So a friend on the left coast is looking at a '67 GT350 with big letter 350s on it.
He is saying there is no DOT numbers or date code...... pre-1971 ? Is that possible......?
The picture shows the only numbers on the tire, other than size.
What do the experts say.......
Quote from: oldcanuck on March 09, 2019, 06:16:26 PM
So a friend on the left coast is looking at a '67 GT350 with big letter 350s on it.
He is saying there is no DOT numbers or date code...... pre-1971 ? Is that possible......?
The picture shows the only numbers on the tire, other than size.
What do the experts say.......
Reproduction/reissue tires have DOT numbers originals pre 71 do not. The tires will have a date code regardless of if early original or later reissue . Some restorers will grind off the DOT numbers the disguise a repro tire. I have seen some that grind off the date code also.
Thanks for responding..... do the pictured numbers mean anything ?
Quote from: oldcanuck on March 10, 2019, 06:57:12 PM
Thanks for responding..... do the pictured numbers mean anything ?
Yes,in that location they mean that the tire is like one of the current reissue/reproduction tires you can order from Kelsey tire.
OK... great, I'm hoping they aren't that old and can be utilized from time to time.
I will look for other markings and post as soon as I can.
I appreciate the assistance.
Bob, did you get my PM about Knoxville?
Quote from: Fran on March 11, 2019, 06:54:47 PM
Bob, did you get my PM about Knoxville?
No I did not get a PM.
Bob,
Let me know if you got it, if not I will post it to you here. It is just about Knoxville in general as we are thinking of moving there.
Fran
Quote from: Fran on March 11, 2019, 09:07:46 PM
Bob,
Let me know if you got it, if not I will post it to you here. It is just about Knoxville in general as we are thinking of moving there.
Fran
Fran, I can't explain why I am not getting one from you. I have gotten one from a another member earlier today.
Hmm OK...Here is what I was asking...
Bob, we are thinking of moving to Knoxville. I have a few questions. Is it car friendly? Are there car things to do, is it safe for older cars and people? Are there events? What about Diners? Strange questions, but we like Mom and Pop Diners. What about houses, like can I build a large building to hold my cars? What are town codes like? Would there even be old buildings to buy that could store and work on cars there? Over all do you like the area? We are in Upstate New York now and it is getting bad here in many ways, it is time to leave.
Quote from: Fran on March 11, 2019, 10:45:18 PM
Hmm OK...Here is what I was asking...
Bob, we are thinking of moving to Knoxville. I have a few questions. Is it car friendly? Are there car things to do, is it safe for older cars and people? Are there events? What about Diners? Strange questions, but we like Mom and Pop Diners. What about houses, like can I build a large building to hold my cars? What are town codes like? Would there even be old buildings to buy that could store and work on cars there? Over all do you like the area? We are in Upstate New York now and it is getting bad here in many ways, it is time to leave.
I would tell you if I knew. I live in Kansas City. I would start a new thread in the general discussion area with your question. That way you have the best chance for the right information. Best of luck on your move.
Oh thats funny, sorry...good idea though...
Well... the car is here now, and sure enough no DOT numbers or date code on these tires.
Is it possible to be on the in side ....?
Quote from: oldcanuck on March 16, 2019, 08:37:53 PM
Well... the car is here now, and sure enough no DOT numbers or date code on these tires.
Is it possible to be on the in side ....?
I suppose anything is possible. There is likely and not likely. Re read reply #1 for a more likely scenario. I thought I would remind you of another post that given the the picture of the number sequence on the backside of the tire you are beating a dead horse if holding out hope that the tires are vintage originals.
No I'm not hoping they are originals at all... just wanting to know how old they are and wondering if they are safe to drive on temporarily .... until I figure out what to put on it. Seems like the general consensus is BFG 225/60-15s ....
