Has anyone tried these tires?
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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- First Name: Benjamin
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Has anyone tried these tires?
Have to ask - has anyone tried these tires by Blockley Tyre?
The tread looks like a period type that hasn’t been around for 80+ years. Quite interesting.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/30x3-5
Thanks
The tread looks like a period type that hasn’t been around for 80+ years. Quite interesting.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/30x3-5
Thanks
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
That’s almost 194.00 USA per tyre. Add shipping on that and it’d be pretty expensive for a set of 5.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
LOL, yeah that’s why I’m asking before making the leap.
They’d be going on a non-Ford car which originally called for a much larger tire. But since it has 23” clincher rims it’s been limited to 30x3 1/2” (oversize) for the past 80 years — which look ridiculous under those big ‘ol fenders.
Saw these and the authentic looking tread piqued my interest. Cheaper than buying straight-side rims to get the larger size tire.
Might be game.
They’d be going on a non-Ford car which originally called for a much larger tire. But since it has 23” clincher rims it’s been limited to 30x3 1/2” (oversize) for the past 80 years — which look ridiculous under those big ‘ol fenders.
Saw these and the authentic looking tread piqued my interest. Cheaper than buying straight-side rims to get the larger size tire.
Might be game.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
A little dearer than that, VAT tax $232 US + Postage.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Yeah, I saw that VAT tax and it scared me too. Looked into it and you’d have to receive the goods within the EU to be subject to it. US buyers are not.
Blockley also mentioned it on their site.
Still — shipping is going to be quite a punch.
Not installing new tires before spring - will update this post if I make the leap.
Though I’m crazy enough to do it, still would like to hear from anyone who’s tried them. Maybe someone in the UK?
Thanks all!
Blockley also mentioned it on their site.
Still — shipping is going to be quite a punch.
Not installing new tires before spring - will update this post if I make the leap.
Though I’m crazy enough to do it, still would like to hear from anyone who’s tried them. Maybe someone in the UK?
Thanks all!
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
They are also offering heavyweight butyl rubber tubes. I'm guessing adding those to an order for tyres would not add much, if anything, to shipping costs. I would be asking more about the expected tyre life, both in mileage and time. While the asking price may be twice that of the usual substandard crap offered, if they last 3 times as long, you are way ahead. Deleting the cost of an unnecessary set of flaps would also help meet the cost.
Who knows, a little competition in the market place may even prod the local suppliers of cheap imports to lift their specifications to come somewhere nearer to acceptable standards.
Allan from down under.
Who knows, a little competition in the market place may even prod the local suppliers of cheap imports to lift their specifications to come somewhere nearer to acceptable standards.
Allan from down under.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Good looking diamond tread tires ! I hope they work out for you !
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Nice looking tyres, Keep us posted!
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
I don't have a T that uses anything other than 21", and I am not clear on what the maker calls a "beaded edge", but I would be concerned enough to contact the maker and be sure before ordering. I had personal experience with the straight sided Firestone tires, made in Argentina in the 60's and 70's, and imported and sold in the US by Specialized Auto Parts in Houston where I worked. All tires have a mounting bead. The difference is the bead. Is it straight side or clincher? If these tires were clincher, the maker should state so instead of hiding that fact.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Perhaps one of our members across the pond can chime in. Personally, if I knew the tires would last longer than those currently available from asia I would pay the price willingly. I wonder whether they make their own tires (tyres) or outsource them?
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
I assume "beaded edge" must mean clincher. It looks like a clincher rim in the photos.
The inevitable often happens.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Yes, beaded edge is a clincher.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Those are different looking, and could pass for early styles of tread patterns too of clincher tires.
...but one would have to like the large name on the sidewall
...but one would have to like the large name on the sidewall
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
That tread pattern is similar to old Goodyear tires.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
A matter of taste I guess. The imprint is very much “period correct”. I kinda like it. Too bad they don’t also come in 30x3. Or do they ?
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
They would look good on a T.
When did I do that?
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
I have a set of these Goodyear's (450/21). I purchased direct from the distributor Kelsey Tire CO in Camdenton MO.There tube & flap prices were very low. Even though they are also available with free shipping from Summit Racing the total price was less.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Thank you all for your input. Rich, your photos of period tread were very interesting.
The diamond tread does appeal to me as it does look like a period tread abandoned once Montgomery Ward took over the market after the clincher rims because obsolete.
I’ve seen this tread on many cars in period family albums.
I think I’m going to give them a try. Will inquire with the company tomorrow - hopefully they’re NOT another Vietnam tire!
I’ll keep you updated, though should warn that it’ll be a while before they’re on the car - currently in the middle of an engine rebuild, and it NOT being a Ford car means we’re looking at about a year. (You don’t want to know the cost. Every part of this engine has to be saved or fabricated.)
Thanks again!
Ben P.
The diamond tread does appeal to me as it does look like a period tread abandoned once Montgomery Ward took over the market after the clincher rims because obsolete.
I’ve seen this tread on many cars in period family albums.
I think I’m going to give them a try. Will inquire with the company tomorrow - hopefully they’re NOT another Vietnam tire!
I’ll keep you updated, though should warn that it’ll be a while before they’re on the car - currently in the middle of an engine rebuild, and it NOT being a Ford car means we’re looking at about a year. (You don’t want to know the cost. Every part of this engine has to be saved or fabricated.)
Thanks again!
