I need some info on the specifications of the 57 Special Rivera (Model 46R) What was the wheel size and tire size fitted in 1957 Buicks. Was there a dealer option for any other wheel/tyre combo (eg wire wheel)? I have found a nice 57 with the 364 Nailhead and dynaflow trans. It runs OK but is in urgent need of some hew hoops. The car will be transported back to Australia via Los Angeles in a few weeks and I will have room in the container for some replacement parts. Who supplies good quality white walled radials? thanks in advance. Tom (from downunder Australia) :TU:
I understand about the Australian import regulations that the car must have wheels as supplied by the factory. However, I don't know one way or the other if 1957 Buicks came from the factory with wire wheels or not. We've had Coker tires on our car for 9 years now and are very satisfied. We went with Coker bias ply for authenticity, rather than radial ply. But, now I wish we would have went with Coker radial ply. Because the bias ply get a flat spot when parked. It takes a couple of miles for the tires to warm up and the flat spot to round out. I understand the radial ply tires do not get the flat spots when parked. Coker Tire Chatanooga, Tennessee http://www.cokertire.com/ Good Luck Mate, Bulldog
Thanks for the replies... I am leaning towards radials rather than bias ply.... So what is the equivalent to the 800x15 and 825x15 ??? I'm guessing it will possibly be 195/75R15 ~ 225/75R15 ??? Is this correct? Anyone have personal experience of BFGoodridge or American Classic vs Coker whitewall radials? Is one brand noticably better than the others? re ride, noise, handling, wear ? They are all similarly priced, but I have no personal knowledge of any of these tyres. I would appreciate some feedback from anyone who has used these. Thanks in advance.... tom
Original tire size, in the U.S. anyway, was 710x15 or optional was 760x15 and wheel size was 15x5.5 (see bottom of first page of this link): http://www.teambuick.com/reference/library/57_chassis/files/7-a.pdf No wire wheels were available that I know of. Coker and Diamond Back sell radials: http://www.dbtires.com/index.html Chassis manual: http://www.teambuick.com/reference/library/57_chassis/ 1957 reference section: http://www.teambuick.com/reference/years/57.shtml
I have confirmed the current bias ply tires on the car are 760-15 In converting from a bias ply tire to a radial tire, I notice that the tread width increases significantly, as the bias tyre cross sectional profile is more rounded. Looking at conversion charts, the BF Goodridge P225/75R15 appears to have similar diameter, but I am concerned about clearance issues with the guards... especially at the front when cornering. Does anyone know if clearance is an issue? Should I opt for the smaller 215/75R15.... although the diameter drops by 0.6"? Has anyone fitted radial tyres to their 57 Buick? What size fitted well and looks good.
