MTFCA Forum

I have a question about tire diameter/width. I know how to calculate the 30" tire vs 21" wheel for the standard vs. improved T, but I do not know the general drive tire measurements for the TT.

I own a tire chain building company and have had a snow machine owner reach out about utilizing my chains for tire protection with his tracks. He said he is burning through the rope he raps around the tire for protection.

Once I have things figured out, I will post a link and pricing in the vendor section.

There is a lot of variation in tire dimensions between different brands and tread patterns of the currently available tires, even among those marked with the same "size". Look at the Universal Tire website, I believe that each of the tires are listed with their "real" running diameter.

Even back in the day, some folks installed "oversize" tires on their cars to gain load capacity on the same rim. For example, Model T Fords originally came with 30x3.5 tires on the rear, but tire manufacturers eventually standardized on a "30x3.5 oversize" tire that actually measured closer to 31x4.0.

My recommendation would be for your customer to measure the tires that he/she plans to use with your chains, mounted to the rim and inflated to normal pressure if possible.

As an example, a few years ago I bought a 1920s set of "Rid-O-Skid" tire chains marked as for 30x3.5 inch tires, still in their original canvas bag. They were too short to fit my Universal T Driver "oversize" 30x3.5 reproduction tires. I ended up sending the set of chains to Strong's Garage in Canada (check out their Youtube channel) for them to use as a display in their shop.

Universal tire diameter measures 32 inches. At mine do, which were bought in May, 2018. I think wards measure 32 inches.

Arr Mirtes

Wouldn't rope be used to both cushion and grip between the track and tire? I would think that chain would be maybe too aggressive and would not cover the whole tire like a rope wrap, leaving a lot of gaps between the cross chain.
I would think a thick lace on boot would be more suitable in this situation.

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Thu Feb 15, 2024 12:24 pm

Wouldn't rope be used to both cushion and grip between the track and tire? I would think that chain would be maybe too aggressive and would not cover the whole tire like a rope wrap, leaving a lot of gaps between the cross chain.
I would think a thick lace on boot would be more suitable in this situation.

He said that his buddies running chains had better luck. If you do a 2 link (every other as apposed to every fourth) you have better support and smoother ride. Though they are significantly more expensive.

About 50 years ago, I ran a 2 link verses 4 link tire chain test on my garden tractor. Tire tire diameter was about 26 inches. There was no question that 4 link was much better on pavement than the 2 link chains. One wheel had a 4 link the other 2 link. Then switched positions. This was for plowing snow. Somewhere in my inventory I have several sets of model t chains Never used them and never plan to. I think they would excessively skid on pavement. I think they would work fine on gravel or dirt.

Bottom line 4 links better than 2 links, even on gravel or dirt.

Art Mirtes

He is talking about chains on the tire between the tire and tracks on a snow machine.

"utilizing my chains for tire protection with his tracks"

"He said he is burning through the rope he wraps around the tire for protection."

Found this video. Some are using chains some are not:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rIzBgYlEI2Q

The gentleman, Brian from nhsnocar.com, builds repo parts for your Model T snowmobile. He was able to locate a set out for Canada for half of what I would need to charge. My chains are rated more for snow plows and heavy duty equipment. Maybe a little overkill for a 20hp 1500 lb car... .