Ben P.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Now I’m really curious about Bockley. Their website claims that their clincher tyres (!) are superior owing to ten years of development and special attention to engineering, the lack of which resulted in tire failures and Michelin abandoning their “beaded tyre” line. They say their tires are carefully made to their exacting specs with materials of equal high quality - but they don’t say where they are made, something I think may be an important question with readers of this forum. They did say the molds and dies have been made anew, again to their specs, which is somewhat apparent from the tread pattern and overall look of the tire. I hope we can learn more, and that they aren’t prohibitively priced for stateside buyers !
"Get a horse !"
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
BE AWARE - import duties and tariffs on new merchandise are based on country of manufacture not country of purchase. Always check before ordering.
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
If these tyres turn out to be superior to the Vietnam variety then the solution is to find someone in the US to import and market them. Economy of scale
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Rich Bingham - You bring up a very good point in regard to tire "materials"! I don't know much about "clinchers", but my '26 touring, '27 Depot Hack, and '29 Model A Town Sedan all use 4:50 x 21" tires, and any time I can find 4:50 x 21's with "NYLON" casings, I buy them! I have been told in the past, by numerous folks that know tires better than I do, and also by my own experience, that NYLON casing tires are not only much stronger than the more common conventional casings, but they are much, MUCH less prone to rotting. Therefore, I believe that older and even older "used" NYLON tires are better than a lot of todays Vietnam junk. I admit,....some conjecture here on my part,.however,...."that's my story an' I'm stick' to it! .....harold
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Although they don't list 30 x 3 1/2 Lucas Tires do have Blockley tires to sell.
Maybe worth someone contacting the and seeing if they can import them also.
I would also pay more for decent standard or high quality tires, as Allan says if they last longer they would work out cheaper.
Sounds like Brockley made their tires because the tire companies were producing rubbish tires so the quality is more than likely superior to the junk we get now.
Maybe worth someone contacting the and seeing if they can import them also.
I would also pay more for decent standard or high quality tires, as Allan says if they last longer they would work out cheaper.
Sounds like Brockley made their tires because the tire companies were producing rubbish tires so the quality is more than likely superior to the junk we get now.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Import duties dependent on country of origin? Who'd have thunk it? As the currently available 30" junk clinchers come from Viet Nam, I would have thought tyres bought from England would be imported at at least the same rate, if not a more favourable rate.
I like the suggestion that Lucas, as an importer of Blockley tyres, should be able to include 30 x 3.5" clinchers in their offerings.
Allan from down under.
I like the suggestion that Lucas, as an importer of Blockley tyres, should be able to include 30 x 3.5" clinchers in their offerings.
Allan from down under.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Blockley exhibited at the Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on the 8th to the 10th of November last year. The only size available at this moment is 30 x 3 1/2 but they told me that the 30 x 3 was scheduled to be available early in 2020.
Joe Meakin has a set of 4 on his speedster and they do look period correct, but he hasn't given any feedback so far.
Julian, the owner of Blockley, explained these tyres are manufacture on new moulds made to his specification. Both tyre sizes for model T's will use the same tread pattern. Other sizes will use this diamond pattern or another which has a more solid centre area but with grooves on the outside. They have a huge range of other sizes availabe.
Neil Tuckett has a display sample at his works.
Where they are made I do not know.
Happy Motoring,
Nigel Hugo.
Joe Meakin has a set of 4 on his speedster and they do look period correct, but he hasn't given any feedback so far.
Julian, the owner of Blockley, explained these tyres are manufacture on new moulds made to his specification. Both tyre sizes for model T's will use the same tread pattern. Other sizes will use this diamond pattern or another which has a more solid centre area but with grooves on the outside. They have a huge range of other sizes availabe.
Neil Tuckett has a display sample at his works.
Where they are made I do not know.
Happy Motoring,
Nigel Hugo.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Nigel, thank you for the first person information. I’m glad to know 30x3” tires will also become available. I hope you will keep forum members updated as you learn more. Meanwhile I’ll be saving my pennies in the hope of being able to buy a set. These really appeal to me, both for the stated quality and their “looks” as well.
"Get a horse !"
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Thank you sir!nigel_hugo wrote: ↑Mon Jan 20, 2020 3:32 pmBlockley exhibited at the Classic Motor Show at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham, on the 8th to the 10th of November last year. The only size available at this moment is 30 x 3 1/2 but they told me that the 30 x 3 was scheduled to be available early in 2020.
Joe Meakin has a set of 4 on his speedster and they do look period correct, but he hasn't given any feedback so far.
Julian, the owner of Blockley, explained these tyres are manufacture on new moulds made to his specification. Both tyre sizes for model T's will use the same tread pattern. Other sizes will use this diamond pattern or another which has a more solid centre area but with grooves on the outside. They have a huge range of other sizes availabe.
Neil Tuckett has a display sample at his works.
Where they are made I do not know.
Happy Motoring,
Nigel Hugo.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Even though there are other veteran cars in the UK besides the model T I would think there is a greater market for 30 x 3 1/2 tires over here. Wonder how we could put together a buyers group to get a mountain of them sent over here at a reasonable price.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Just an FYI: I did put in an inquiry to Blockley this morning - will post their reply when received.
