Opinions on tires wanted-

[Chris in WNC]

Town Sedan needs new shoes.

I have been VERY pleased with Goodyears in the past, but the price difference for Universals is significant and tempting.

Has anyone out there used both and how did they compare for you?

Mostly around town driving with occasional long tours.

(not interested in Firestones or radials)

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good Afternoon...We've had the Lucas blackwall $99 tires on our 31 Tudor for six years and a good few thousand miles...we did liners, tubes and tires and have had no trouble at all. Ernie in Arizona

[Model A Ron]

What would be the best white wall for the money. I know out cars came with black wall but I think White Walls make them stand out a bit more.

[TerryO]

I put a set of Coker radials on my '31 Sport Coupe last fall and I will never go back to bias ply tires.


TOB

[McMimmcs]

radials make many model A’s look like hot rods. I want an A not a hot rod. For those that don’t mind the hot rod look, more power to them.

[Herb Concord Ca]

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As to your original question, Goodyear vs Universal. There is no comparison, Goodyear wins! I barely got 20K on the Universals.

[McMimmcs]

I have and am still very satisfied with my Goodyear’s, I have them on all cars except one in a large collection of cars.

[ronn]

and to those who cant afford Goodyears- or dont want them


European classics listed in the Restorer are 105. each shipped to your home.


helping some other model A guys!

[McMimmcs]

Originally Posted by ronn

and to those who cant afford Goodyears- or dont want them


European classics listed in the Restorer are 105. each shipped to your home.


helping some other model A guys!

In today’s economic environment how can you possibly go wrong?

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Just to muddy up the waters, I have never had a customer complain about Kelsey's Goodyear tires age-checking. I have had complaints with Coker's Firestones. I have no firsthand experience with Lucas nor the European tire, however I have always felt that buying the Goodyear allowed you to have a US manufactured tire that likely had a better quality rubber used. Better quality rubber equated to longevity, better wear characteristics, and UV holdout. Thoughts??

[mass A man]

11 years now and many miles on my 16" Goodyear Diamond Tread tires, no age cracks, even wear (very little at that). I've had other brands but I'll stick with the Goodyear's in the future. Note: My spare in my avatar is the factory original 19" tire, worn down to a "baloney skin". My real spare is in back.

[ronn]

Brent- are you 100% sure those are manufactured in the USA?


reason I ask, it seems everyone uses foreign countries for manufacture these days.
if you look it up- they are all involved with Asian production, with a small amount of production here.

[ronn]

to answer my own question


Are All Goodyear Tires Made in USA?

/Selling tires /Are All Goodyear Tires Made in USA?

• 02.05.2017
• Mike Skoropad
• Selling tires

Not all Goodyear tires made in USA. The company also has plants in Canada, Germany, France, England, Poland, Luxembourg, Turkey, Brazil, Venezuela, Peru, Chile, Colombia, Thailand, Taiwan, China, Indonesia, India, Malaysia, South Africa, etc.
Overall, there are 48 facilities operating in 21 countries worldwide, manufacturing high-performance passenger tires, winter tires, commercial tires, etc. Some of the branches cover tire retreading and repair, and manufacture specialized tires like OTR (off-the-road), agricultural, aircraft, and more.

[Oldgearz]

Am also interested in 19" Goodyear white walls. Because they are so pricey, I have hesitated ordering because I have never seen them mounted on a car. Love the diamond tread look. My only fear is the width of the tire and how they will look on the car. Am afraid of getting a tire that looks too skinny. Can anyone post a pic of the 19" Goodyear white wall on their car? How does their width compare to other brands...some are advertised at 4.75/5.00 while Goodyear says 4.75.

[ronn]

Old, you might want to look at 5.25 4.75 is a bit on the narrow side.

[BRENT in 10-uh-C]

Originally Posted by ronn

Brent- are you 100% sure those are manufactured in the USA?

Originally Posted by ronn

to answer my own question


Are All Goodyear Tires Made in USA?

Yep, ...you missed out on one little detail. Goodyear does not own the molds for the 450-21 & 475-19 tires. John Kelsey with Kelsey Tire does, ...and the last I knew Specialty Tires up in PA was making them for him.

Originally Posted by ronn

Old, you might want to look at 5.25 4.75 is a bit on the narrow side.

Actually, the Goodyears run a tad large. Originally Station Wagons used a 500-19 whereas the cars ran a 475-19. I tend to think the repro Goodyear is a little closer to the 500 size. It will be negligible since the Station Wagon used the same fender (welled) as the automobile did, -and the Kelsey tire fits correctly in an original welled fender.

[ronn]

thanks Brent!

[Peyton]

Bought four Garfield tires in 2004 for $70 ea (Coker Tire). Good tread but lots of cracking on the sides. I've been really happy with the tires.

Will buy similar tires soon especially before any long trips. I've driven 30,000 miles on this set of Garfields.

[Dick M]

The first 2 sets of tires on my A were Firestones. I was able to get 17k miles on each set. My car had a slight wander with the Firestones. I purchased Goodyear whitewalls in 2017. The wander disappeared with the Goodyear tires. I am certainly aware of the price difference, however, my next set of tires will be Goodyear. I really like them.

[Bob Bidonde]

I have been using Universal tires since the 1980s and have accumulated 1000s of miles with them. Tread life is about 25,000 - 30,000 miles. Universal tires have an authentic looking tread pattern. My only problem with them is a yellowish film that develops on the sidewalls, so the tires need a scrubbing a few times per year. Unlike some other tires, the Universals tires fit in fender wells. Traction in rain and snow is as good as other tires for a Model "A."

Since I have matured, I only drive up to about 3000 miles per year on my Universal tires. I maintain the tires pressure at 28 to 30 psig. Universal tires are the best bang for the buck in my opinion.