Guest Orphanauto Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 I just bought a 53 kaiser Manhattan 4-door. It has wide white tires and even though they look new, they are 25 years old. I like my cars all original. What was originally used, can I still get them, or something extremely close, or should I use something modern. fyi, I live in a small mayberry type town, so I won't be using the car much, just around town, so no major across country trips. Thanks for your tips and input. oh, by the way, you can see pictures of the Kaiser @ my web... orphanauto.webs.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 There is no good reason to replace your tires unless you are tired of them. If you get a flat use your spare. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Orphanauto Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I'm thinking they are kinda dry rotton after all these years. maybe if I do get a flat just replace the tubes. Thanks.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jimkf Posted March 25, 2009 Share Posted March 25, 2009 1951 thru 55 full size Kaisers had 6.70x15 Goodyear tires as standard equipment. A 3 1/4 inch wide whitewall was optional. Dragons used a 7.10x15 tire and the same size was optional on the other cars. Henry Js and Darrins used a 6.40x15 Goodyear tire...again in black with a whitewall as optional. Early Darrins...up to serial number 50 used a 5.90x15. All Darrins had whitewall tires.Replacements are available from places like Coker tire and Universal tire. Most folks in the KF club use Firestone tires as they're a bit more affordable than Goodyear or Universals.From 1952 and up, the rims were a 'sealed' rim, meaning that tubes are not needed. 1951 rims are also sealed, but literature from the day makes no mention until 1952. By the way, all 1947-1950 Kaisers and Frazers used a 7.10x15 Goodyear tire...although a few early cars were equipped with 16 inch rims.Chrysler rims that are 5 or 5.5 inch wide units with the guide pin hole are the same as Kaiser. Motor Wheel was the manufacturer.Whew...that's alot of info...sure hope it helps!By the way, do yourself a favor and replace the old tires. And, don't use radials, the car will steer and handle like a tank...been there and done that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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