Re. the US market, yes the demand for clinchers ought to be much greater — and go well beyond Model T’s. Anything else with clincher rims has either been stuck with Model T sizes or converted to straight-side rims (which I was about to do). My non-Ford originally called for 32x4.5”, but 31x4” were also used. Neither have been in production for 80 years. If it didn’t have 23” rims the Model T sizes never could have worked - though they do look ridiculous under the larger car.
Side note: Just how bad are the 3-4000 mile-and-done Vietnam made clinchers? Photo below is one of 2 Olympic ‘Made in Australia’ tires currently on my car. I’m pretty sure they’re older than me. Sounds like they went out of production in the early 70’s? The other 3 are a mix of T-Drivers and a Riverside - which for all I know are about as old (they have ‘Made in USA’ written on them).
I do not know how many miles are on them as it was bought out of an estate — but there were 40yrs. worth of Hershey PA campsite tickets in the map pocket. Its owner was retired for 30yrs. of his 50yr. ownership. I imagine the car itself saw some heavy touring.
Re. the US market, yes the demand for clinchers ought to be much greater — and go well beyond Model T’s. Anything else with clincher rims has either been stuck with Model T sizes or converted to straight-side rims (which I was about to do). My non-Ford originally called for 32x4.5”, but 31x4” were also used. Neither have been in production for 80 years. If it didn’t have 23” rims the Model T sizes never could have worked - though they do look ridiculous under the larger car.
Side note: Just how bad are the 3-4000 mile-and-done Vietnam made clinchers? Photo below is one of 2 Olympic ‘Made in Australia’ tires currently on my car. I’m pretty sure they’re older than me. Sounds like they went out of production in the early 70’s? The other 3 are a mix of T-Drivers and a Riverside - which for all I know are about as old (they have ‘Made in USA’ written on them).
I do not know how many miles are on them as it was bought out of an estate — but there were 40yrs. worth of Hershey PA campsite tickets in the map pocket. Its owner was retired for 30yrs. of his 50yr. ownership. I imagine the car itself saw some heavy touring.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Well, looks like they are made in Vietnam — or Thailand if I read this correctly.
Here is Blockley’s response, cut and pasted below:
The Blockley beaded edge range, or Clincher as it is sometimes called in the US, got made because I have many cars which need these tyres - from an early 1900 Darracq to others including the 1916 Indianapolis Sunbeam which I race (with 880x120 and 895x135) , plus early Bentleys ( 820x120 and 880x120), and a 2 litre GP Delage V12 I am restoring which is on 820x120.
It took 10 years from my first drawing to getting a prototype 710x90 tyre. I needed to first understand the reasons why the stuff made now is so bad otherwise mine would be not much better. People making them think it must be straight forward and "how hard can it be if it was done 100 years go" - but they'd be wrong. All the knowledge has been lost, and my Engineering background has helped a little in fathoming out the issues. I have driven my Indy Sunbeam to 120mph (3200 in top) at Goodwood, something I wouldn't dream of doing on anything else the wholesalers are pumping out.
Beaded edge can only be made today in either Vietnam as you say, or Thailand - no where else is interested. When I was making my tyres I was told that it wouldnt work because that is not how beaded edge is made etc etc and I pointed out politely that since I was paying up front for this and that tooling, sand supplying them a mould and so on, that if it didnt work out they would still be well paid. After doing all this, then we had to keep going on about alterations in the sidewall that were essentaial and then eventually we made something that I can say is the best beaded edge tyre ever produced. The reason for this is that I know they are as good as beaded edge was in the 1920's, yet made with better materials not then available (nylon cord instead of cotton cord, and much better rubber). Perhaps because materials are better today Coker etc think whatever they make will be fine but that isn't the case. But I spend alot on the rubber I use, so I get really good grip, yet te tyres don't wear out - read what Mr Frankel says about my 820x120 tyres on the Blockley website.
Also we have had to produce inner tubes - one tube per tyre size. Not one tube with a multitude of sizes written on it that gets sold for a multitude of tyre sizes. The Michelin beaded edge lists 5 sizes on one tube. I make 4 tubes to cover their one.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/30x3-5
The tyres are in stock and the tread pattern is based on what I thought looked best in period in the photos I looked at. The price is £149 plus postage to the USA.
The not so good news is that I have been making a really good inner tube to suit this tyre, which has been going on for a while (making the mould and other tooling, prototyping etc and realistically I will not have this tube for another 5 or 6 weeks. These have a nickel plated stem 60mm long.
I'll ask Lee to contact you to let you know the cost for 5 tyres plus shipping so you know the price. The £ is historically "cheap" at about $1.30 to the £. Or $1 = £0.77 so it is good for US customers. The only down side is the postage which we do at cost, but ideally I really need to get a good stock of them with someone in the USA. These tyres are in a different league to anything you will have experienced - they came about mainly as a result of a Model T man over here who deals and repairs Model T's (Tuckett Brothers) who said how bad the tyres are now, but they have no choice, and could I do something about it.. VCoker has been trying to shut me down for a good 15 years, so I thought "why not! And made a lovely 440/450x21 size for the later Model T's with a period correct pattern. There is a 30x3 in progress. .
Best Wishes,
Julian.
Here is Blockley’s response, cut and pasted below:
The Blockley beaded edge range, or Clincher as it is sometimes called in the US, got made because I have many cars which need these tyres - from an early 1900 Darracq to others including the 1916 Indianapolis Sunbeam which I race (with 880x120 and 895x135) , plus early Bentleys ( 820x120 and 880x120), and a 2 litre GP Delage V12 I am restoring which is on 820x120.
