I have 5 original 1962' 14" K-H wire wheels I will be mounting on the 57 tbird. I would like to stay away from the whole tube/ boot setup and mount tubeless radial tires. Has anyone ever coated the wheels and been able to run tubeless? If so what are some products available to make this happen and still be as or more reliable / safe than the boot / tube setup. I am going to be driving quite a bit in high temp areas with some freeway driving.
Gary

I'm not an expert on wires just experience with bicycles and British cars, but it seems that any sealant would prevent you from having the wheels trued or replacing spokes.  I don't know about Thunderbird wheels, be I would occasionally have an issue with wheel trueness on  my Healeys, but I have known T-bird wires to break a spoke, though it was on a much heavier 64.  I'm sure though there a bunch of 62 owners that are envious of those wheels. Certainly the right way to put wires on a 57, as in the way 'Birds first started getting them.

Don

If the wheels originally had tubeless tires, then you should be able to run them.  All the aftermarket wheels advise running tubes..  

If you are running skirts, then I would check the offset to make sure you don't have an interference problem with the skirts because of the offset.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I’ve got a set of those wires in 15” in storage. The outer spokes on those require a tube. Chrysler style, on my roadster don’t. I’m not sure I understand the difference, but it’s something about the spoke connection and the bead on the outside of the wheel. That said I ran Coker wide whites with tubes for years with no problems. You just need to find someone who knows the drill to mount them and be able to explain it if you need service on the road.

miker
55 bird, 32 cabrio F code
Kent, WA
Tucson, AZ

I had a set years ago on my 57, Run tubes, sealing will not work.

When running tubes, you must have a liner  around the inside of the rim.  When mounting, the tubes should be sprinkled liberally with powder, like baby powder.


54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

I ran wires on my '57 for years ( Texas to Alaska and back ) no problems.
The wires need tubes correct for radial tires. The wires also need a liner or tape wrap over the spokes inside the rim.
 I used a 4' wide tape used by plumbers to wrap steel pipe. Be sure to wrap in the direction of tire rotation.
Ernie

From what i was reading, the biggest thing is to make sure it has safety beads to keep the tire from popping off the bead