Correct tires for a 39 Chief

[48Chief]

Coker is sellng "Indian Script" tires and I was curious what was correct for a 39 Chief. I can find very little information on the 39 Chief but saw an original ad for 48 mentioning "Firestone" tires which Coker also repops.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

[Dana]

Hi Chief,

Well, all I can really say is that the 1939 dealer price list describes them as Heavy Duty Tires, 18x4.00. (It also lists 'oversize' tires as 18x4.50). Looking on the web at pictures, I've seen a few different tread patterns: Firestone, Beck, Diamond type. I'm not sure, but suspect that there were a few options. I don't believe any had the Indian script, though.

[sirhrmechanic]

The '39 would be like my '38 rigid. You need the narrow tires 18 x 4 and can probably use the 4.5. If you run the big balloon 16" tires, they will scrape in the fenderwells.

The repros by Coker and/or Universal are nicely done Indian Script tires.

Cheers,

Sirhr