It took 10 years from my first drawing to getting a prototype 710x90 tyre. I needed to first understand the reasons why the stuff made now is so bad otherwise mine would be not much better. People making them think it must be straight forward and "how hard can it be if it was done 100 years go" - but they'd be wrong. All the knowledge has been lost, and my Engineering background has helped a little in fathoming out the issues. I have driven my Indy Sunbeam to 120mph (3200 in top) at Goodwood, something I wouldn't dream of doing on anything else the wholesalers are pumping out.
Beaded edge can only be made today in either Vietnam as you say, or Thailand - no where else is interested. When I was making my tyres I was told that it wouldnt work because that is not how beaded edge is made etc etc and I pointed out politely that since I was paying up front for this and that tooling, sand supplying them a mould and so on, that if it didnt work out they would still be well paid. After doing all this, then we had to keep going on about alterations in the sidewall that were essentaial and then eventually we made something that I can say is the best beaded edge tyre ever produced. The reason for this is that I know they are as good as beaded edge was in the 1920's, yet made with better materials not then available (nylon cord instead of cotton cord, and much better rubber). Perhaps because materials are better today Coker etc think whatever they make will be fine but that isn't the case. But I spend alot on the rubber I use, so I get really good grip, yet te tyres don't wear out - read what Mr Frankel says about my 820x120 tyres on the Blockley website.
Also we have had to produce inner tubes - one tube per tyre size. Not one tube with a multitude of sizes written on it that gets sold for a multitude of tyre sizes. The Michelin beaded edge lists 5 sizes on one tube. I make 4 tubes to cover their one.
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/30x3-5
The tyres are in stock and the tread pattern is based on what I thought looked best in period in the photos I looked at. The price is £149 plus postage to the USA.
The not so good news is that I have been making a really good inner tube to suit this tyre, which has been going on for a while (making the mould and other tooling, prototyping etc and realistically I will not have this tube for another 5 or 6 weeks. These have a nickel plated stem 60mm long.
I'll ask Lee to contact you to let you know the cost for 5 tyres plus shipping so you know the price. The £ is historically "cheap" at about $1.30 to the £. Or $1 = £0.77 so it is good for US customers. The only down side is the postage which we do at cost, but ideally I really need to get a good stock of them with someone in the USA. These tyres are in a different league to anything you will have experienced - they came about mainly as a result of a Model T man over here who deals and repairs Model T's (Tuckett Brothers) who said how bad the tyres are now, but they have no choice, and could I do something about it.. VCoker has been trying to shut me down for a good 15 years, so I thought "why not! And made a lovely 440/450x21 size for the later Model T's with a period correct pattern. There is a 30x3 in progress. .
Best Wishes,
Julian.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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- First Name: Benjamin
- Last Name: Perfitt
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Vietnam, Thailand, whatever - they do use nylon rather than cotton cord and I for one am still interested. Certainly couldn’t be any worse than the clinchers currently known on the market. But even if the quality is exactly the same - the accuracy with which they captured that period diamond tread design is stunning. Hasn’t been around for 80yrs.
Though as mentioned, my engine is out and at the very start of a rebuild - it’ll likely be a year before I have them on the car and test them.
I’m placing an order in May.
Though as mentioned, my engine is out and at the very start of a rebuild - it’ll likely be a year before I have them on the car and test them.
I’m placing an order in May.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Rubber deteriorates with age. Yes, I know the fifty-year-old tires on your car are fine. Congratulations. Enjoy. After my experience with those NOS NZ Firestones I will always buy new tires, even if they're shoddy ones from Vietnam, or maybe these Blockleys. No more old rubber for me.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
No, sorry Steve — we aren’t going there.
Wasn’t advocating using 45-50yr old rubber and stated explicitly that they hadn’t gone anywhere with me (nor could they).
Wasn’t advocating using 45-50yr old rubber and stated explicitly that they hadn’t gone anywhere with me (nor could they).
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Benjamin Perfitt:
I believe that all 30 x 3.5 clincher tires manufactured today are oversize and at least 31 inches in outer diameter so they are 31 x 4 tires.
I believe the only exception was Dunlop which made true 30 inch, 30 x 3.5 tires until they shut down production of early car tires about four years ago. The Enron Chevron brand succeeded the Dunlop early car tires but I do not know who actually owns the brand or where they are manufactured.
Based on online information, the following 30 x 3.5 tires measure as follows:
- Wards Riverside = 31.22 x 4.11
- Firestone tread = 31.3 x 4.15
- Coker Commander = 31.5 x 4.25
- Universal T Driver = 32 x 4.5 (Wouldn’t this be correct for your application?)
Have you considered installing metric tires?
My father's 1910 IHC Model F roadster has 27 inch wheels and was originally equipped with 34 x 3.5 clincher tires from the factory. However, 34 x 3.5 tires haven't been manufactured since the 1930s, if not earlier.
To get around this, my father installed 875 x 105 Dunlop clincher tires:
875mm OD = 34.45 inches
875mm - 105mm - 105mm = 665mm = 26.18 inch inner diameter
As you can see, for a 27 inch rim, the Dunlop inner diameter is undersize by .82 inches.
My dad put the beads of the Dunlop tire over a deflated truck tire and the inflated the truck tire to stretch the beads so and let it sit over night. This is an old trick that others have used in the antique car hobby for years and it works only as long as there is no wire in the beads.
