Topic: tire question
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I have a tire question. The tires on my 82 Vette are about 8 years old or more. I've owned it for 6 years.
The rubber seems hard to me, and after sitting this long, when I got it running again, there was no vibration at low or high speed. It does seems to ride hard, like no give to the tires between the wheels to the road.
Would you guys change the tires to try to improve the ride and maybe be safer?
They are Goodyear Eagle RH P255/60 15.
I would like to drive it more next year, but feel safe doing so.
Denny
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Has the car been stored inside a garage or outside?
Most tire people say the life span of tires before replacing is about 5-6 years, even if there's plenty of tread left. A lot depends on how they've been stored. If left in the sun the UV exposure will lessen their life and cause the rubber to dry out and even split and seperate.
The hard ride could be characteristic of the particular Goodyear tire. C5 and C6 Vette owners complain loudly about the noisy and rough ride of the Goodyear runflats the cars come equipped with.
Look the tires over carefully. If you see what could be dry rot cracks and splits in the sidewall or inside the tread sipes, I'd replace them. If you plan on storing the car for the winter, wait until Spring.
Tires today are generally far superior to what the car came with. New tires are so much better that they will also reveal weaknesses in the car's old suspension. Don't necessarily expect a better ride simply due to a tire change.
It's your call.
Most tire people say the life span of tires before replacing is about 5-6 years, even if there's plenty of tread left. A lot depends on how they've been stored. If left in the sun the UV exposure will lessen their life and cause the rubber to dry out and even split and seperate.
The hard ride could be characteristic of the particular Goodyear tire. C5 and C6 Vette owners complain loudly about the noisy and rough ride of the Goodyear runflats the cars come equipped with.
Look the tires over carefully. If you see what could be dry rot cracks and splits in the sidewall or inside the tread sipes, I'd replace them. If you plan on storing the car for the winter, wait until Spring.
Tires today are generally far superior to what the car came with. New tires are so much better that they will also reveal weaknesses in the car's old suspension. Don't necessarily expect a better ride simply due to a tire change.
It's your call.
The car has been in a heated garage since I've owned it. There are no cracks or dry rot that I can see.
When you put new tires on a vehicle, it seems to feel better than before.
I think you are right, Spring time fresh rubber goes on.
They still have 8/32,s left on them, but I think it's time to change them.
Thanks Gunslinger,
Denny
Former Member
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Willow Grove, PA - USA
Joined: 10/27/2006
Posts: 232
Vette(s): 1974 Stingray Coupe LS4 454 Dark Brown Metallic with Deluxe Saddle interior
X-fire.....
I grew up in freeport..... nice to see another local guy around, even thought my military job has me near Philly, I come back home as often as I can!
Jim
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20225
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
The Goodyear Eagles are absolutely harsh riders! They feel almost like driving a covered wagon when they get older, but they weren't that comfy when new, either. 
I had a set of originals on the alloy rims I bought for the '74, and they rode like crap. I finally took them off and stored them, and installed the newer tires(Generals...long story...) I had on the car. Rides and handles like a new car with them on it.
I had a set of originals on the alloy rims I bought for the '74, and they rode like crap. I finally took them off and stored them, and installed the newer tires(Generals...long story...) I had on the car. Rides and handles like a new car with them on it.
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
Tire manufacturers say noy to use any tire that is more than 6 years old reguadless of condition. The compound breaks down over time and it is not a visible condition. Don't take chances, change them.
Dave
Lifetime Member #116
Dave's '82 
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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