Ford Model T Tire Pressures

• Tire pressure for a Model T Ford ranges from 30-60 PSI depending on the specific model, the type of tires that you decide to fit, and pressure differences for front and rear tires.
• To find the ideal tire pressures for your car's year, model, and chosen tires follow the link to our Tire Pressure Guide.

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• The Model T Ford originally fitted 30-3 front and 30-3 1/2 rear clincher tires. Later the Model T Ford moved onto 4.40/4.50 x 21, in this size we offer the 4.40/4.50 x 21 Lucas which is in production today.
• To find out more information on Model T Ford tires follow the link to our Model T Ford Tire Section.

Model T Ford Tires

The original Model T Ford was equipped with 30-3 front front and 30-3 1/2 rear clincher tires. The 30x3 Wards Riverside (front) and 30x3 1/2 Wards Riverside (back) are our recommendations. These tires require innertubes to operate, and the Long Central Valve Model T innertube is a great value innertube. The ideal tube for a Model T with these Clincher tires, in our opinion, is Michelin's 760-90 RET Reinforced innertube. These Michelin reinforced innertubes are in our mind the best clincher tire innertubes.

The Tin Lizzie had all-white tires until 1914. Unfortunately, we don't currently have an all-white tire in store for these automobiles, but we may be able to get one, call us at +44 (0) 1302 711 123 if you are interested.

The same size 30 X 3½ tires were installed front and back on Canadian-built Tin Lizzie as well as some Model T Ford exports.

From 1917 the Ford Model T predominantly moved to fitting 30X3½ clincher tires front and rear. Then in 1918 The Model T started using demountable rims, again with 30X3½ tires all round. We would suggest that the tire of choice in the size 30X3½ is the Wards Riverside. They are an excellent tire, historically they are correct as one of the most popular tires fitted to a model T in the US, the fact they are such great value can only be a bonus.

From 1924 Balloon tires on 21” wire wheels were offered in the size 4.40 X 21. The Lucas 4.40/4.50 x 21 is what we would advise. We have installed these tires on a Model A Ford and they look and drive terrific.

Ford may have also installed 30 X 3 1/2 Firestone and 440-21 Firestone tires, however depending on cost and brand availability, Ford frequently switched brands. The Model T Ford had special wheels with welded spokes and fitted Long Central Valve 440-550x20/21 innertubes.

Model T Truck Tires

We believe 6.00 x 20 Lucas tires are perfect for the Ford Model T truck. The Michelin 20H Central Valve innertube will suit these tires the best. With beaded edge tires, Model T Ford tire pressure should never be less than 60 psi, and with 440/40X21 tires, it should never be less than 32 psi.

Ford Model T History

In 1908, the world saw the introduction of the Model T. Henry Ford's vision for this vehicle was to make it accessible, easy to handle, and robust. Among the first of its kind, the Model T embraced mass production principles, a pivotal accomplishment for Ford's goal of crafting a car for everyone. The first vehicle rolled off the assembly line at Ford's Highland Park Plant—a factory renowned for its innovative moving assembly line. The highly efficient production process enabled Ford Motor Company to offer the Model T at a price range of $260 to $850; Henry Ford's sales tactic was to pass on the production cost savings to buyers, effectively making the Model T the first car accessible to the public.

Personally tested by Henry Ford, the Model T embarked on a hunting trip across Wisconsin and northern Michigan. Its performance soon became legendary, renowned for its ability to tackle extraordinary stunts. These feats included ascending the stairs of the Tennessee State Capitol and conquering the heights of Pikes Peak. Having verified the capabilities of his creation, Henry Ford's masterpiece was then dispatched to its inaugural owner on October 1, 1908.

Henry Ford and his team of engineers recognized the challenges that plagued automobiles of their time, aiming to eliminate the common causes of breakdown from motors of the day. The engine was a 20hp gasoline four-cylinder with a capacity of 2.9 litres, was positioned at the front of the vehicle. This engine was designed for flexibility; it was capable of burning gasoline, kerosene, or ethanol, accommodating fuels used in rural areas, and was built for easy maintenance. It featured a detachable cylinder head and a water cooling system. In its early stage, the engine used a mechanical water pump to circulate cooling water. A simpler thermosiphon system was later adopted.

Fuel was delivered to the engine by gravity, but this led to fuel starvation on steep inclines. A workaround was to ascend such inclines in reverse, leveraging the advantage of reverse gear's lower power. However, this approach had its drawback, as it caused wheel slip on unstable surfaces.

The Model T introduced many revolutionary features. The placement of the steering wheel on the left side facilitated easy entry and exit for passengers. It was also a pioneer by having its engine block and crankcase within a single unit. The concept of a removable cylinder head for convenient access originated with this vehicle, and it was among the first to extensively use the lightweight and durable vanadium steel alloy. The Model T's transmission was agile, simplifying gear shifts for all. These innovations paved the way for a more urban lifestyle. The option for a windshield was available before it became a standard feature, and the car had to be manually cranked to start.

Henry Ford did not want his Model T involved in the First World War due to his pacifist beliefs. He chose not to manufacture specialized military versions of the Model T. However, he did agree to provide military organizations and ambulance services of nations involved in the war with Model T rolling chassis and spare parts, allowing them to make their own conversions as needed. Among the various adaptations for WWI service, the Model T found a prominent role as an ambulance. Its ability to navigate challenging terrains and its relatively light weight of around 1,300 lbs made it particularly useful in difficult situations. If it got stuck, soldiers could often lift and maneuver it to get it back on track.

The Model T underwent various innovative conversions for military use, with one noteworthy example being the Polish creation of an early armored car known as the Ford FT-B. This conversion was completed within a remarkable two-week timeframe and proved effective for the Polish Army in their battles against the Russian Bolsheviks.

Even before the war, the Model T had been subject to several aftermarket conversions, including half-track variations. During the Great War, a full-track version was even developed and tested. As the war broke out in 1914, Model T Fords were already part of the action. Organizations allied with or associated with nations at war, such as those in Britain and France, procured Model T vehicles from Ford dealerships. American Field Service ambulance teams used the Model T to transport wounded French soldiers in 1915. The French Army used around 11,000 Model Ts in various capacities during the war, British and Empire Forces took a significant number, likely ranging from 20,000 to 30,000. These Tin Lizzys were used in campaigns spanning Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

It wasn't until 1917 that the United States officially entered the war. However, once the U.S. decided to join the fight, Ford realized the need to contribute to the war effort. As a result, around 390,000 Model T vehicles were soon produced and sold to the U.S. Army, playing a significant role in the country's wartime activities.

A common myth is that all model T’s were black. While Henry Ford did say “Any customer can have a car painted any color that he wants so long as it’s black,” the policy was in place solely for efficiency and uniformity. The car was offered in only black from 1914-1925, however, various models of the vehicle could be purchased in a variety of colors before and after these years. The vehicle also became famous for its unique nickname—Tin Lizzie. There are various accounts of how this nickname was acquired by the Model T. Possible origins include the popularity of the female name “Lizzie” during that period to a famous Model T racecar named Old Liz.

Despite the popularity of the nickname Tin Lizzie, the Model T had dozens of nicknames. The Model T was so popular Henry Ford once said: “There’s no use trying to pass a Ford, because there’s always another one just ahead.” By the early 1920s more than half of the registered automobiles in the world bore the Ford badge. More than 15,000,000 Model T’s were built and sold in total. In May 1927 a ceremony was held to honour the end of production of the Model T. It was the end of an era.

On May 26th, 1927, the production of the Ford Model T came to a close. By then, fifteen million Model Ts had rolled off the production line, —a figure that likely surpassed Henry Ford's expectations from the early days when they were making just eleven cars each month. The Model T was truly groundbreaking. It wasn't merely an automobile; it was a pioneer in multiple aspects.

One of its notable contributions was revolutionizing mass production techniques. Furthermore, it held the distinction of being among the first cars that everyday individuals could afford to own. The Model T played the single most pivotal role in triggering the automotive revolution, and is considered by many to be the single most important and influential car in history.