The photo below is one of the IHC’s 27 wheels with a 875 x 105 Dunlop clincher tire.
Here is how you would substitute an 820 x 120 metric tire for a 32 x 4.5 tire:
820 x 120 tire
820mm OD = 32.28 inch OD
820mm - 120mm - 120mm = 580mm OD = 22.8346 inch inner diameter
Therefore, the inner tire diameter of the metric tire is .1654 inch undersize for a 23 inch rim. It should not take much to stretch the beads as described above in order to install it on a 23 inch rim if you need to stretch them at all.
820 x 120 clincher tires currently available:
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/820x120
Below are the 820 x 120 Ensign Chevron tires – these are identical to the discontinued 820 x 120 Dunlops:
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/ ... -cord.html
Below are Coker Excelsior 820 x 120 tires but they are only 31.25 inches in diameter according to the websites:
https://www.universaltire.com/820x120-e ... kwall.html
https://www.cokertire.com/excelsior-all ... 0x120.html
I believe that all 30 x 3.5 clincher tires manufactured today are oversize and at least 31 inches in outer diameter so they are 31 x 4 tires.
I believe the only exception was Dunlop which made true 30 inch, 30 x 3.5 tires until they shut down production of early car tires about four years ago. The Enron Chevron brand succeeded the Dunlop early car tires but I do not know who actually owns the brand or where they are manufactured.
Based on online information, the following 30 x 3.5 tires measure as follows:
- Wards Riverside = 31.22 x 4.11
- Firestone tread = 31.3 x 4.15
- Coker Commander = 31.5 x 4.25
- Universal T Driver = 32 x 4.5 (Wouldn’t this be correct for your application?)
Have you considered installing metric tires?
My father's 1910 IHC Model F roadster has 27 inch wheels and was originally equipped with 34 x 3.5 clincher tires from the factory. However, 34 x 3.5 tires haven't been manufactured since the 1930s, if not earlier.
To get around this, my father installed 875 x 105 Dunlop clincher tires:
875mm OD = 34.45 inches
875mm - 105mm - 105mm = 665mm = 26.18 inch inner diameter
As you can see, for a 27 inch rim, the Dunlop inner diameter is undersize by .82 inches.
My dad put the beads of the Dunlop tire over a deflated truck tire and the inflated the truck tire to stretch the beads so and let it sit over night. This is an old trick that others have used in the antique car hobby for years and it works only as long as there is no wire in the beads.
The photo below is one of the IHC’s 27 wheels with a 875 x 105 Dunlop clincher tire.
Here is how you would substitute an 820 x 120 metric tire for a 32 x 4.5 tire:
820 x 120 tire
820mm OD = 32.28 inch OD
820mm - 120mm - 120mm = 580mm OD = 22.8346 inch inner diameter
Therefore, the inner tire diameter of the metric tire is .1654 inch undersize for a 23 inch rim. It should not take much to stretch the beads as described above in order to install it on a 23 inch rim if you need to stretch them at all.
820 x 120 clincher tires currently available:
https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/820x120
Below are the 820 x 120 Ensign Chevron tires – these are identical to the discontinued 820 x 120 Dunlops:
https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/tyres/ ... -cord.html
Below are Coker Excelsior 820 x 120 tires but they are only 31.25 inches in diameter according to the websites:
https://www.universaltire.com/820x120-e ... kwall.html
https://www.cokertire.com/excelsior-all ... 0x120.html
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Benjamin:
Also worth mentioning.
You posted that if you had straight side rims, you could install 32 x 4.5 straight side tires.
https://www.cokertire.com/32x4-1-2-fire ... black.html
https://www.cokertire.com/bf-goodrich-c ... 4-1-2.html
Be aware that It is possible to utilize straight sided tires on a clincher rim using another trick - installing rope in the beads of the rim. Note that I am not necessarily advocating this method but others in the hobby have used it, including my father.
However, straight side tires have wire in the beads so I believe they can only be installed on clincher rims that have detachable rings. I don't think it is possible to slip a straight side tire on a regular clincher rim because the beads will not stretch.
Before someone in the hobby suggested using metric tires on his IHC, my dad originally installed straight-side 36 x 5.5 Firestone Non Skid tires on the clincher rims. He installed cotton rope in the beads of the rims.
Because the Non Skids were two inches larger than the correct tires for the car, they looked ridiculously oversize. Also, my dad had to move the rear fenders two inches forward so the tires would not scrape.
Below are photos of the IHC when it had the 36 inch straight side Non Skids on clincher rims utilizing the rope trick.
Also, here is a discussion on the AACA Forum regarding installing straight side tires on clincher and filing the voids with rope. One fellow mentions using heavy extension cord instead of rope with great success.
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/295586-tires-brass-era/
Also worth mentioning.
You posted that if you had straight side rims, you could install 32 x 4.5 straight side tires.
https://www.cokertire.com/32x4-1-2-fire ... black.html
https://www.cokertire.com/bf-goodrich-c ... 4-1-2.html
Be aware that It is possible to utilize straight sided tires on a clincher rim using another trick - installing rope in the beads of the rim. Note that I am not necessarily advocating this method but others in the hobby have used it, including my father.
However, straight side tires have wire in the beads so I believe they can only be installed on clincher rims that have detachable rings. I don't think it is possible to slip a straight side tire on a regular clincher rim because the beads will not stretch.
