When you have a collector car, there is often a lot that must be done to make it look like its original state. This work doesn’t stop at the body and engine; it also pertains to the tires. For most antique car enthusiasts, this comes down to deciding between bias ply and radial tires. They each come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. This guide will help you decide which tire type is best for your vehicle.

Bias Ply Tires

While bias ply tires are the authentic choice for any collector car made before the 1970s, they are not always the best option if you plan on driving that vehicle regularly. Basically, “bias ply” refers to the tire’s internal construction, which consists of cords that run at a 45-degree angle from bead to bead. Each additional layer of ply cord will then run in the opposite direction from the last to create a crisscrossed pattern. While this makes the tires incredibly strong, it also makes them harder to handle as they do not conform to road surfaces nearly as well as radial tires. Although this wouldn’t stop you from driving with them, it does mean you’d have to pay close attention to the road since they tend to follow any ruts or breaks in the pavement.

Radial Tires

If you do plan on driving your collector car, swapping out the bias tires for radial ones is probably a smart move. The updated construction, which consists of ply cords running at 90 degrees in relation to the bead, will make your ride much smoother and safer. The cords have a more flexible design that makes them better at conforming to the road surface and riding over imperfections in the pavement. Additionally, the wider tread surface and rounded shoulder increase contact with the road to offer more traction and stability. 

For those who are dedicated to making their antique car look exactly like it did when it was first released, you now have the option of selecting radial tires with a bias ply look. These tires have the inner construction of a radial tire and the narrow tread profile, bulged sidewall, and aspect ratio of a bias ply. Although they are a little more expensive, they will help you recreate the right look for any upcoming vintage car show.

If you are ready to show off the hard work you’ve poured into your collector car’s body and tires, bring it to Charlotte AutoFair. This car show is held each April and September on the grounds of the Charlotte Motor Speedway in Mecklenburg County, NC. If you’d like to purchase a vendor or car space for the next show, call the office at (704) 841-1990 or visit their website to complete the registration form.