Tire age question
- Thread starter 08Malibu
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It is a risk, like you said. I don't even want to date code the 215/75R14 tires I have. They are spares for that reason but who knows how old low volume tires like Radial TA's and the Cooper Cobra's I am picking up today may be dangerously close to out of date new. Some have found their tires are already 4 years old brand new! I have a really on radial on a SS3 rim that came with a 76 Cutlass bought at least 10 years ago, more like 15 years ago. I believe it is a F-78R15, you know it is crazy old.
it's not only a safety risk, a blown tire can do some damage to the quarter panel or fender and the front plastic wheel wells could be destroyed
... and while we're talking age of the tires, don't forget the spare -- I always get annoyed when an article in a car magazine or a Seller boasts that a 30+ y/o car still has the original spare in the trunk
True but honestly I may just burn them off around town when I get the 424 built. They would not see highway use plus my 88 has fairly new BFG's, which will stay on and the 70S needs all 4 quarter panels completely replaced, so I may risk it for testing purposes 😎. I may purchase a newer tire tire, something similar in height to the 275/60R15 but narrower to fit the 7" rim for a spare, that tire might be as old as me! We can also go down the rabbit hole of putting 275/60R15 on 10" rims which I am doing, 9.5" is the maximum recommended. If they made a 295/55 or 60R15 for more height, I would have gone that route.
New coopers run about 110 a piece online in 245/60r15, even Walmart has some good options in the 225 width range for much cheaper, non-rwl. Just not worth the risk of messing up a quarter or fender on stuff like this. On my drift car I just run on the back whatever I get for free, sometimes a 20 yo tire will last multiple runs going down to the steel belt. Sometimes as soon as a tire gets warm it de-laminates completely like a retread. After 2 seasons my rear quarters look sandblasted lol.
All that besides, you'd be shocked at how a rubber compound changes just from in an area not climate controlled. Ruined a pretty nice pair of 200 treadwears leaving them outside covered for just over a year, went to the track and understeer city on a hot day, wasn't fun. I know it doesn't pertain to your situation, but food for thought. Also getting a flat on the highway is unsafe and just plain sucks.
All that besides, you'd be shocked at how a rubber compound changes just from in an area not climate controlled. Ruined a pretty nice pair of 200 treadwears leaving them outside covered for just over a year, went to the track and understeer city on a hot day, wasn't fun. I know it doesn't pertain to your situation, but food for thought. Also getting a flat on the highway is unsafe and just plain sucks.
Sounds like a good project for iowa. Toss a mattress in the back of that burb.
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