Before someone in the hobby suggested using metric tires on his IHC, my dad originally installed straight-side 36 x 5.5 Firestone Non Skid tires on the clincher rims. He installed cotton rope in the beads of the rims.
Because the Non Skids were two inches larger than the correct tires for the car, they looked ridiculously oversize. Also, my dad had to move the rear fenders two inches forward so the tires would not scrape.
Below are photos of the IHC when it had the 36 inch straight side Non Skids on clincher rims utilizing the rope trick.
Also, here is a discussion on the AACA Forum regarding installing straight side tires on clincher and filing the voids with rope. One fellow mentions using heavy extension cord instead of rope with great success.
https://forums.aaca.org/topic/295586-tires-brass-era/
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- Posts: 5259
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 7:21 pm
- First Name: Allan
- Last Name: Bennett
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 van, 1917 shooting brake, 1929 roadster buckboard, 1924 tourer, 1925 barn find buckboard, 1925 D &F wide body roadster, 1927LHD Tudor sedan.
- Location: Gawler, Australia
Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
I can only wish Blockley tyres all the success in the world for trying to produce a quality item. Betco in Australia, and Insa in Chile both had a go in the 1980's, only to be bought out and then disappear. That's one way to eliminate competition! Kudos to Blockley for having a go.
Interesting that other suppliers dropped the prices on their inferior offerings, only to compete with Blockley sizes. What does that tell you about their original prices? Curious that a number of different suppliers all participated in the reductions. I wonder of they all get their stocks from same source? I wonder if that source would discontinue supply if someone had the temerity to make their own reduction in prices.
If we want access to quality beaded edge tyres, they deserve our support.
Allan from down under.
Interesting that other suppliers dropped the prices on their inferior offerings, only to compete with Blockley sizes. What does that tell you about their original prices? Curious that a number of different suppliers all participated in the reductions. I wonder of they all get their stocks from same source? I wonder if that source would discontinue supply if someone had the temerity to make their own reduction in prices.
If we want access to quality beaded edge tyres, they deserve our support.
Allan from down under.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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- Last Name: Perfitt
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
As for shipping, further info came from Blockley this morning. Price for 5 tires including shipping to the US is $1,163.59 US — which is very competitive with what I was looking at. State tax of course I’d be subject to, import duty’s or (possibly) tariffs I have a feeling there could be a rude awakening there - so I plan on adding 30% there (I’m ignorant of these things - just an arbitrary number to prepare my mind - hate surprises).
Here is Blockley’s email on price + US shipping cut-and-paste below:
Please find the price for 5 and delivery as follows,
5x 30x3.5 Tyres @£149.00 each £745.00
1x Delivery Charge £145.00
Total £890.00
Please advise if you would like to order.
Here is Blockley’s email on price + US shipping cut-and-paste below:
Please find the price for 5 and delivery as follows,
5x 30x3.5 Tyres @£149.00 each £745.00
1x Delivery Charge £145.00
Total £890.00
Please advise if you would like to order.
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Topic author - Posts: 23
- Joined: Sun Jan 27, 2019 10:57 am
- First Name: Benjamin
- Last Name: Perfitt
- Location: Mason, MI USA
- Board Member Since: 2018
Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Erik,
THANK YOU, someone on the AACA forum had earlier corrected me on my misbelief that 30x3.5” available today are true to size and they are in fact ‘oversize’ at approx. 31x4”. Somehow though the Universal T-Drivers being 32” escaped my notice (even though I have 2!). The 820x120mm option also escaped my notice - think I did the wrong math there.
As for the trick of using cord to fit s/s tires to clincher rims — I doubt my abilities and am too chicken to try. I found a re-print of a 1917 publication called the ‘Automobile Tire Handbook’ (published for a tire manufacturer?). At that time, the clincher rim had fallen out of favor with all manufacturers besides Ford. Unlike today, there were few consumer protections so manufacturers had abruptly discontinued production of clincher tires in all but Ford sizes. Their solution at the time was to produce a ‘filler strip’ exactly as you describe to mount a s/s tire to a clincher rim. I don’t know how long it was offered, but they explicitly said it should be used ‘only in the case of emergency’.
(See bottom pic below)
Also wasn’t aware of the availability of the Ensign Cord tires in the old Dunlop Chevron tread - extremely interesting to me as I’ve always loved that design (though maybe not at $500US ea?).
Came across a strange 2017 Facebook post from Universal Vintage Tire in which they announced their availability. Don’t know what came of that - but they aren’t available on Universal’s site today. Also have seen no other reference to Ensign being produced in England. (See top pic below)
At any rate, as Allan and others have said, these new clinchers from Blockley can only help. Nothing healthier for a market than a little competition. I for one am willing to be a Guinea pig and try them out.
Interesting stuff - thank you all,
Ben
THANK YOU, someone on the AACA forum had earlier corrected me on my misbelief that 30x3.5” available today are true to size and they are in fact ‘oversize’ at approx. 31x4”. Somehow though the Universal T-Drivers being 32” escaped my notice (even though I have 2!). The 820x120mm option also escaped my notice - think I did the wrong math there.
