Tire size question
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Topic author - Posts: 166
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:21 pm
- First Name: Fred
- Last Name: Dimock
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 T with Mifflinburg Suburban body
- Location: Timberlake NC
Tire size question
My 1919 T is 750 miles from me so I need some help with dimensions.
It is 7 ft 2 inches tall.
It is in storage in NH with 8 ft doors and I want to move it to a storage unit in NC.
I can only find places in NC with 7 ft doors so I am wondering if someone can tell me how much I can lower the height of the car by removing the detachable rims and tires.
I realize that 7 ft doors don’t give me a 7 ft opening so I’ll have to measure the real height of the storage unit opening and add a bit for a thin layer of wood to protect the wheels from the concrete floor.
If it will not fit I’ll have to remove the wheels and make a stand to go on the Harbor Freight vehicle casters I already have.
It is 7 ft 2 inches tall.
It is in storage in NH with 8 ft doors and I want to move it to a storage unit in NC.
I can only find places in NC with 7 ft doors so I am wondering if someone can tell me how much I can lower the height of the car by removing the detachable rims and tires.
I realize that 7 ft doors don’t give me a 7 ft opening so I’ll have to measure the real height of the storage unit opening and add a bit for a thin layer of wood to protect the wheels from the concrete floor.
If it will not fit I’ll have to remove the wheels and make a stand to go on the Harbor Freight vehicle casters I already have.
NH - Where I used to live - not the carburetor ! 

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- First Name: john
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- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 14/15 wide track roadster. 23 touring, 27 roadster pickup, 20ish rajo touring
- Location: orange, ca
- Board Member Since: 2020
Re: Tire size question
30X3.5. Figure 3" to be safe. The metal fellow has a flange that the rim sets against, making the OD larger than the 23" rim.
You can take some of the height away by pulling the frame down to the axles with 4 ratchet ties.
You dont mention the body style. Couldnt be as easy as folding down the top & windshield.
You can take some of the height away by pulling the frame down to the axles with 4 ratchet ties.
You dont mention the body style. Couldnt be as easy as folding down the top & windshield.
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Topic author - Posts: 166
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:21 pm
- First Name: Fred
- Last Name: Dimock
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 T with Mifflinburg Suburban body
- Location: Timberlake NC
Re: Tire size question
Thank you..
It is a hack…
I am confident I know the height but will need to confirm the opening of the 7 ft door.
Ratching the springs is a great idea!
If it isn’t enough I can also remove the wheels.
It is a hack…
I am confident I know the height but will need to confirm the opening of the 7 ft door.
Ratching the springs is a great idea!

If it isn’t enough I can also remove the wheels.
NH - Where I used to live - not the carburetor ! 

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- First Name: Rich
- Last Name: Bingham
- Location: Blackfoot, Idaho
- Board Member Since: 2015
Re: Tire size question
I don't have demountables to measure, but I'm pretty sure the wheel without the rim is less than the theoretical 23" rim size for 30x3-1/2". ? Anyone ?
Get a horse !
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- First Name: Terry
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- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1927 Model T coupe, 1926 4 door sedan
- Location: Cibolo (San Antonio), TX
Re: Tire size question
I agree that removing the demountable 30x3.5" rims and tires will probably get you under the 7" height, and I like the idea of compressing the springs with ratchet tie downs to give you extra clearance. Cheaper than replacing the front and rear springs with reverse eye springs, and easier than removing the top.speedytinc wrote: ↑Mon Apr 04, 2022 5:08 pm30X3.5. Figure 3" to be safe. The metal fellow has a flange that the rim sets against, making the OD larger than the 23" rim.
You can take some of the height away by pulling the frame down to the axles with 4 ratchet ties.
You dont mention the body style. Couldnt be as easy as folding down the top & windshield.

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Re: Tire size question
You say the doors are 7 foot. How big is the framing around the door? For only 2 inches you might be able to have a friend raise the door another 2 inches so you can drive in, or maybe place a couple of 2x4's lomg enuf to raise the door that 2 inches.
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Topic author - Posts: 166
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 2:21 pm
- First Name: Fred
- Last Name: Dimock
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1919 T with Mifflinburg Suburban body
- Location: Timberlake NC
Re: Tire size question
The door frame has 6 ft 11 1/2 inches clearance so I need to lower the vehicle a minimum of 3 inches.
NH - Where I used to live - not the carburetor ! 

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Re: Tire size question
Would modifying the garage be an option?
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- First Name: Dennis
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Re: Tire size question
Fred,
I can't find the postings but, in the past, there were a few fellows who made temporary tires of a smaller size out of plywood by cutting them in a circle and moving the car around on them. Perhaps you could do the same while it is in storage. They had photos.
I can't find the postings but, in the past, there were a few fellows who made temporary tires of a smaller size out of plywood by cutting them in a circle and moving the car around on them. Perhaps you could do the same while it is in storage. They had photos.
1922 Coupe & 1927 Touring
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- Location: Moline IL
- Board Member Since: 2018
Re: Tire size question
I would think you could make some with two layers of 3/4" plywood and some marginal wood wheel hubs. The diameter 24" should do it
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger