10thumbs Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 (edited) Hi guys,I like to scratch build drag racing cars from the 60's and 70's. Since no specific kits are involved I need to use slicks from different kits, or from parts dealers. Often the sizes are in inches, and fractions of inches in scale 1:25 is about impossible for me to decipher to the metric system. I'm American, and I can relate to silly millimeters and centimeters much easier than imho silly inch fractions. The metric system is so easy and useful.I'm interested in starting a comparison chart for different slick sizes, but in metric system.For instance, I have this so far in millimeters;Slicks Height Tread Width CommentResin, unknown 31 11,5 Great gasser slick, wider than usualAMT Gasser Slicks Pack 29,3 10,7 Fits under fender cars, good normal slickAMT Tall Dragster Pack 33,9 12,1 tall tire, 15" wheel, not too wideAMT Bantam Blast 32,3 16,5 low tire, way too wide Revell 70's F/C 30 - 31 12 - 14 nice tire, not over-sized, 15" wheelRevell Mongoose FC 32,3 14,9 nice tire, good proportions, 15" wheelRevell modern FC 36 17,5 big tire!, 2 pc, lousy fit, 16" wheel Would something like this be of interest?Or is anyone willing to measure slick sizes in millimeters of the kits you've already built, or from dealers?Michael Edited July 29, 2015 by 10thumbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Clutch Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 (edited) To convert inches to millimeters, divide by .039371.00" / .03937 = 25.40mmTo convert inches to centimeters, divide by .39371.00" / .3937 = 2.54cmA quick fraction to decimal conversion.1/8" = .125" = 3.17mm1/4" = .250" = 6.34mm3/8" = .375" = 9.52mm1/2" = .500" = 12.70mm5/8" = .625" = 15.87mm3/4" = .750" = 19.05mm7/8" = .875" = 22.22mm1" = 1.000" = 25.40mmMost American automotive components cover those dimensions. Fuel line, tire sizes, exhaust tubing, etc...unless it's close internal engine components Edited July 23, 2015 by John Clutch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10thumbs Posted July 23, 2015 Author Share Posted July 23, 2015 Thanks John, I'm familiar with how to do it.I'm more interested in a chart showing the various sized slicks available for our 1:25 cars.I just looked for instance at a renowned site and saw a nice slick at 1.31" diameter.Do you guys have a caliper that shows 1.31 "? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snake45 Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Do you guys have a caliper that shows 1.31 "?I do. Doesn't everyone? Dial calipers are available under $30, and are an indispensable modeling tool. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MeatMan Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 I've used this converter for years. It's a simple program that can be run from a disc or loaded. I keep it on my desktop. As always with any file you get from the web, scan it with a virus scanner.http://wscope.com/convert.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Clutch Posted July 23, 2015 Share Posted July 23, 2015 Yes. I have calipers that read .001 and .0001, and there are digital calipers that read inch and millimeter. Very handy item.I have always converted and it's second nature to me. But I have never seen a chart listing for slicks of any scale yet, but if I do, I'll pass it on. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10thumbs Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share Posted July 24, 2015 (edited) Do you guys have a caliper that shows 1.31 "?I do. Doesn't everyone? Dial calipers are available under $30, and are an indispensable modeling tool. Hmmm. No. I must be the only one that doesn't. Does your caliper show for instance what 1 1/32" equals to? I'm just trying to get some sizing of different slicks for future reference.@Dennis, that's a wonderful tool, thanks for showing!So, back to topic. Guys, I think perhaps I haven't come across very well. I'll try again. Now that I know how to convert inch to metric, what about a chart for sizes of slicks available?Is anyone willing to show a few sizes of good slicks they have used? Edited July 24, 2015 by 10thumbs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Force Posted July 24, 2015 Share Posted July 24, 2015 All digital calipers, conversion programs and app's for your smartphone works with decimals, not fractions, so if you want to convert a measurement with fractions you have to convert the fraction to decimals first and then put it in the program.More precise measurements for for example internal engine parts are also in decimals 0.1, 0.01 and 0.001 as fraction measurements are too imprecise, and 0.1" equals 2.54 mm, 0.01" equals 0,254 mm and 0.001" equals 0.0254 mm. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 24, 2015 Share Posted July 24, 2015 Do you guys have a caliper that shows 1.31 "?I do. Doesn't everyone? Dial calipers are available under $30, and are an indispensable modeling tool. Hmmm... Does your caliper show for instance what 1 1/32" equals to? Not exactly, but sorta. All my digital calipers have a button that switches the readout from decimal inches to metric and back. Very handy, as you can also use it as a simple conversion tool. And the prices can be as low as $15 here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10thumbs Posted July 24, 2015 Author Share Posted July 24, 2015 I'll give this topic one more try. This is not about converting inches to millimeters. But many thanks for all of the wonderful information about how to do it.It's about sizes of slicks that are in kits and those available from resin dealers. I'm interested in making a chart that lists the different sizes available. I have for instance 3 Revell 70's F/C kits, each with somewhat different sized slicks.Anyone interested? Anyone willing to add to the list?Don't worry if in inches. We can now convert the measurements if needed.Anyone? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace-Garageguy Posted July 24, 2015 Share Posted July 24, 2015 I've got some vintage Revell and AMT slicks i'll measure, if you're interested in old stuff. It IS nice to know the outside diameter and rim diameter if you're trying to hit a particular look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fordahaulic Posted July 26, 2015 Share Posted July 26, 2015 a chart like that would be useful. to bad this turned into a math lesson and caliper discussion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
twopaws Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 Some of the calipers we sell at Grainger, have a decimal to fractional conversion listing on the back. Some but not all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Haigwood Posted July 28, 2015 Share Posted July 28, 2015 A list a slicks would be helpful. Would it also include types, such as Pie Crust, Cheater, White Wall ?I am currently into Hot Rods an use slicks a lot and a "slick" list would be slick. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10thumbs Posted July 29, 2015 Author Share Posted July 29, 2015 Hi Jon, I'll just add a couple more to the list I have at the beginning of this topic, and see where it goes.I've listed all of the slicks I have (not many kits).Guys, list some tire sizes you have and I'll post them on the list up above. Good or not good?Feedback? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob b Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 I wanted to bump this. This would make a good thread to sticky if we can compile something.A list of kit tires, aftermarket tires etc.....I've been pouring through this forum and the aftermarket sites and trying to decide what I want to use for the 70s era funny cars I have lined up to build.Seems the Revell tires from the new Hawaiian and Chi Town Hustler models have the best / accurate tires as far as fit, but the shiny vinyl stinks and doesn't hold dull coat (I'm sure I applied it wrong ha)Haven't experimented with the AMT drag slicks but the ones I have that came with a couple kits.... the pad printing looks cracked / not well doneI'll take some dimensions on the revell tires later Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
STYRENE-SURFER Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 A database of available tires including size and quality ( also kits they can be found in) would be great.This could save some like myself and others from purchasing the wrong model.Yah, I did that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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