Tires: Tire pressure, inflation pressure, 55 chevy


Question
I just bought a 55 chevy that has 145/65R/15 front tires (its a drag car but will have some street miles) could you tell me a safe tire pressure to run in theses tires I have 40 psi in them but they look low to me.. Thanks for your help.. Doug Cook (grey46@comcast.net)

Answer
Doug,

This is going to be difficult because the vehicle has been modified extensively and the original tire used on this car is no longer applicable - plus it's been over 50 years since the car was built.

So the first step is to weigh the car.  Front and rear - and each corner if possible.  

I'll also need to know what is says on the sidewall of the tire as far as load and inflation.  This size is a fairly rare bird, and I suspect there might be some odd load / inflation pressure thing going on with this tire.

Post that information, and I'll do the math for you.