Blockley vs Firestone

[Flivver]

Here in Ontario Canada, I can get Blockley Tyres shipped to me for about the same price as buying Firestone Tires from a local tire shop. Any advice on how to decide?

Thanks,

[Allan]

If you need help deciding to choose between the usual Firestone and the new Blockley tyres, you really do need help! They are like chalk and cheese. The only reservation some may have is a price differential. Without that differential, the Blockleys are the obvious choice to me.

Allan from down under.

[Steve Jelf]

What Allan said. In the long run Blockleys will cost less because they will last longer.

[Alan Long]

Allan & Steve nailed it. Absolutely no question, Blockley Tyres and their Metal stemmed Tubes (no flaps) and your set
for life!!!
Alan in Western Australia

[Flivver]

Thanks. Blockley's are very uncommon here, so there is no first hand advice available from locals. Appreciate the help.

[TXGOAT2]

Using quality, long-wearing tires will save money and aggravation in the long run: Less trouble, less dismounting/remounting, and probably better inherent balance.

[Allan]

Steven, Blockley beaded edge tyres for a T are a new product aimed at providing quality tyres in place of the usual rubbish we have had to put up with, so they will be uncommon as yet. However, Blockley have been producing quality tyres for vintage cars and vintage racing cars for years. They have an enviable reputation for their products, and their efforts to supply similar quality products for us T owners are to be welcomed.

Allan from dpwn under.

[Kevin Pharis]

I have about 600 miles on my Blockley clinchers, with probably 100 of those in the rain. The mold quality is excellent, the tubes are 2x as thick, and the tires perform beautifully on the road, rain or shine. Am looking at 21” tires for my speedster now, and will not be calling Coker!

[Jeff Hood]

I have been told that all currently available tires except Blockleys are made in the same Vietnam factory using the same rubber compounds no matter what name is on the sidewall. That said, something must have changed with the rubber compound and factory process through the years. About 20 years ago I bought a set of Universal T Drivers. They wore out fast, cracked and weather checked even faster, the tread was not true or round, and they were very hard to balance. I replaced them with the then new Lucas Riversides which have been on my car for several years and thousands of miles now. They run true, much easier to balance, have not cracked and I am very happy that they are not rapidly wearing away. Nothing against Blockleys here, I'm glad that there is now a choice between at least two manufacturers, however the other tires may no longer be as bad as their reputations lead us to believe.

[Chris Haynes]

I have been told that all currently available tires except Blockleys are made in the same Vietnam factory using the same rubber compounds no matter what name is on the sidewall.

Blockley tires are also made in Nam. Only Blockley has much higher standards and thicker sidewalls. One that will become obvious when you are mounting them.