Quote from: oldcanuck on March 19, 2019, 06:22:06 AM
No I'm not hoping they are originals at all... just wanting to know how old they are and wondering if they are safe to drive on temporarily .... until I figure out what to put on it. Seems like the general consensus is BFG 225/60-15s ....
I wouldn't waste my time looking for a date code . First off it was most likely ground off along with the DOT by the PO to make it look more vintage but many because they are junk new and old so you probably will not find it. Well my opinion is that whether brand new or over 10 years which is the recommended replacement by MFG's for replacement, the bias ply tires are junk only good for show duty in comparison to any half way decent modern radial tire . Even the BFG's are better (not much ::) ) then the original type bias ply. They don't call the BFG's widow makers for nothing. Many owners have a set of show duty tires on a different set of show duty wheels and a good set of radials on another set of wheels for pleasure driving. It appears you already have the set of show tires ;) Your driving experience will be EXTREMELY enhanced in comparison by driving on a good set of radials. You of course are the one that will have to decide if this makes sense for you. Everyone is different. There are others on the forum that have a much broader experience with modern radial tire choices then I. You can reach out to them if you decide on the enhanced driving experience.
Thank you Bob...... exactly why I am asking... to see what the general consensus is by the members who already know what works for them.
I am thinking BFG T/As at 225/60R15 on my 10 spoke alloys..... I just cant bring myself to put a Cooper on the old girl.....
But I am certainly open to suggestions.......
I've been driving on BFG T/A's since about 1976. I haven't wrecked a car or killed myself yet...unless "they" are afraid to tell me?
It does help to keep a lot of air in them though. Somewhere between 35 and 40. Don't go above or below that.
In the "early days" with the first TA tread design, they were in common use as "racing wets". There was a trick to that though. You needed to shave them to around 5/32" before they would start to work.
That's not that uncommon with any tire though with a block tread pattern. Under heavy load the blocks squiggle around because the tire is so soft.
Tire compound formulations change all the time. Michelin is the current owner of BFG and they did a reformulation about 9-10 years ago. They are a good street tire but just can't be put in the same camp as a really high performance tire. And when it comes to 15" diameter, choices are very limited.
Quote from: 2112 on March 22, 2019, 05:45:49 PM
Tire compound formulations change all the time. Michelin is the current owner of BFG and they did a reformulation about 9-10 years ago. They are a good street tire but just can't be put in the same camp as a really high performance tire. And when it comes to 15" diameter, choices are very limited.
I've used W rated tires on my other cars. I can tell you that in my case they were a waste of money and had handling issues. They have low temperature limits and they generally suck in the wet.
My Pirelli P7's fit right in there under the "big suck" catagory.
Anyone who insists on paying for a prestige tire rating is welcome. I just seriously wonder if the new owner will even know the difference.
I'm not a BFG stock holder. I've had high performance cars since 1968. I know what works and what doesn't.
When my kids ask for my opinion I give it. Then I let them make their own choice. It doesn't matter if I'm happy with your choice. It matters if you are.
any thoughts on these?
Quote from: oldcanuck on March 16, 2019, 08:37:53 PM
Well... the car is here now, and sure enough no DOT numbers or date code on these tires.
Is it possible to be on the in side ....?
UPDATE - The Speedway 350s came off last nite.... sure enough, the DOT stamp with date code are on the inside only..... and no there has been no grinding on the outside of the tires.
Thanks,
BG
On early repos they were able to hide the federal requirement printing on the lip of the tire where ti would not be seen. At one point a number of years ago the feds required the printing to be moved up to a visible, one tire was installed, location
So, the tires are for sale? I think that is what this was about?
Quote from: Frankie on April 15, 2019, 09:43:19 AM
So, the tires are for sale? I think that is what this was about?
See Bob's ad below Fran.
http://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=5569.0
They are now that I have the BFGs on the car....... I have listed in the appropriate 'Parts for Sale' section of the Fourm.
Thanks to all that rendered an opinion on the replacements.....the car certainly drives and handles much better now.
Bob