JoeShmoe Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 It's time to replace the rotten tires on my '50 Champion. Presently it's got tube type bias plies. Has anybody had experiences good or bad using tubeless tires? Radial tires? or both? Thanks in advance.....Joe G Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted February 16, 2015 Share Posted February 16, 2015 Your wheel needs to be able to accept a tubeless tire, if so go for it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeShmoe Posted February 16, 2015 Author Share Posted February 16, 2015 That's one of the key questions I was hoping to get answered; If the 1950 rim is compatible with a modern tubeless design tire for sealing air, seating the bead etc. I hate to drop hundreds of dollars on tires that don't work. I'm wondering if others have had success with going tubeless on 1950 Champion Rims, and if radials worked out too. Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvonada Posted February 17, 2015 Share Posted February 17, 2015 For my 41 I ended up going with Coker radials with tubes. So far I am very pleased. They were expensive but I should get at least 10 years from them http://stude.vonadatech.com/wp/repair-and-upgrades/new-tires/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
61polara Posted February 22, 2015 Share Posted February 22, 2015 I would be surprised if you get 10 years from your radials. More like 4 to 5. Radials should be replaced at least every 5 years no matter what tread is left on them. Bias-ply will exceed that life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nvonada Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 We shall see. Even if I only get 5 it is only about $200/year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StillOutThere Posted February 23, 2015 Share Posted February 23, 2015 Dismount your spare tire at an older tire shop. Have them look at the construction of the wheel. If the center is riveted to the outer rim, it will leak air without a tube. If the center was electro-welded into the rim, it will accept a tubeless tire. Also "safety wheels" were introduced in the early '50s which had a small step at the tire bead to help hold the tire on the rim when going flat. Ask some Studebaker guys when welded wheels and safety wheels were introduced. You might want to buy a set of wheels from a Stude a few or more years newer.Important consideration that many overlook: Don't just buy a size interchange from a chart because you will end up with too small a diameter. Buy one size larger than what the chart says.I ran Diamond Back radials on my '53 Commander and loved them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rbk Posted February 24, 2015 Share Posted February 24, 2015 (edited) I believe that 1950 Champions were 4 lug wheels so newer wheels will not work.There is an old thread regarding using Ford wheels.http://forum.studebakerdriversclub.com/showthread.php?12224-4-lug-wheels-to-5-lugs Edited February 24, 2015 by rbk (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFranklin Posted March 5, 2015 Share Posted March 5, 2015 My 1966 Ford 6cyl car used a 4 lug wheel with tubless tires Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffalowed Bill Posted March 7, 2015 Share Posted March 7, 2015 In our collection is an original 1950 Starlite cp, which ten years ago Mary put on a set of 205 75 15" tubeless tires. The car has been driven hundreds of miles at highway speeds with no problems. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JoeShmoe Posted March 8, 2015 Author Share Posted March 8, 2015 In our collection is an original 1950 Starlite cp, which ten years ago Mary put on a set of 205 75 15" tubeless tires. The car has been driven hundreds of miles at highway speeds with no problems. Thank you much Bill for taking the time to answer! Your specific answer about the same car, same vintage, and personal experience is what I was hoping for....... Joe Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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