrow as the original tires, not a biggie)

I'm not going to spend $$$$ just to get the right repro tire imprint and wide white wall especially in bias, even blackwall is okay with me--it is a Special, after all. Rims have to be safe for radials, and radials it must be.

Suggestions all?

[kaiserfrazerlibrary]

The Chrysler bolt pattern is correct for Kaiser-Frazer cars, given the same size rims.  Radials need the radial type rims.  As long as you are not out to get judging points at a National Convention, brand and so on may not be that important as long as they are good tires.  Be careful with the back tires and clearances if you go wider than 205

[Kaiser Ranchero]

The Ford rims will work if you drill a hole for the pin that is on the Kaiser drum. Some have knocked or ground the pin off of the drum. The lugs are bolts so make sure the rims have the chamfer hole for the bolt to properly seat. I put 205X70 radials on my 52 Virginian using the stock rims and they work fine. You have to jack the back up under the frame to get the tire to clear the rear wheel well.

[Jim B PEI]

Ah, much as I thought. My only prior experience is with the later 51-55 bodies, not the 47-50 bodies. i take it by useful Chrysler wheels, anything in the 15 x 5 size that were found on the Diplomats and similar rear wheel drive, possibly including Dodge vans? I already have that problem with the Studebakers, especially on the rear, where they have to be jacked higher than usual in order for the tires/wheels to clear. Fit perfectly without clearance issues front and rear once the tires and rims are on. I have an interesting and informative photo of the difference in sizes bias versus radials, on rims. 6.70 compared to 215, 205 and 195/75R15, all side by side in a row (80kb). Don't have photo hosting for the picture, but I could email it to someone who has. With a Special without overdrive, every little fraction of an inch in diameter counts as far as highway drivability.