rim width vs. tire size

[fred deagostino]

'Gents,

I'm looking for some insight/opinions on just how big of a tire I can practicaly put on a 4" wide, 16" rim. (?)

So far it appears the skinny 4 inchers held 550x16's, I'd like to use 650's,

Any and all help will be most appreciated. Your collective thoughts ?

[Guest De Soto Frank]

Fred,

I can only relate my personal experience with my 1941 De Soto:

The shop manual declares that the original equipment tires were 6.25 x 16, and on 7-passenger models 6.50 x 16.

My rims are 4.5" x 16"; I have been running 6.50 x 16 tires on these 4.5" rims for about eight years and 15,000 miles, much of it highway driving, with no ill effects to date.

I have run Lester, Goodyear, and Firestone tires on the same car.

Perhaps a phone call or e-mail to an outfit such as Coker Tire might give you some better information?

[fred deagostino]

Thanks Frank, I'd spoke to Universal Vintage Tire and they listed 650x16's on 4 1/2" rims for some early Dodge's and I think Pontiacs. The guy I'd spoke to sugested I try checking in with folks who'd experimented with other combinations than stock to get a better idea of what does and doesn't work so here I am. My gut feel is that maybe a 600x16 would be the farthest I could push those 4" rims, unless somebody checks in with news to the contrary, which'd be nice. Abyway, thanks for the info, and Merry Christmas to all.