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N50-15 tire questions

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n2fordwagons View Drop Down
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    Posted: 05-January-2018 at 2:16AM
I just picked up a pair of older MT Indy Profile N50-15 tires.  They're in great shape, great tread, no cracking.  

My main question is related to tire diameter.  Everything I've read and researched says that tire diameter should be 27.5" - 28.0 ".  However, when I measure my "new" tires, they look to be closer to 26 - 26.5".  This is with no wheels installed.  Will tire diameter expand another 1-2" after mounting wheels and adding air?  I just don't see it happening, with the way these things are made.  There's a very distinct edge where the sidewall ends and the tread begins.  

I don't really want to run these, if they're gonna be this short.  Don't think it will look right.  I think our cars need taller tires, 28" preferably.  Does anyone out there have a pair of these mounted on wheels, that they could measure?  Any pictures on our cars?

I'm thinking about running these on my 79 Tbird with my Daisy rims, BTW.
Jeff

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 2:58AM
Also need to know this info, so I'll know what size tires to get for the front.  Don't wanna get tires that will be too tall, or too short.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7T9_Tbird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 4:40AM
I recently switched from 245/45-17's to 275/60-15's, and everything I've seen so far tells Me I made the right decision.  The 17's measured 25 inches tall, and My mileage was around 8 MPG.  The 15's are 28.5 inches tall, and while I haven't measured My mileage yet, I still have gas 3 days after I filled up!Thumbs Up It also shaved 500 RPM off My engine speed on the highway @ 75 MPH.  Unless Your geared about 2.45:1, AND have overdrive, I wouldn't recommend shorter tires.  
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7T9_Tbird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 4:42AM
BTW, LOVE the old "Indy-Profile" tires.  See if You can find something taller for the back, and run those up front.  I have 245/60-15's on the front on 8" wide rims with no fitment issues.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Big Bird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 5:17AM
N=50 is that short. It's a 50 series profile, short and wide.
"What we do in full frontal view, is more honest than your cleaned-up mind."
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 5:42AM
check out this wheel & tire comparator
 
 
N50-15 = 345/50-15 (Mickey Thompson website)
 
i don't think they're gonna run well on the front  


Edited by Rockatansky - 05-January-2018 at 8:18AM
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 6:49AM
Thanks.  Yeah, 345-50-15 equates to a 28.5 diameter tire.  These tires should be around a 325-50-15 to 345-50-15, depending on what you read.  So, that's 27.8 - 28.5 diameter.  The smallest that I read was 27.5 
 
But, these tires are measuring 26 - 26.5.  Guess I'm looking for someone with real world experience with these tires that can shed some light.  Is the info on the world wide web wrong or a bad guess?  Is there that much room for error with this kind of info?  Am I measuring wrong?  Like I asked originally, is that measurement based on diameter AFTER it's been mounted and aired up on a wheel?  Or, like people, do tires shrink with age?  :)
 
Definitely won't be running these on the front.  They're way to wide for that.  Tread width is 12".  Section width is 13".  I'll be going with something like a 225-65-15 for the front, maybe taller if I can figure out if these N50s will get taller once I get them mounted and aired up on some wheels.
 
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7T9_Tbird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 7:04AM
About how wide is the tread?  I found this a while back;

https://tiresize.com/calculator/

It shows a 345/50 to be 28.5" tall and 13.6" wide.Shocked That's a big tire.  n2fordwagons said his are only 26-26.5" tall.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 7:04AM
Originally posted by 7T9_Tbird 7T9_Tbird wrote:

I recently switched from 245/45-17's to 275/60-15's, and everything I've seen so far tells Me I made the right decision.  The 17's measured 25 inches tall, and My mileage was around 8 MPG.  The 15's are 28.5 inches tall, and while I haven't measured My mileage yet, I still have gas 3 days after I filled up!Thumbs Up It also shaved 500 RPM off My engine speed on the highway @ 75 MPH.  Unless Your geared about 2.45:1, AND have overdrive, I wouldn't recommend shorter tires.  
 
Based on everything I've read, these tires should be the same height, maybe a tad shorter than your 275/60-15's.  That's why I posted.  Trying to figure out why mine are only measuring in at no more than 26.5".  Hoping that someone else has some that they can measure, preferably mounted & aired up on some wheels.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7T9_Tbird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 7:09AM
If You want to see what the 275/60's & 245/60's look like;


Scroll down near the bottom. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 7:22AM
Thanks John.  Currently, I've got MT Sportsman S/R 28x12.00R15 on the rear.  According to the numbers, they're supposed to have a 12" section width.  BUT, it wasn't quite that much.  They're probably equivalent to a 275-60.  Sorry, no pictures.  I wanted something wider, trying to build something with that '70s "street machine" look, but need to make sure these tires will be tall enough.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote 7T9_Tbird Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 7:35AM
Hoosier has these in 295/60-15, But they're soft compound;

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hoo-17125/overview/

otherwise, go with the 275's. but i would suggest using a 9-10" rim.  Mine are 15x8" at all four corners, and the back sidewalls look a little pulled in, IMO.Wink
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 7:59AM
Here's what I've got currently, and how they look on my wagon.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 8:11AM
Found these.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 8:24AM
what I've seen in off-road tires is that the size on the sidewall of the tire isn't always right,
sometimes not even close, more than 2" usually smaller than the tire says
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 11:00AM
i have protrac N-50 15's on my monza. they are big! IIRC they are 12" in the tread width they do grow a little in the tread center when aired up, N=325 keep in mind they may be bias tires!!!
 i can measure them if you need jeff...

