Blockley tyres available?

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Feb 23, 2022 2:59 pm

Yes. Rather than wonder or speculate, I asked.

Yes, Blockley tyres are available to be posted worldwide, and we have sent the 30x3 and 30x3 1/2, and inner tubes, to many USA customers. Only today, for example, we sent a set of 440/450x21 to Florida.

These tyres are unlike anything the Model T owners have experienced, and that is why we were asked to make a "decent" product, as everything else seems to be made for profit. Our list price is no more than anything else. We have tried selling Blockley tyres through Classic and Vintage tyre wholesalers on the West Coast before, but what they charge for our products are outrageous, so people have been ordering direct from Blockley for 20 years. The postage from the UK always seems a lot but the overall price of everything is fine - and you wont believe the quality of what you'll get - how it should be. I list the links to the tyres the Model T guys will find useful:

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/30x3

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/30x3-5

https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/440-450-x-21

We also produce a much thicker, correct sized butyl inner tubes which again are unlike anything you will have been used to.

We only make the best of everything we make, as we are end users of most of what we produce. The Model T tyres we made because we were asked to by a large UK Model T dealer / restorer who was fed up with what is on offer from all the USA brands, which I believe come from the same company . ..

Best Wishes,

Julian.

PS Blockley produces 60 tyre sizes currently (plus tubes and rim bands) from the best Clincher tyres to vintage and radial tyres for much later cars also.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Feb 23, 2022 3:11 pm

You may like the look of the Blockley tread, or you may not. If you're wondering whether it's period correct —

1922

Personally, I like the Blockley version of this better.

Rich P. Bingham · Post by **Rich P. Bingham** » Wed Feb 23, 2022 4:09 pm

Thanks, Steve, for bringing us up to date on Blockley "tyres" !

Much appreciated !

Post by **Oldav8tor** » Wed Feb 23, 2022 10:41 pm

Yes, thank you Steve and thank you Julian. I was very impressed by the quality of the Blockley Tubes I received.

Chris Haynes · Post by **Chris Haynes** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 12:08 am

I bought a full set of Blockley tires and tubes and I am more than completely satisfied with them.

Post by **KWTownsend** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 12:55 am

Chris and Tim,
I'd love to see pictures of your cars showing your Blockley tyres.
-Keith

Kevin Pharis · Post by **Kevin Pharis** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 1:31 am

Here is one freshly mounted last summer. Far better mold finish and lettering crispness than the 21” Excelsiors I run on my speedster. Only got a few miles on em before the Ruxtell grenaded... so haven’t even worn the nubs of em yet

Post by **dykker5502** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 4:31 am

Blockley tires on the rearwheel of my 1914 Touring:

Post by **Mark Nunn** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 8:38 am

The tread pattern of the 440/450 X 21 is completely different than the other two sizes.

Post by **J1MGOLDEN** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 8:52 pm

Do they have to be paid for in English money and shipped from England?

Post by **DHort** » Thu Feb 24, 2022 9:33 pm

Their website lets you pay for them in $$$'s.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Feb 25, 2022 12:57 am

Do they have to be paid for in English money and shipped from England?

As Dave says, you can pay in USD. But yes, the tyres are shipped from the UK. So far there's not a US distributor.

RGould1910 · Post by **RGould1910** » Fri Feb 25, 2022 11:14 am

I don't see any 30 x 3 inch tubes on their website. Only 30 x 3 1/2 inch.

Rich P. Bingham · Post by **Rich P. Bingham** » Fri Feb 25, 2022 11:50 am

I believe you can use the same tube. Others knowing better will correct me ?

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Feb 25, 2022 1:58 pm

Some websites (Coker, Lang) show separate 30 x 3 and 30 x 3½ tubes. Others (Blockley, Lucas) show only 30 x 3½. Other than Blockley, none of them specify brand, which I consider important. I haven't used Blockley tubes, but from what I've read about them they are the best. I have used Hartford tubes and found them satisfactory. I have used Custom Classic tubes and will not buy them again. I don't believe I've used any tubes that were specified as 30 x 3 only. I believe the two sizes are similar enough for 30 x 3½ tubes to fit both front and rear, as I have used them.