As for the trick of using cord to fit s/s tires to clincher rims — I doubt my abilities and am too chicken to try. I found a re-print of a 1917 publication called the ‘Automobile Tire Handbook’ (published for a tire manufacturer?). At that time, the clincher rim had fallen out of favor with all manufacturers besides Ford. Unlike today, there were few consumer protections so manufacturers had abruptly discontinued production of clincher tires in all but Ford sizes. Their solution at the time was to produce a ‘filler strip’ exactly as you describe to mount a s/s tire to a clincher rim. I don’t know how long it was offered, but they explicitly said it should be used ‘only in the case of emergency’.
(See bottom pic below)
Also wasn’t aware of the availability of the Ensign Cord tires in the old Dunlop Chevron tread - extremely interesting to me as I’ve always loved that design (though maybe not at $500US ea?).
Came across a strange 2017 Facebook post from Universal Vintage Tire in which they announced their availability. Don’t know what came of that - but they aren’t available on Universal’s site today. Also have seen no other reference to Ensign being produced in England. (See top pic below)
At any rate, as Allan and others have said, these new clinchers from Blockley can only help. Nothing healthier for a market than a little competition. I for one am willing to be a Guinea pig and try them out.
Interesting stuff - thank you all,
Ben
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- Posts: 5259
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- First Name: Allan
- Last Name: Bennett
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 van, 1917 shooting brake, 1929 roadster buckboard, 1924 tourer, 1925 barn find buckboard, 1925 D &F wide body roadster, 1927LHD Tudor sedan.
- Location: Gawler, Australia
Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
My interest was roused by the posts referring to mounting clincher tyres on straight sided rims. My Tarrant special T model tour was sold with 4 x 4.40 beaded edge tyres when new. I had a set of them on it when it first hit the road but two failed and I had to find replacements, which are no longer made. I stumbled on the following. I found a straight sided 23" tyre of the same tread pattern fitted to a clincher rim. The rim had been cut and a locking mechanism fitted, this modification allowing the rim to be drawn in so the straight sided tyre could be fitted. There was no 'filler' piece fitted to fill the edge on the rim. Rather, a good deal of effort had been expended to 'straighten' the edges of the rim by taking out the curve of the bead. someone must have been desperate for tyres for his T.
A second matching straight sided tyre was found, fitted to a Chev split rim of Hayes manufacture. To fit this to my car I ground off material from the 'foot' on the Hayes lug so it would fit the T wheel felloe.
When these die, my only choice at the moment is T drivers if I want to maintain the oversize as standard on the car.
Allan from down under.
A second matching straight sided tyre was found, fitted to a Chev split rim of Hayes manufacture. To fit this to my car I ground off material from the 'foot' on the Hayes lug so it would fit the T wheel felloe.
When these die, my only choice at the moment is T drivers if I want to maintain the oversize as standard on the car.
Allan from down under.
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
If these tires are any good, I would think that one of our vintage tire companies would be importing them, and the tubes too!
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
...I would think that one of our vintage tire companies would be importing them...
As these tires are a new product, it may be that US tire dealers don't know about them.
The inevitable often happens.
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
1915 Runabout
1923 Touring
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Topic author - Posts: 23
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
That’s my best guess too. Julian also expressed as much, and indicated the wish to get a container full of them shipped to the US and distributed. Though, as Allan noted, Lucas Classic Tire does currently sell some Blockley non-clincher tires. Racing type mostly, which have been around for 20 years:
https://www.lucasclassictires.com/Blockley_c30.htm
From their own UK website they also sell Crossply, Radial, and straight side types:
https://www.blockleytyre.com/category/crossply-tyres
(you might have to backtrack through their main menu on that last above link to find the whole range though.)
Blockley does not use a dealer network within the UK or EU, they sell and ship directly to customers.
The modern tire market is notoriously hard to crack. Perhaps the specialty vintage tire market could hold some resistance as well? I just don’t know. I can easily imagine some leverage placed upon even smaller distributors such as Lang’s if they tried to market a new clincher product when one company pretty much owns that entire market.
Just a guess. I’d love to be one of the first in the US to test these tires out — but as you can see, that’ll be a while....
https://www.lucasclassictires.com/Blockley_c30.htm
From their own UK website they also sell Crossply, Radial, and straight side types:
https://www.blockleytyre.com/category/crossply-tyres
(you might have to backtrack through their main menu on that last above link to find the whole range though.)
Blockley does not use a dealer network within the UK or EU, they sell and ship directly to customers.
The modern tire market is notoriously hard to crack. Perhaps the specialty vintage tire market could hold some resistance as well? I just don’t know. I can easily imagine some leverage placed upon even smaller distributors such as Lang’s if they tried to market a new clincher product when one company pretty much owns that entire market.
Just a guess. I’d love to be one of the first in the US to test these tires out — but as you can see, that’ll be a while....
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
For sometime I have been seeking quality Tubes for the 30 x 3 1/2”. Driving our T’s is dangerous enough and the thought
of these inferior (NOT Fit for purpose) Tubes failing without notice in the back of my mind is terrible.
I can not see any reason why the major suppliers haven’t demanded that Tubes (and tyres) they buy are manufactured “up to a standard and NOT down to a price” by that I mean 100% Butyl and the material the same thickness as the originals from back in the day. These Specs must be available somewhere.
I too have spoken to Julian at Blockley over the last 12 months and his last reply was that the 30 x 3 1/2 Tubes should be released this month. At that time he was considering an Agent / Contact in Queensland as his Distributor for Australia.
