9t6t7

Other than Coker, what other makers sell redline radials and how do they rate (best to worst).

SebringBill

I recently purchased a set from Diamond Back Classics in SC
http://www.widewhitewalltires.com

These are Dayton Daytona SR radials (215:65R15 for me) and will roll under me from FL to Monterey CA (and back) in August.

They can make you whatever you want. (I too did not want Coker tires for a driver.)


[Modified by SebringBill, 11:41 PM 5/8/2002]

nolandadams@d-web.com

Bill,
Just curious- why didn't you want Coker radials? Is there a problem, or appearance, or what?
Thanks, Noland Adams

67435animal

Hi, Noland, I ran a set of Coker Classic Redline Radials on my 67 442. They stayed on for 8000 miles. They looked great but rode terribly. For 140.00 per tire, I expected a smooth ride with no vibration. What I got was severe vibration above 50, about 6 trips back to the tire place for balance and alignment, and loads of frustration.

When I noticed that the inner sidewall on two tires was swelling and that there was pretty noticeable wear on the edges of all four, I had had enough.

We removed the Cokers and sent them back. I received a percentage of what I had paid but no way I covered all the expense.

I have had a set of Michelins on since without one shake, no abnormal wear. They ride beautifully.

I have made a point to ask every owner whose car has Coker Classic Radials installed how they ride and most, but not all, have said they vibrate. So, it's not just me.

I did complain to Mr. Coker via e-mail and he was very responsive.


[Modified by 67435animal, 5:33 AM 5/9/2002]

JohnZ

I have a set of Coker Classic wide-whitewall radials (205/75-15) on my '57; bought four years ago, about 5,000 miles on them since then. No problem balancing them, excellent ride and handling, no out-of-round or vibrations. They're not speed-rated, but I don't drive it at 90+; if I did, I'd put speed-rated Michelins on it and forget about the wide whitewalls.

thunder67

I must agree with 67435animal, I have heard nothing but horror stories re: the ride that you get from the Coker radial. While restoring my '67, I had talked myself into wanting to go that "original" route but after talking with many people, chose to go belted. I am running a 3/4" white wall American Silver Premium Edition (I believe that they are the Tire Pro chains house brand) tire and could not be happier. They perform and ride great. Out the door, they ran me about $110 a piece. On top of general performance/cost, don't neglect to factor in the shipping costs which I figured to be about $100. as they only have one wherehouse back east and I am on the west coast. Good luck!

allenz

gents,

Just to add another 2 cents....I had Michelen radials on my 66 (white walls) pre restoration, and it rode terrific. I wanted gold lines, so I bought a set of Cokers. I thought something happened to the front end; it was terrible - must have been the Cokers.....of course I sold them and now have belted gold lines.
I never learn.....:)

Curtis

I am running the same tire as JohnZ Coker radial wide whites. They ride fine with no vibration and I have had my car up over 100mph. :D I don't know about the other tires that people are talking about however. JohnZ and I are driving the same tire and are having good results.

Good luck,
Curt

gilbybarr

Had goldline bias ply repros on my '65...wanted a better handling radial tire.
Went with Coker goldlines at the same time I installed bolt on knockoffs. They ride just fine...no shakes or vibrations at least up to 85mph. Had them balanced right at the Chattanooga offices of Coker...very nice folks.
:seeya

SebringBill

Hi Noland,

Every car I've been in with Coker radials had a terrible ride. IMHO Coker makes great looking square tires. Since my 57 came with Michelin X redwall radials (TR-6 OEM type) and "has had no choice but to be driven hard" (quote from a letter to me from the original owner) and will only see a trailer when stolen or broken I wanted to keep radials on the car. I found a set of Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring Edition SSE redlines about 11 years ago in Hemmings but they have reached their useful life as first-line tires (can't imagine that my right foot had anything to do with it :jester ). I looked around for a while and found Diamondback both via the web and Hemmings. The new tires are the same size as the Uniroyals (215.65R15) and, of course, redwalls. Cost per tire including shipping was, as I recall $139. I'll letcha know at the SACC convention how I really like 'em 'cause I'll have put a few thousand miles on 'em getting out there!

67435animal

As I said, it is not just me who has had problems with Coker Classics Radials.

Bob