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ranchero Fan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 2:52PM
Jeff, Here's an old pic of N-50's on the rear of my Ranch. with 10'' wide rimS. The front's are G-50 with an 8'' rims. Sorry the pic isn't the greatest I don't recall having a rubbing issue front or rear, but I had air shocks which, was the cool thing ''Back in The Day''.LOL
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 05-January-2018 at 4:35PM
The sidewall height and tread width are figured together for an aspect ratio. For example, a 275/60-15 from one manufacturer may differ in size from another from a different company.

The sidewall height is a percentage of the tread width - on a 275/60-15 the sidewall height is 60% of the tread width. So if the tread width is wider on one brand, then it will be taller, comparing size to size.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-January-2018 at 1:08AM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

i have protrac N-50 15's on my monza. they are big! IIRC they are 12" in the tread width they do grow a little in the tread center when aired up, N=325 keep in mind they may be bias tires!!!
 i can measure them if you need jeff...



Hey John. Yep, they're definitely bias ply tires. That's the look I'm shooting for. If you can measure them, that would be great. How do they ride? And what size and type of tire do you run on the front? Thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote unlovedford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-January-2018 at 2:18AM
Also beware of mixing bias ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. Bias ply tires handle differently, tend to track, and will not give you the ride and handling of a modern radial. They are fine for something driven rarely, but are not nearly as good as a radial tire for regular use. Lincoln Mercury set these cars up for use with radials, so I'm unsure how a bias ply tire will respond.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-January-2018 at 4:51AM
jeff they ride crappy for the first mile or two until the flat spots go awayWink the front tires are bfg 195/70/13 (one went bad with a busted belt and are no longer available in that size Cry) but like joe said about mixing bias with radials... not a good idea! but if you do...bias on the rear NOT the front!!!! unless you want to create you own "joe stories"Ouch
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-January-2018 at 4:53AM
Originally posted by unlovedford unlovedford wrote:

Also beware of mixing bias ply and radial tires on the same vehicle. Bias ply tires handle differently, tend to track, and will not give you the ride and handling of a modern radial. They are fine for something driven rarely, but are not nearly as good as a radial tire for regular use. Lincoln Mercury set these cars up for use with radials, so I'm unsure how a bias ply tire will respond.
 
For the life of me, I don't understand why tire manufacturers don't make a radial tire in this size, for street use.  I would think they'd sell.  295-50-15 is pretty much the biggest they make, which is way too low profile for bigger cars.  I mean, Coker is still making these Bias ply N50-15's.  And Hoosier makes 325-50-15.  So, I'm assuming the demand is out there.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-January-2018 at 5:07AM
i think there are a couple out there in radials or used to be?
i think mickey thompson does make some in radials the ones with the flame style tread pattern?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 06-January-2018 at 5:25AM
Yep, that's what I've got now.  They were no where near as wide as advertised.  The advertised 12" wide tires are about as wide as a 275-60-15, maybe a little wider.  And I don't really care for the flame pattern.  Would like to find something with a vintage looking tread pattern.  I may just have to go with a BFG Radial TA 275-60-15, and be done with it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Rockatansky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-January-2018 at 7:51AM
NEVER mix bias ply and radial tires on the same car!
 
been there done that wrecked my 73to prove it. easy sweeping curve at moderate speed the rear (bias ply) became a pendulum side to side to the extreme that the car was actually traveling backwards at one point and collected an oncoming car with the rear bar Exclamation
 
Johnny, lesser performing tire always on the front to establish vehicle limits,
at least the rear will follow what the front can do
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-January-2018 at 8:22AM
yes radials on the front, i put bias on the front on a car with radials on the rear Shocked scary ass ride!!!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote MrSmog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-January-2018 at 1:31PM
I have run bias stickies on the back and radials up front, never had much problem BUT I also didn't try to take curves like I was at watkins glenn either. Ran  spools in a few cars too without trouble.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-January-2018 at 4:42PM
Yeah, those lambo tires are too rich for my blood. I did find some some Hoosier pro street radials, size 29-12.5.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/hoo-19155


At over 300 each, they're really more than I wanna spend. Guess you gotta pay to play, huh?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote californiajohnny Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 07-January-2018 at 6:01PM
jeff, my pro tracs measure 27.5 tall 12 in the tread
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote n2fordwagons Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 08-January-2018 at 12:18AM
Originally posted by californiajohnny californiajohnny wrote:

jeff, my pro tracs measure 27.5 tall 12 in the tread
 
John, thanks for checking!
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