Topic: How long do tires last.........
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2470
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
............ When stored and not mounted? With the onset of tires for our cars going obsolete, I cannot find any to fit mine, is it O.K. to buy and store tires for a later time? B.F. Goodrich, Good Year, and Firestone are tough in my area. What do the users of Coopers say?
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
The general rule of thumb is a tire is good for six years from date of manufacture. That assumes no special storage. After so much time the tread and sidewall compounds start to break down...even with no mileage or being mounted.
With the interior of the tires exposed to the atmosphere airborne elements can start the deterioration from the inside out. Rayon, while a strong fiber, is water soluble and will begin to come apart once it absorbs moisture. It's a good thing few, if any tires, use rayon anymore.
That being said, if stored in a temperature and humidity controlled environment, tires can last a long time, but the industry standard still stands since they cannot be responsible for how old tires hold up with any kind of storage.
I have Coopers on several cars and can say I've had excellent service from them. On my SUV, the Cooper Discoverer tires weren't worn out after about 60k miles, but I could feel them losing their grip in the wet, plus they began riding hard. The tread compound had changed with age and heat, so for safety's sake I replaced them...with another set of Cooper Discoverers.
Lifetime MemberAsh Fork, AZ - USA
Joined: 4/18/2007
Posts: 1058
Vette(s): 1981 Red Interior White exterior
The tires on mine are Dunlops and are at least 13 yrs old. I haven't checked the date code because what's the sense. As my car has been in the rebuild stage for about a decade, driving on them is of no concern. As soon as I have to take it in to have it inspected and aligned it's getting trailered. I don't want to trust them going the short distance to the garage. Yes they still hold are, anyone need 13 year old air for any reason?
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Lifetime Member #192
Lifetime MemberEquinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2470
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.
Well as of this morning, the B.F. Goodrich, and the Firestone Firehawks are Nation Wide Discontinued, or on eternal backorder. The Eagles have been gone for a while. Sooo..... What to do? What is the next best thing? Coopers? Does anyone have any experience with the Goodrich Destination? Suggestions are Welcomed. THANKS!
My tire guy says the Mastercraft tires are a good choice. I'll have to double check what model.
Barry
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
I believe Mastercraft tires are made by Cooper.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Correct...the Futura line at Pep Boys is made by Cooper. Many, if not most of their other tire lines are Cooper as well.
I've had good luck getting tires from this chain: Click here for Discount Tire
|UPDATED|8/9/2013 5:49:03 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
The BFG T/As on both "BLKBRRD" and "The Toy" and the Goodyear F1s on "The Beast" all came from there. Tires for all the daily drivers also.
Years ago had great luck with Kelly Springfield tires on my '83 Supra. Don't know if that outfit is still in business tho'.
|UPDATED|8/9/2013 5:49:03 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Jim Olson 
"The Toys"...!!! Save the Wave! 
Wow, that isn't right. No more BF's or Firestone Radial. I was waiting to buy new
BF's or Firestones tires , I waited too long.
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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