Topic: Age of tryes on my 1979 Vette
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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Hi, this is my first posting on a forum ever, so here goes.
I have just purchased a 1979 corvette, it has been fully restored with new paint and interiour( both have changed colour from the original), every thing except the engine(62,000 ) has been checked or replaced.
The last owner who has done the resto on it say's the tyres are the ones that came with the Vette when it was shipped to Australia 13 years ago, still in good condition and still has the lugs on it so they look new.
I have found the DOT CODE on the inside of the trye and this is what it looks like.
BF GOODRICH RADIAL T/A
235/60 SR 15 M&S
DOT BEVE 4CI 412
There is no "DIAMOND" after the ELONGATED CIRCLE whic has the 412 in it, does this mean the tyres are made in the 41st week of 1982 ?
Any help would be apprieciated
Andy
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Don't know the code info, but manufactures say not to use tires more than about 6 years because they break down internaly and can be dangerous even if they look new on the outside. Don't take any chances, get new ones.
Good luck with the new ride, enjoy.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
I heard 5 years but same difference. My 79 had tires with a build date of 1980. My tire dealer told me they were time bombs and could blow at any time! If you're just going to park it, fine. But if you're going to DRIVE it, get new tires, you won't regret it!
Barry
Lifetime MemberHOWELL, NJ - USA
Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812
Vette(s): 1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.
Good tires are cheap insurance in not having to go for thousands$ in body and driveline repair!! Get new skins my friend 
LukesVette Homepage
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Welcome to the best C3 Vette forum. If you have never posted in a forum before then I want you to know you just hit the jackpot. This is the smartest most polite forum you will ever be on.
I B ebo.........................
Please take every one's advice and put new tires on your vette. The car will ride great as there is nothin like new shoes!
I'm not sure what your insurance deductable is but if you blow a tire and just do minor damage your deductable out of pocket may be more money than if you bought new tires.
Also just think how good you will feel when you throw that baby into a curve and you know those tire are good.
Now if you do not replace them remember what I just said when you think you might want to throw your baby into that curve............
Let us know how you make out, and again welcome to the forum
I B ebo.........................
eboThank's for the feed back, yes I agree it would be ashame to loose the Vette for not doing the right thing and putting new shoes on. It's just so hard to take off the existing oneswhen they have still the new mould lugs on them.
The next problem is finding something that looks good and rides well here in Perth Australia, have asked around and the RADIAL T/A's are no longer available, although I did see them on the COKER tyre site for $93.00 a piece ($us) is this a reasonable price ?
Andy
If they are available down there, I would go for the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires. Lots of us have them up here and LOVE them. Great tires all the way around. And the good news is, at least up here, is that they are resonably priced! Good luck!
Barry
Thanks, will have a look on the net and see if I can find them here in Aus
Andy
Heh Mate! (sorry had to say it)
You will find some interesting old threads on tires here.
I also have the Firestone Indys and love em. But the BF Goodrich is also an excellent tire. Both my SUV's run BF Goodrich.
The price is about right.
Now there is a small fee to pay for this info..........
Get some pictures of your vette up so we can see one "Down Under"
So is it a rare site to see an older Vette down under?
I am in the process of up grading my mebership to be able to post images.
REALLY love this site, spent 4 hours going back over the post's for the last 5 years, have picked up some great info, again thanks.
Will start posting some info of what I have achieved in the last 7 weeks of owning my 79, including actually talking to the original owner in California, that sure freaked her out.
Andy
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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