The Ford Barn

GaryU. · 02-13-2023, 03:45 PM

Getting new tires for my '38 Convertible and although I've had the wheels off before never noticed the 6.00x16 tires were produced in New Zealand. I've been worried about the age of the tires so I'm wondering when Firestone tires were last produced in New Zealand?? Going with new Firestone Bias Ply tires with tubes. My local guys are handling installation and balancing.

Karl · 02-13-2023, 05:45 PM

I can't give you an exact date -but not for sometime ie decades. I believe that the dies were sold to Vietnam -If so then even with the made in New Zealand its possible that the tyres were made in Vietnam more recently . I would back the NZ quality but am unsure of Vietnam -Karl

FlatheadTed · 02-13-2023, 05:48 PM

My last set 17" white walls was purchased in 1989 ,still in perfect condition still running them ,

dean333 · 02-13-2023, 07:21 PM

Wow Ted, I wouldn’t drive on tires 33 years old.

Kube · 02-13-2023, 07:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryU.

Getting new tires for my '38 Convertible and although I've had the wheels off before never noticed the 6.00x16 tires were produced in New Zealand. I've been worried about the age of the tires so I'm wondering when Firestone tires were last produced in New Zealand?? Going with new Firestone Bias Ply tires with tubes. My local guys are handling installation and balancing.

Gary, if you have not ordered them yet, I might suggest you strongly consider 6:50. They look so much better than the 6:00.

42merc · 02-13-2023, 07:31 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have NZ Firestone white walls bought in 1985.
They are not on the car anymore.

mercman from oz · 02-13-2023, 07:53 PM

I fitted these 5.50 x 17 Firestone made in New Zealand Tyres to my 1934 Ford back in the Seventies.
They are still on the car and show no sign of deteriation and provide a smooth ride.
Just for the record, when mounting the Spare Wheel, make sure that the Valve is at the top so that the Drain Hole is at the bottom, as can be seen in this photo.

GaryU. · 02-14-2023, 04:54 AM

Too late on tire size already have them and the spare is in the trunk so no issue with water. Also Wide Fives have no center.

02-13-2023, 05:45 PM	#2
Karl Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Manawatu, New Zealand Posts: 1,416	Re: Firestone Whitewalls made in New Zealand?? I can't give you an exact date -but not for sometime ie decades. I believe that the dies were sold to Vietnam -If so then even with the made in New Zealand its possible that the tyres were made in Vietnam more recently . I would back the NZ quality but am unsure of Vietnam -Karl __________________ Such a fine sight to see-Its a Girl, My Lord, in a Flatbed Ford slowin' down to take a look at me.

02-13-2023, 05:48 PM	#3
FlatheadTed Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Auckland Posts: 4,705	Re: Firestone Whitewalls made in New Zealand?? My last set 17" white walls was purchased in 1989 ,still in perfect condition still running them , __________________ http://www.flatheadted.com Flathead Ted brake Floaters ,

02-13-2023, 07:21 PM	#4
dean333 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Shorewood Illinois Posts: 863	Re: Firestone Whitewalls made in New Zealand?? Wow Ted, I wouldn’t drive on tires 33 years old. __________________ Tim Carlig

02-13-2023, 07:31 PM	#6
42merc Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: Buchanan, MI Posts: 676	Re: Firestone Whitewalls made in New Zealand?? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have NZ Firestone white walls bought in 1985. They are not on the car anymore.

02-13-2023, 07:53 PM	#7
mercman from oz Senior Member Join Date: May 2012 Location: Queensland, Australia Posts: 10,377	Re: Firestone Whitewalls made in New Zealand?? I fitted these 5.50 x 17 Firestone made in New Zealand Tyres to my 1934 Ford back in the Seventies. They are still on the car and show no sign of deteriation and provide a smooth ride. Just for the record, when mounting the Spare Wheel, make sure that the Valve is at the top so that the Drain Hole is at the bottom, as can be seen in this photo.

02-14-2023, 04:54 AM	#8
GaryU. Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Beaver Dam, Wisconsin Posts: 821	Re: Firestone Whitewalls made in New Zealand?? Too late on tire size already have them and the spare is in the trunk so no issue with water. Also Wide Fives have no center.