I've decided that my next tyres will be Blockleys. But I will stay with the Hartford tubes I have found acceptable. Why? Money. Currently the price differential between metal stems and rubber is about $22 each, or $88 a set. For $88 I'm happy to buy the less costly tubes and install my own metal stems.

Post by **TXGOAT2** » Fri Feb 25, 2022 2:52 pm

His car? Ford. His cigar? Macanudo. His whiskey? Cutty Sark. His tyre? Blockley, of course!

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Feb 25, 2022 4:02 pm

Interestingly, the Blockley clincher price of £149 is $25 less than the least expensive of the faux Firestones. It's $7 more than the lowest priced Excelsior, and $3 less than Coker Classic. It's the same price as the lowest priced Universal, and $38 more than Wards. So the Blockleys cost almost 23% more than Wards. Will they make up for that by lasting at least 23% more miles? I expect they will.

Post by **J1MGOLDEN** » Sat Feb 26, 2022 3:28 pm

Blockley has one tube that fits both the 30 X 3 and 30 X 3 1/2 tires.

Mikey1968 · Post by **Mikey1968** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 4:53 pm

Quick question...what size of tire and tube for the 26 Ford wire wheel?
Thanks!
Mike

Post by **RajoRacer** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:08 pm

4.50 x 21"

Mikey1968 · Post by **Mikey1968** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:17 pm

Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Post by **Bryant** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:23 pm

Does anyone have an idea of what shipping costs look like? 4 tires to say Maryland?

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 8:49 pm

Does anyone have an idea of what shipping costs look like? 4 tires to say Maryland?

I would go to the website and inquire directly. I seem to remember extra customs above a certain value, so I would ask about two shipments of two versus one shipment of four.

https://www.blockleytyre.com/

Kevin Pharis · Post by **Kevin Pharis** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 10:24 pm

Bryant wrote: ↑
Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Does anyone have an idea of what shipping costs look like? 4 tires to say Maryland?

Here is a post from a while back discussing the various hiccups that a few of us have had with shipping and customs. All in all, purchasing and shipping the tires from the UK was easy. Customs was frustrating, but the Blockleys were worth the effort. No doubt shipping costs have increased recently...

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21319&p=167733#p167733

Post by **DHort** » Sun Feb 27, 2022 11:39 pm

149 pounds for a tire
35 pounds for a tube

184 pounds total for merchandise ($246)

If you place an order they will e-mail you a total for merchandise and shipping.
You can then tell them if you approve of the order.

That may all change considering current events.

nigel_hugo · Post by **nigel_hugo** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:10 am

Just to eliminate any confusion, I have spoken to Blockley this morning and the 30 x 3 -1/2 tube is suitable for both tyre sizes 30 x 3 and 30 x 3 1/2
I hope this helps.
Nigel Hugo.

Post by **Bryant** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 6:29 am

Thanks all! I started a “cart” to see what it would look like but got to the check out and it asked me to make an account/passwords ect. (Made me lose interest) nice tires thou, I don’t need them just yet but always trying to plan ahead just in case rubber becomes unavailable

Mikey1968 · Post by **Mikey1968** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 9:19 am

So which are better? The Blockleys in 4.50 x 21 or the Good Years?

SMHnat · Post by **SMHnat** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 11:32 am

Blockley said they would reach out to me after the new year.... its been 2 months and I haven't heard a thing. Even before that they kept dropping the ball on getting back to me. I made a very fair deal with them to be their distributor, but I think shipping in bulk costs way too much for them still and it just works out better for them to ship individual orders out to the US and Canada. I am super busy, so I haven't contacted them. If they want me.... they will reach out to me. I haven't posted updates, because their has been none.

