Universal brand tires

[Gold Digger]

Came up with another "A" that has Universal brand tires on it that look low mileage, can see some of the tits still on them. I've never owned any Universal's and was wondering how many miles they were good for. How do they compare to Firestone or Goodyear? I know they're not as expensive.

[iverson]

I don't know how long they last I bought a used set of like new 450x21's the only thing I can say they put up a fight to put on! very stiff and way smaller than the old 450x21 allstates I took off but they should wear like iron made in usa

[raprice]

I have a new set of Universals on my '30 Model A coupe. The seem to perform well on the road. Let's see how long they last.
Rog

[Jacksonlll]

If you are driving a heavy Town sedan, I would not use them. OK for all others.

[DougVieyra]

I bought my Universal tires (50 years ago) because the had/have the most authentic 1928/'29 tread/wall design of the Firestone tires (one of the four main tire suppliers for the Ford Model A). The 21" tire tread (authentic) differs significantly for the 19" tread (not authentic).
However, I was sadly disappointed at how quickly they wore. At about 10,000 miles they now show significant wear. I compare the length of wear against my newer (30 years ago) 'reproduction' - non-original design (and larger size than originals) of my New Zeland tires. My N.Z. "Firestone" tires wear, and wear, and wear. I wish my Universal "Firestone" tires were as durable and as my N.Z. tires. Which I fear will never wear out in my lifetime.
Would they do so, I would love to have the original tread/sidewall design of the current production of Goodyear tires (another original supplier of the Ford Model A). The 21" tires are authentic enough to have the "BALLOON" nomenclature on the sidewall - as original. I have two originals from the 1928 period, but dare not used them - but they do allow me to compare them to the reproduction made today. Thank you Doug Clayton !

[Dick Steinkamp]

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Originally Posted by Jacksonlll

If you are driving a heavy Town sedan, I would not use them. OK for all others.

I guess "heavy" is a relative term, but I can't see much difference between a Town Sedan and others...

Town Sedan 2475 pounds
Fordor (2 window) 2467
Fordor (3 window) 2462
Tudor 2375
Station Wagon 2482

Even coupe is only 125 pounds lighter than a Town Sedan. Put a kid in the passenger seat of the coupe and they'd weigh the same.

http://www.mafca.com/data_weights.html

Max load of the Universal 475 500 19 is 895 pounds at 32 PSI...

https://www.cokertire.com/475-500-19...wall-tire.html

That's 3580 pounds total. A Town Sedan and 1,100 pounds of passengers and luggage.

Should be OK.

[Bob Bidonde]

I use Universal tires exclusively on my Model A's and have done so since 1962. They run well on my 190A Victoria which is no lightweight Model A. Check the date code on the tires. If more than 6 years old, expect the rubber to have hardened.

Go here to understand the date codes:
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret...170616124258:s

There is a difference in the coding of tires made before CY 2000.

[msmaron]

Its the only tires i use for the money., They last approx 12-15K....I have used them on my 160c and just on my TS.. True if you invest in firestone or goodyear you will bet 25K but for the money 99.00 (less for me as a dealer) I feel they are worth it..I have to look at 1 set a year+ and Im okay with that....

[Jeff/Illinois]

Not a bad deal for 99 bucks and look good too.............

https://www.cokertire.com/universal-model-a.html

[Dick Steinkamp]

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

Not a bad deal for 99 bucks and look good too.............

https://www.cokertire.com/universal-model-a.html

Same price from Summit, but free shipping if you buy 2 or more...

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/cok-78705

[DougVieyra]

Dick's post #10 show the tread/sidewall of the 19" tire for the 1930 & '31 wheel. The tread/sidewall is significantly different on the 21" tire that the '28 & '29 wheel uses.