New Zealand Tires

[Ed Saniewski]

Can anyone tell me when the Firestone tires were last made in New Zealand?

[Hoogah]

According to http://www.canstarblue.co.nz/vehicle...and-firestone/

Bridgestone & Firestone in New Zealand
Bridgestone New Zealand Ltd was founded in 1998 following the merger of the Bridgestone and Firestone tyre companies. Bridgestone produced the first tyres in New Zealand and is now the only tyre manufacturer in New Zealand. Bridgestone New Zealand Limited also has three retread factories that produce quality commercial retreads.

The Papanui factory is one of the biggest employers in the Christchurch area and a significant contributor to the community and economy. The factory opened in 1947 and today it produces Bridgestone, Firestone and Supercat tyres.

Classic Tyres website (http://classic-tyres.co.nz/wp/), says:
Classic Tyres (‘the business’) is a New Zealand independent owner/operated company which has been trading since 1991. Originally created at the behest of Vintage Tyres Supplies in the uncertain vacuum following the ceasation of cross-ply tyre manufacturing in NZ, by both Dunlop (South Pacific Tyres) and Bridgestone-Firestone. Since that time, almost all tyres suited to Veteran, Vintage and Classic cars have, by necessity, become imported items; and Classic Tyres, through a track record and by forging alliances with leading overseas speciality tyre factors, has become the leading NZ importer.

This points to the time leading up to 1991 as the period in which vintage tyre production ceased.

[Mikeinnj]

Some years ago I bought a set of five Firestone 21" tires from a US Model A east coast based supplier and they were marked "Made in New Zealand."
They all developed deep cracks in the sidewalls in just a few years from the purchase date. Pure garbage..... Beware !

[DougVieyra]

An interesting question. Can you tell me Ed what prompted you to ask the query?

I am remembering back to the time when there were NO newly-made U.S.Made tires being sold in the U.S. that fit the stock Ford Model A 19" & 21" wheels. The only NEW tires available for the stock Model A wheel were made in New Zealand. That is when a great many of us grabbed the last of the U.S. made SEARS and WARDS 19" & 21" tires. So many were glad to be able to get ANY new tire of the Model A Ford size, including New Zealand.

Beside the easier riding qualities of the 16" tire, lack of availability of the stock 19" & 21" tires, is what caused a great many of Model A drivers of the 1940's and 1950's to switch to 16" V-8 wheels.

[SteveB31]

They were last made in New Zealand around 1999

[modelAtony]

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Originally Posted by SteveB31

They were last made in New Zealand around 1999

Thanks MR. Steve for the info. Have fun modelAtony Lafayette, LA

[Ed Saniewski]

Doug, the reason I ask is that I just got a 1930 town sedan and it has what look like low mileage tires, but the side walls are cracked all around. I am nervous about driving them on test drives around my neighborhood once we get the car running. It sat for 4 years in a garage because the former owner could no get it to run.

[ModAfan]

“Some years ago I bought a set of five Firestone 21" tires from a US Model A east coast based supplier and they were marked "Made in New Zealand."
They all developed deep cracks in the sidewalls in just a few years from the purchase date. Pure garbage..... Beware !”



I have a set of New Zealand-made Firestone Gum-Dipped whitewalls on my '28 Tudor. They have been on the car since the mid '80s and they show no signs of splitting or cracking.

[DougVieyra]

Ed -
Each of us has different 'Risk Tolerances' in every aspect of our everyday living. Personally I would have no qualms nor be - "nervous about driving them on test drives around my neighborhood once we get the car running."

[quickchange]

The last batch firestone tires made here did crack etc . seems they may have been running out of ingredients , Seems longer than 16 years ago, Believe moulds went back to USA ,had the made in nz removed then reworked & shipped to some off shore country for manufacturing , Last ones cost me $21.00 NZ each, was only a couple of years & imported ones where over $100.00 . Derek in a hot sunny dry NZ

[1931 flamingo]

As far as I can tell the ones on mine are from the late 80's.
Paul in CT