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 2:19 pm

So which are better? The Blockleys in 4.50 x 21 or the Good Years?

If the Goodyear balloon tires are made by the same folks who make the non-Blockley clinchers, the Blockleys are better. Does Goodyear still make Model T balloon tires? It's only a guess, but I suspect the answer is no.

Post by **RajoRacer** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 2:45 pm

Quite sure all 21" tires are U.S. made EXCEPT Lucas brand- they're imported.

Post by **Henry K. Lee** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 2:46 pm

I hope you understand the international rules for being a "Distributor". Licensed by State, Bonded, Import/Export License, US Department of Commerce Register, Shipping Broker Bond. Now that container full of tires must have all duties paid for up front prior to release from customs at about 40% tariff. Been There, Done That! Buying one set of 5 is dirt cheap with shipping as it is for personal use with little or no tariff under current regulations.

So those cheap Vietnam tires really only cost about $20.00 each under contracted labor piece work and exploded labor going into the container by the "Distributor".

Return On Investment (R.O.I.) Marketing 420.

Hank

Kevin Pharis · Post by **Kevin Pharis** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:20 pm

RajoRacer wrote: ↑
Mon Feb 28, 2022 2:45 pm
Quite sure all 21" tires are U.S. made EXCEPT Lucas brand- they're imported.

The Excelsior tires used to be made in India... but my last set came from Vietnam

Post by **RajoRacer** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:43 pm

Appreciate the correction !

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 3:45 pm

The Goodyear website does not show tires for any vehicle before 1983, and no size even close to 440, 450-21. I expect the 21 inch "Goodyear" Model T tires are made under license by some other company, like most of the other Model T tires.

Post by **BobD** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:19 pm

Purchased a set of Goodyear 4.50 X 21 tires from Snyder's 3 years ago. Says "MADE IN USA" . Nothing to indicate they were made by another manufacturer.

Rich P. Bingham · Post by **Rich P. Bingham** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 4:32 pm

Seamus, thank you for the update, much appreciated. I would buy from a US distributor before attempting to be my own importer, and have been waiting to see if that would develop.

Henry, thank you for the explanation of the difficulties of the import/export trade. Very helpful information.

Steve, have you purchased Blockley tires ? I know you have offered advice on ordering them by pairs rather than four or five at a time to reduce duty fees.

Post by **Susanne** » Mon Feb 28, 2022 11:24 pm

Blockley did the hobby a huge service by having tires (OK, Tyres) built with modern compounds and modern manufacturing oversight... While I love my non-slids as motorcycle tires, if he had something similar in a 28x3 I might just be tempted... as to the modern compound T tires... we've needed this since Riverside went under...

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Tue Mar 01, 2022 12:55 am

Steve, have you purchased Blockley tires ? I know you have offered advice on ordering them by pairs rather than four or five at a time to reduce duty fees.

No, I haven't bought any yet. I believe Tim Juhl has, and is very pleased with them. I think Seamus is running on them too. I intend to get some when I need to replace my current tires. It's been over a year and a half since I looked into costs, and I believe at that time the import duties were higher for purchases over $500. But I assume shipping on two packages would be more than on one package of the same total weight, so I don't know if two packages instead of one would save any money or not. I would investigate both before ordering.

Mikey1968 · Post by **Mikey1968** » Wed Mar 02, 2022 8:48 am

I'm about to pull the trigger on getting a set of 4 for my 26 Touring with Ford wire wheels. Do I need rim bands on the Ford welded wire wheels? https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/20 ... -band-40mm

Thanks,
Mike

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Wed Mar 02, 2022 9:14 am

I would use them. You can cut them out of old inner tubes if you have some.

Mikey1968 · Post by **Mikey1968** » Wed Mar 02, 2022 10:16 am

So these bands are not the same as flaps, right? The Ford manual states to not use flaps on the wire wheels.