To me, any manufacture that puts their company name on the side of their product shows the confidence and pride
that they have with it and not hiding behind some obscure number or letters (EEC) Maybe, this Brand Name is only
embossed on one side of the Tyre and can be fitted to be inner for those who prefer not to see it?
As mentioned above, I’m not too fussed where these Tyres and Tubes are manufactured as long as they are manufactured to exacting standards stipulated by Blockley and overseen with strict Quality Control surveillance. I believe this will be the case.
Once these (initially Tubes) are available I’ll be buying a set. Pricing isn’t an issue to me to secure a quality long lasting critical item for any motor vehicle. Model T Owners are renowned for having deep pockets and short arms however Tyres and Tubes
shouldn’t be an item to go cheap on..... Just my thoughts! Alan in Western Australia
of these inferior (NOT Fit for purpose) Tubes failing without notice in the back of my mind is terrible.
I can not see any reason why the major suppliers haven’t demanded that Tubes (and tyres) they buy are manufactured “up to a standard and NOT down to a price” by that I mean 100% Butyl and the material the same thickness as the originals from back in the day. These Specs must be available somewhere.
I too have spoken to Julian at Blockley over the last 12 months and his last reply was that the 30 x 3 1/2 Tubes should be released this month. At that time he was considering an Agent / Contact in Queensland as his Distributor for Australia.
To me, any manufacture that puts their company name on the side of their product shows the confidence and pride
that they have with it and not hiding behind some obscure number or letters (EEC) Maybe, this Brand Name is only
embossed on one side of the Tyre and can be fitted to be inner for those who prefer not to see it?
As mentioned above, I’m not too fussed where these Tyres and Tubes are manufactured as long as they are manufactured to exacting standards stipulated by Blockley and overseen with strict Quality Control surveillance. I believe this will be the case.
Once these (initially Tubes) are available I’ll be buying a set. Pricing isn’t an issue to me to secure a quality long lasting critical item for any motor vehicle. Model T Owners are renowned for having deep pockets and short arms however Tyres and Tubes
shouldn’t be an item to go cheap on..... Just my thoughts! Alan in Western Australia
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Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Who has clincher tires on their T that are DOT approved (or the equivalent in your respective country)? Coker sells some that are (and have side markings) and some that are not (to like vintage).
This applies to tubes also.
Tires contain anti-aging properties that are mixed into their rubber compounds. Tires contain anti-ozonants that help the rubber stay soft, flexible, and conducive to grip. Over time, air begins to permeate the tire wall and weaken the integrity of the tire’s structure; causing the tire’s flexible structure to become brittle and lose strength. This deterioration process is known as oxidation, since oxygen serves as the catalyst of decay. Tires that are 6 -10 years old may face an increased risk of cracking or structural changes caused by environmental exposure. Any tires over ten years old are too weak to ensure safe driving. At this age, it is imperative that you replace your tires. The DOT standard includes markings to identify tire age. When you choose your tires, you choose the result.
This applies to tubes also.
Tires contain anti-aging properties that are mixed into their rubber compounds. Tires contain anti-ozonants that help the rubber stay soft, flexible, and conducive to grip. Over time, air begins to permeate the tire wall and weaken the integrity of the tire’s structure; causing the tire’s flexible structure to become brittle and lose strength. This deterioration process is known as oxidation, since oxygen serves as the catalyst of decay. Tires that are 6 -10 years old may face an increased risk of cracking or structural changes caused by environmental exposure. Any tires over ten years old are too weak to ensure safe driving. At this age, it is imperative that you replace your tires. The DOT standard includes markings to identify tire age. When you choose your tires, you choose the result.
The past is a great place and I don't want to erase it or to regret it, but I don't want to be its prisoner either.
Mick Jagger
Mick Jagger
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- Posts: 32
- Joined: Sun Sep 22, 2019 7:22 pm
- First Name: Graeme
- Last Name: Cocks
- Location: Perth, Western Australia
Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Blockley Tyres are the tyres of choice for pre-war motor racing in Europe and Australia. Julian Majzub began making tyres himself because he couldn't buy anything of the quality he needed for racing. His tyres have been around for years and have won events like the Peking to Paris and endless races conducted by the VIntage Sports Car Club of the UK. If they can run at 120mph on an ERA they should be good for our Ts.
Graeme
Graeme
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- Posts: 1960
- Joined: Sun Jan 06, 2019 11:39 am
- First Name: Tim
- Last Name: Juhl
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1917 Touring
- Location: Thumb of Michigan
- MTFCA Number: 50297
- MTFCI Number: 24810
- Board Member Since: 2018
Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
Sounding better and better
1917 Touring
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
1946 Aeronca Champ
1952 Willys M38a1 Jeep (sold 2023)
1953 Ford Jubilee Tractor
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- Posts: 1
- Joined: Tue Jan 22, 2019 12:07 am
- First Name: Doug
- Last Name: Partington
- * REQUIRED* Type and Year of Model Ts owned: 1912 touring 1922 wikner ford special 1925 pick up
- Location: allora
Re: Has anyone tried these tires?
I have Blockley Tyres on my 12 Touring extra good fit correct width deep tread depth & look great. Give a nice soft feel to steering & locate car on the road accurately, so good I am fitting them to my Wikner Ford Special for the coming Vintage Indy Car Registry events. The Wikner is currently at the Piquette Plant Museum if you would like to check out the Blockley,s.