Lessons Learned
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Lessons Learned
A mechanic advised us to put new tires on our 73 Corvette to stop the shimmy in the front end at speeds between 55 and 65.
So we trusted this mechanic since he has worked on our cars for 10 years. We bought 4 BF Goodrich P245 60 R15 cost was $675.00.
The tires which were removed from this Corvette are Cooper. same size as the Goodrich. We asked the mechanic if he could read the code on the Coopers so we would know their production dates.
We were told the Coopers were 12- 14 years old. We brought one of the tires home to use as a spare. I got a close look at that tire and determined the date to be 2213. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that 22nd week of 2013?
Hubby and I drove to the mechanic's shop yesterday and asked for the other 3 tires and he owner had no problem with letting us have them. He even loaded them for us.
Now we have a set of 4 Cooper tires which are a tad bit over 1 and a 1/2 years old? The tread is just like new nubbins are still intact.
We feel like idiots for trusting this mechanic but we feel fortunate that we were able to get them back without a hassle. And Yes, we bought the BF Goodrich tires from him!
So we trusted this mechanic since he has worked on our cars for 10 years. We bought 4 BF Goodrich P245 60 R15 cost was $675.00.
The tires which were removed from this Corvette are Cooper. same size as the Goodrich. We asked the mechanic if he could read the code on the Coopers so we would know their production dates.
We were told the Coopers were 12- 14 years old. We brought one of the tires home to use as a spare. I got a close look at that tire and determined the date to be 2213. Correct me if I'm wrong but isn't that 22nd week of 2013?
Hubby and I drove to the mechanic's shop yesterday and asked for the other 3 tires and he owner had no problem with letting us have them. He even loaded them for us.
Now we have a set of 4 Cooper tires which are a tad bit over 1 and a 1/2 years old? The tread is just like new nubbins are still intact.
We feel like idiots for trusting this mechanic but we feel fortunate that we were able to get them back without a hassle. And Yes, we bought the BF Goodrich tires from him!
Last edited by Vette Fetish; Oct 1, 2014 at 07:56 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1,853
Likes: 81
From: Hamilton Virginia
Well its great you got the tires back. I hate to say it, but you might want to wonder what else over the last 10 years this mechanic has done not needed.
Ever heard of the phrase " I like to get kissed before I am f@#ked ".
Ever heard of the phrase " I like to get kissed before I am f@#ked ".
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Joined: Jun 2010
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Nope new tires didn't stop the shimmy. One of the rims was slightly bent. But the slightly bent rim is on the spare now. The shimmy is still there with new tires. The 73 is in Springfield being repainted and having an interior restoration. The guy who owns this restoration company came to our home and picked the 73 up and drove it to his shop.
We talked to him about the shimmy, new tires etc since he drove the 73 90 miles he got a hands on feel of the shimmy.He called today telling us he is replacing the ball joints and right side A arm. He has restored Corvettes for 42 years and has a shop which has mechanics. A/C specialist, painters and interior restoration guys.
We told him we would like to create a photo album of pictures of the restoration. He and his wife are buying disposable cameras, taking pictures of the restoration and when we pick the car up we get the cameras so we can have the film processed.
Since we don't have the 73 in our possession we will leave the new tires on her and try to sell the Coopers. Hubby and I NEVER do anything the simple way...Makes our lives interesting!
Last edited by Vette Fetish; Oct 1, 2014 at 08:58 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
Nope new tires didn't stop the shimmy. One of the rims was slightly bent. But the slightly bent rim is on the spare now. The shimmy is still there with new tires. The 73 is in Springfield being repainted and having an interior restoration. The guy who owns this restoration company came to our home and picked the 73 up and drove it to his shop.
We talked to him about the shimmy, new tires etc since he drove the 73 90 miles he got a hands on feel of the shimmy.He called today telling us he is replacing the ball joints and right side A arm. He has restored Corvettes for 42 years and has a shop which has mechanics. A/C specialist, painters and interior restoration guys.
We told him we would like to create a photo album of pictures of the restoration. He and his wife are buying disposable cameras, taking pictures of the restoration and when we pick the car up we get the cameras so we can have the film processed.
Since we don't have the 73 in our possession we will leave the new tires on her and try to sell the Coopers. Hubby and I NEVER do anything the simple way...Makes our lives interesting!
We talked to him about the shimmy, new tires etc since he drove the 73 90 miles he got a hands on feel of the shimmy.He called today telling us he is replacing the ball joints and right side A arm. He has restored Corvettes for 42 years and has a shop which has mechanics. A/C specialist, painters and interior restoration guys.
We told him we would like to create a photo album of pictures of the restoration. He and his wife are buying disposable cameras, taking pictures of the restoration and when we pick the car up we get the cameras so we can have the film processed.
Since we don't have the 73 in our possession we will leave the new tires on her and try to sell the Coopers. Hubby and I NEVER do anything the simple way...Makes our lives interesting!
Also, ball joints are nice, but the tie rod ends, if they're original are long overdue. Sway bar rubber? Replace it now, or replace it later (or sooner). Maybe you can get a 'package deal' and make up for the tire fiasco. The tires can sometimes be the cause of problems, but they can be the victims too. Just saying.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,704
Likes: 27
I would take this opportunity to find another mechanic. Look at it this way, you may save a lot more money down the road as a result of this experience. There are honest/competent mechanics out there, they are just too few and far between.