Post by **RajoRacer** » Wed Mar 02, 2022 11:44 am

Yes, rim strips are completely different than flaps.

Mikey1968 · Post by **Mikey1968** » Wed Mar 02, 2022 3:10 pm

Thanks! I went and looked at my existing tires and decided to open a new thread seeking advice to keep what I have or buy new.

Post by **Will_Vanderburg** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 11:26 am

I just received a quote from Blockley for 4 inner tubes. At 35 pounds per tube plus postage of 190 pounds, that puts it at 330 pounds That's 400 bucks American. There's no way in hell....

Post by **RajoRacer** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 12:59 pm

35 lbs. per tube - must be a misprint !!!

Rich P. Bingham · Post by **Rich P. Bingham** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 1:21 pm

Blockley website price lists tubes at 35 British Pounds, tyres at 149 British pounds. Both less the value added tax (which I don't understand, I don't think stateside buyers have to pay it). Total for a set of four tires and tubes, 736 Pounds Sterling, old chap. At today's rate of exchange, that's $978.88 in US dollars; now let's talk import duty and transportation. Anyone know for sure ?

Kevin Pharis · Post by **Kevin Pharis** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 3:58 pm

Kevin Pharis wrote: ↑
Sun Feb 27, 2022 10:24 pm

Bryant wrote: ↑
Sun Feb 27, 2022 5:23 pm
Does anyone have an idea of what shipping costs look like? 4 tires to say Maryland?
Here is a post from a while back discussing the various hiccups that a few of us have had with shipping and customs. All in all, purchasing and shipping the tires from the UK was easy. Customs was frustrating, but the Blockleys were worth the effort. No doubt shipping costs have increased recently...

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=21319&p=167733#p167733

Take a look at this link I posted above, shipping and import duties were discussed from a couple orders

Post by **RajoRacer** » Thu Mar 03, 2022 4:00 pm

My apologies - I interpreted lbs. as weight not monetary - duh !

Post by **Steve Jelf** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 10:13 am

Both less the value added tax (which I don't understand, I don't think stateside buyers have to pay it).

Correct. The extra we pay on top of the £149 is in US customs.

donald4ham · Post by **donald4ham** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 11:07 am

I just sent an order for 4 tires and tubes and they are already on the way. The company is very easy to deal with and respond quickly to emails and sending price quotes. Hopefully they will be as good as advertised.

babychadwick · Post by **babychadwick** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 11:57 am

I read lots of comments regarding quality of tires and was wondering . . .

Is a poor quality tire one that gets flats, falls apart, the tread wears thru, or can be driven low miles for many years? A "good" tire for someone might be one that has been on a car for 20 years and can still be driven around the block. That same tire might fall apart on a 500 mile tour within 3 years of its purchase date.

My personal opinion is that the cheap tires (90's) I had on my speedster were good tires even though they only lasted a few years because I didnt have any flats and I wore the tread off them quite literally (I don't know how many thousands of miles I put on them).

Post by **Will_Vanderburg** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 1:09 pm

Lee from Blockley emailed me and determined he had quoted the wrong postage. Postage for 4 tubes to NJ is 65 British Pounds. That's better than the 190. The larger number was for tires and tubes together. LOL

Chris Haynes · Post by **Chris Haynes** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 2:28 pm

KWTownsend wrote: ↑
Thu Feb 24, 2022 12:55 am
Chris and Tim,
I'd love to see pictures of your cars showing your Blockley tyres.
-Keith

Rich P. Bingham · Post by **Rich P. Bingham** » Fri Mar 04, 2022 4:58 pm

Donald, could you let us know what the customs fees ran, and shipping ? Are you taking two shipments to reduce customs fees, or a single one ?

I realize this is a little like the price of the yacht (if you have to ask, you can't afford it) but I'm sure some detail will be helpful to those of us interested in buying. Good to know you found the process easy and the folks helpful !