The Ford Barn

Bob Bidonde · 11-22-2022, 09:58 AM

Does anyone know why Universal brand tires are not readily available? Who is the owing wholesaler of Universal brand tires?

Over 3 months ago I ordered two 4.75-19 Universal brand tires from a major Model "A" parts retailer. The retailer cannot give me an ETA for the tires because their source has no ETA. Universal brand tires are perhaps the most commonly used tires on Model A's because of their treasonable cost and period authentic tread pattern. Why is there a shortage of Universal tires?

BRENT in 10-uh-C · 11-22-2022, 10:14 AM

Never really thought about it but doesn't Coker own Universal??

As far as availability, ...Specialty Tire is the manufacturer and they are beyond WAY behind on all of the tires they are making for others.

ronn · 11-22-2022, 10:17 AM

yes Brent, now owned by coker, which is now owned by a japanese hedge fund.

coker sold out in 2014.......

I would have sold out too- being "tired" of the business.

Y-Blockhead · 11-22-2022, 10:50 AM

Universal Tires are not the only ones in short supply. I have been waiting to receive a set of American Classic Radials for over 6 months. They kept changing the delivery date so I cancelled the order.

I finally bought two Lucas tires to replace the two rear tires on my car. I can buy them locally from LUCAS.

McMimmcs · 11-22-2022, 11:02 AM

Welcome to the post pandemic world. This is the new reality!
Wayne

Y-Blockhead · 11-22-2022, 11:05 AM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Does anyone know why Universal brand tires are not readily available? Who is the owing wholesaler of Universal brand tires?

Over 3 months ago I ordered two 4.75-19 Universal brand tires from a major Model "A" parts retailer. The retailer cannot give me an ETA for the tires because their source has no ETA. Universal brand tires are perhaps the most commonly used tires on Model A's because of their reasonable cost and period authentic tread pattern. Why is there a shortage of Universal tires?

Bob, I just checked. Summitt Racing has 16 4.75/5.00-19 Universal Tires in stock. https://www.summitracing.com/search?...versal%20tires

Bob Bidonde · 11-22-2022, 11:32 AM

Y-Blockhead, Thanks for the info.

Y-Blockhead · 11-22-2022, 11:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

Y-Blockhead, Thanks for the info.

Not a problem. Free shipping too!!

Keith True · 11-22-2022, 12:31 PM

The last 12 tires I bought came from Summit.Solely for the free shipping.

Jeff/Illinois · 11-25-2022, 11:49 AM

I bought a set of Goodyear tires last fall from Kelsey. The price was $30 per tire less than Summit as I recall , but the S&H came in at 30 bucks each so Summitt's free shipping came out to even money.

Might be different now I haven't checked.

Ruth · 11-25-2022, 01:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff/Illinois

I bought a set of Goodyear tires last fall from Kelsey. The price was $30 per tire less than Summit as I recall , but the S&H came in at 30 bucks each so Summitt's free shipping came out to even money.

Might be different now I haven't checked.

Do they have Universal tires?

Jeff/Illinois · 11-26-2022, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ruth

Do they have Universal tires?

No they only carry Goodyear's. They are a Goodyear distributor/mfg.

J Franklin · 11-26-2022, 01:46 PM

Goodyear is a good looking/wearing tire.

Jeff/Illinois · 11-26-2022, 04:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by J Franklin

Goodyear is a good looking/wearing tire.

Agree

Bob Bidonde · 11-27-2022, 10:47 AM

I have been running Universal Tires on my A's for more years than I can remember. The wear rate is excellent, the tread pattern is of the Model "A" era and the price was right. Overall, Universal Tires are a great value.

My only complaint is the yellowish film that develops on the sidewalls. However, I find that 303 Protectant takes the film right off. Spray it on and walk away to great looking tires.
I want Universal Tires!

11-22-2022, 09:58 AM	#1
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,470	Universal Brand Tires Does anyone know why Universal brand tires are not readily available? Who is the owing wholesaler of Universal brand tires? Over 3 months ago I ordered two 4.75-19 Universal brand tires from a major Model "A" parts retailer. The retailer cannot give me an ETA for the tires because their source has no ETA. Universal brand tires are perhaps the most commonly used tires on Model A's because of their treasonable cost and period authentic tread pattern. Why is there a shortage of Universal tires? __________________ Bob Bidonde

11-22-2022, 10:14 AM	#2
BRENT in 10-uh-C Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Eastern Tennessee Posts: 11,513	Re: Universal Brand Tires Never really thought about it but doesn't Coker own Universal?? As far as availability, ...Specialty Tire is the manufacturer and they are beyond WAY behind on all of the tires they are making for others. __________________ . BRENT in 10-uh-C . www.model-a-ford.com ...(...Finally Updated!! ) .

11-22-2022, 10:17 AM	#3
ronn Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NNNNNNNNJJJJJJJJJJ Posts: 6,789	Re: Universal Brand Tires yes Brent, now owned by coker, which is now owned by a japanese hedge fund. coker sold out in 2014....... I would have sold out too- being "tired" of the business.

11-22-2022, 10:50 AM	#4
Y-Blockhead Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Redondo Beach, CA Posts: 5,849	Re: Universal Brand Tires Universal Tires are not the only ones in short supply. I have been waiting to receive a set of American Classic Radials for over 6 months. They kept changing the delivery date so I cancelled the order. I finally bought two Lucas tires to replace the two rear tires on my car. I can buy them locally from LUCAS.

11-22-2022, 11:02 AM	#5
McMimmcs Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan Posts: 2,296	Re: Universal Brand Tires Welcome to the post pandemic world. This is the new reality! Wayne

11-22-2022, 11:32 AM	#7
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,470	Re: Universal Brand Tires Y-Blockhead, Thanks for the info. __________________ Bob Bidonde

11-22-2022, 12:31 PM	#9
Keith True Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Epping N.H. Posts: 2,987	Re: Universal Brand Tires The last 12 tires I bought came from Summit.Solely for the free shipping.

11-25-2022, 11:49 AM	#10
Jeff/Illinois Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 2,789	Re: Universal Brand Tires I bought a set of Goodyear tires last fall from Kelsey. The price was $30 per tire less than Summit as I recall , but the S&H came in at 30 bucks each so Summitt's free shipping came out to even money. Might be different now I haven't checked.

11-26-2022, 01:46 PM	#13
J Franklin Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oregon Posts: 5,963	Re: Universal Brand Tires Goodyear is a good looking/wearing tire.

11-27-2022, 10:47 AM	#15
Bob Bidonde Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 3,470	Re: Universal Brand Tires I have been running Universal Tires on my A's for more years than I can remember. The wear rate is excellent, the tread pattern is of the Model "A" era and the price was right. Overall, Universal Tires are a great value. My only complaint is the yellowish film that develops on the sidewalls. However, I find that 303 Protectant takes the film right off. Spray it on and walk away to great looking tires. I want Universal Tires! __________________ Bob Bidonde