My old 30 X 3 1/2 tires

JEC · Post by **JEC** » Thu Apr 11, 2019 10:24 pm

The tires on my 15 Runabout have run the course and need to be replaced
I had one blow a hole in the side while just sitting.
The fabric is rotten.
I had to use a hack saw to get it off it was so stiff.
What do you all recommend that I buy for replacement?
Lang's has Wards Riverside for $152.
Lang's has a "Universal T driver" for $181
or a Firestone black for $203.

JP_noonan · Post by **JP_noonan** » Thu Apr 11, 2019 11:04 pm

I think its been pretty widely reported here on the forum that all of the new tires available for our T's are pretty much made in the same place now. That being said, Lang's has a policy of getting the freshest ones available, so i guess it all comes down to what style you like best on your T. I went for the Universal's because i like the look, and have had good luck with them so far.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Thu Apr 11, 2019 11:44 pm

As John says, the word is that all the clincher tires come from the same factory in Vietnam. The only differences are the appearance and the price.

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 5:06 am

Universal T drivers look oversized compared to the wards riversides. Your choice. I had a set of ex VietNam T drivers on my 17 shooting brake. They were at least 10 years old and were made with a rubber compound which didn't crack up while you looked at them, unlike today's offerings. They were not the best wearing, but at least they could be worn out before having to replace them.

Allan from down under.

Rich Bingham · Post by **Rich Bingham** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 7:55 am

"Oversize" tires were available back in the day, the Universal T drivers offered now are oversize, and say so. They have a period correct tread pattern and the ones in my T are giving good service. I'm thinking they're just a little too close to the fender, and when it comes time to replace them I won't opt for an "oversize" tire.

Colin Mavins · Post by **Colin Mavins** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 9:07 am

Yes they are a tight fix but we have had over size tires on the 12 T since 1952 that we know of and there is no problem 1952 to 2009 were original goodyear 2009 till now are T drivers all Over size.

Post by **DanTreace** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 9:25 am

Universal T-Driver's are good tires, last a long time too.

The tread pattern and sidewall are 'period' too, like the famous Samson Tire, similar sidewall bars.

Old Samson

: IMG_1003 (640x480) (560x420).jpg (100.27 KiB) Viewed 7411 times

Univ T-Driver about 18 years old, still good tread, but that aged rubber is much stiffer now, affects ride and grip.

Replaced with new T-Driver. Nothing beats the improved ride from a set of new , soft , fresh rubber tires

Post by **KWTownsend** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 9:34 am

I have purchased, but not yet mounted Coker Excelsior tires for my 1911. They are not the cheapest tires around, but they are NOT oversize. I will post pictures when I get them mounted.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 10:43 am

Am I misinformed about all the clinchers coming from the same factory? Where are the T-Driver and Excelsior tires made?

Post by **FATMAN** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 11:08 am

When I bought the 3 Model T's from the museum I also bought all the parts and with that I got a new set of Lester 30 x 3 and 30 x 3 1/2 tires new still 9in the brown paper nice and soft if you want a deal call me, Bob

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 11:16 am

Bob, have you looked at the date codes on the Lesters? My experience with NOS tires was that they were gorgeous, like new, when I unwrapped them, but they didn't last long. That demonstrated for me that rubber deteriorates with age, just sitting on the shelf.

Post by **KWTownsend** » Fri Apr 12, 2019 12:00 pm

I believe the Excelsior tires are from Viet Nam.

JEC · Post by **JEC** » Tue Apr 16, 2019 9:01 pm

I am leaning toward the T driver or Excelsior.
In the mean time I need to replace a rivet and refinish the spokes and rim.

Erik Johnson · Post by **Erik Johnson** » Tue Apr 16, 2019 9:52 pm

If your roadster has the correct wheels, the front tires should be 30 x 3.

In my opinion, Excelsior 30 x 3s look the best and more period correct because they are not so bulbous as the other brands of 30 x 3 tires.

The 30 x 3.5 Excelsiors are oversize like all the other brands of 30 x 3.5 tires.

If your wheel has a loose rivet, that may be an indication that your rim is loose around on the felloe. It is the pressure of the rim against the felloe that keeps the rim on the wheel. The rivets help keep the rim centered, but they should not be relied upon to keep the rim on the wheel.

You may want to consider removing the rim, shimming the felloe and then heating the rim and shrinking it back on.

Post by **Matt in California** » Wed Apr 17, 2019 1:31 am

I know that these tires are not exactly the subject of this conversation, but they will fit on some Model T’s.

Has anyone had any experience with these?

I am looking forward to hearing your response.

Matt

Post by **Matt in California** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 2:08 am

Anyone use these tires “made in Europe?”

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 10:00 am

Matt, whose catalogue or ad is that? I wasn't able to find it with a Google search. Is it current?.

Post by **CudaMan** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 10:13 am

http://www.europeanclassictyres.com/

Post by **Original Smith** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 10:36 am

I have a set of Excelsior tires on my '25, and they are huge, bigger than oversize. They've been on for nearly ten years, and are getting little cracks all over. I wouldn't buy another set.

Erik Johnson · Post by **Erik Johnson** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 11:40 am

RE: Coker Excelsior tires

My dad has Coker Commander tires on his 1917 touring. They are about 20 years old. They do not have any checking or cracks.

Commander tires are now called Excelsior.

The reason he bought them is the 30 x 3 tires (front tires) appear to be more period correct as they seem to have a narrower profile and do not appear oversize and bulbous like the other brands currently available.

Allan · Post by **Allan** » Thu Apr 18, 2019 11:52 pm

Eric, being 20 years old, i suspect your Dad's tyres are pre VietNamese manufacture, when tyres were properly made and fit for service.If only the suppliers would specify tyres of similar quality today!!!!! It would be worth spending more on a tyre which would last, both in time and mileage. The optimist in me says the suppliers are having such crappy products made so they can announce a new and better development and a justifiable price rise. The cynic in me says this crap will do. Nobody drives far enough to wear them out, and if they crack up we can sell them some more. They ought to be thankful that we make something in the first place.

Allan from down under.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Apr 19, 2019 12:15 am

Erik, the Man Who Owns One wants you to move.

Erik Johnson · Post by **Erik Johnson** » Fri Apr 19, 2019 12:37 am

Allen Bennett:

The tires on my dad's car were probably made in Vietnam.

I have Coker Classic (sawtooth tread) on my roadster. They are probably 40 years old. They are pure crap with major cracks - I shouldn't even be driving on them.

Steve Jelf:

I''m trying to remember who owns that Packard.

MTFCA Forum

My old 30 X 3 1/2 tires

My old 30 X 3 1/2 tires

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