Tire Question

[FieldMarshalRed]

Hello, I want to own a 1919-1925 touring. I have seen some Model Ts with split rims and balloon tires. Are those the best tire option for the T or are there better alternatives? Thank you

[Norman Kling]

Depends on whether or not you want it original. They will work on any T with the proper spoke wheels and split rims which go in sets depending on the manufacturer. Split rims were standard on 25-27. The de-mountable rims with clincher tires on earlier cars or non de-mountable in 30x3 in front and 30x3 1/2 in the rear. If you have de-mountables all will be 30x3 1/2. To answer your question those wheels will fit on any except the very earliest cars which did not have tapered rear axles.

[George Mills]

The question comes down to convenience. After 23 it doesn't matter as the the originality thing..they came from the factory with demountable as standard in some models, options in other.

For the pre-23, How fast can you fix a flat or change a tube in a clincher (and carry an air pump with you at all times)? Some guys never get below two hours and some never get better than 50/50 on a pinched tube....other guys can change an entire inner tube and pump it up in less than 15 minutes. Your own experience may vary.

With stock demountable, it's 4 nuts off/4 nuts on...not anymore complicated than that.

Norman has it for originality...you can always have a set of clincher rims off on the side to retain 'originality'. I actually have spares hanging on the wall (not for sale) where the rears actually have the brake drum already in place.

[Allan]

If want split rims so you can use balloon tyres, it is a little more complicated if you want to keep the car on 23" wheels. Ford never offered 23" split rims. Split rims and balloon tyres came on the improved 26-7 Ts and these were 21", so you would need wheels, rims and tyres.

To stay with demountable 23" split rims on Ford wheels you will need to find a set of Chev rims [perhaps other brands]. On Chev rims, the valve stem hole will need to be moved to fit a Ford wheel. I do not know of the availability of 4.40 x 23" straight side tyres which suit these rims. If quality tyres are available in that size, it would allow you to dodge the rubbish 30 x 3.5" beade edge tyres generally available today.

Hope this helps.
Allan from down under.

[RajoRacer]

Actually Allan, Ford equipped TT's utilized a 23" split rim.