Panama 58

This is a Firestone reproduction white wall tire currently on my '64 on all four corners. Previous owner didn't recall when he bought them, but they appear to still be in pretty good shape with nice tread, but I don't want to be driving around on ten year old tires. Can someone please decipher the date on this tire? I have read threads on how to do this, but this embossed DOT code stumps me. Thanks. BTW- 3 is the last digit on the right.

Powershift

Last four digits are 0203.................or the second week of 2003.

Larry

GTOguy

Looks like a bias ply tire in good condition. I wouldn't hesitate to run it, unless it's hard as a rock.

Panama 58

They are all in very good condition with very few miles. Car was stored in the garage and I don't detect any flat spots when I drive them. On the negative side, they are 15 years old and who knows. I don't take long distance trips in this car, just around town and to nearby shows. Thanks for the help.

GTOguy

FWIW, bias plies don't separate and tear off body panels like steel belted radials do with age. They can get hard over time, and they can blow out a sidewall, but that's about it. The Firestone's on my '61 are bias ply, and are at least 20 years old. I will probably get radials and install them on Torque Thrusts when I start using the car for extended road trips at speed, though.

Powershift

My bias ply ties are 24 years old and still look and ride good. But I know they should be retired, and will do this next year.

PS: Real men drive on bias ply tires....and with no power steering. They put the word "exciting" into each drive.

Larry

Duck916

I don't consider myself a safety nanny, but I would replace them. They are probably plenty safe for around-town driving, but if they aren't, the consequences can be quite serious. It's worth a few hundred bucks to be safe.

Boyan

phil2302

Of course.
I want to make this living the good life thingy last as long as possible so I take my cholesterol medicine, dont smoke and put new tires on the 66 every 7-8 years.

Mike67nv

Another bit of information from your tire code - the first two digits "CY" translate to McCreary Tire & Rubber Company, Indiana, PA, which is now Specialty Tires of America. They are the same company that made my Goodyear Power Cushion Redlines for Kelsey Tire. They make a lot of specialty tires for companies like Kelsey and Coker.

Panama 58

Thanks guys. I have a few other things I am working on now and think I will be looking to replace these soon. No reason to be stupid about replacing these.

GUSTO14

In 1971, I was forced to put my '63 convertible in storage after being drafted. When I put it away, it had two off brand tires on the back and two pretty new 8.25/15 Goodyear's on the front, all bias ply of course. I placed blocks under the suspension tall enough that if the tires lost air, they would settle about an inch to the blocks and go no further. I would periodically check on the car and add air to the tires when necessary. One thing led to another and the car remained stored for 36 years. The Last 10+ years sitting on the blocks.

When I took the car out of storage we pumped the tires up and loaded it in the trailer. The tires all held air, but one of the off brand tires needed to be pumped up every few days. It was a challenge for me to throw them away, well the Goodyear's anyway, but I couldn't figure what else to do with a couple of almost 49 year old tires. And, we didn't have a tree handy to make them into swings!!!

GUSTO