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I’ve spent most of my forum time in the C4 section. Since adding an 82CE to my garage, that car has been getting my attention. The car had been sitting under a tarp in the back of a warehouse for at least 15 years. I trailered it Home and began the rejuvenation process. It needs a lot of work and is a high mileage car, 180k
So to make along story shorter, tires were on my list to change but the Eagles appeared in good shape so they were a low priority.
Dropped the car off last week at my mechanics to have them solve some of the crossfire problems. While it was sitting inside their shop, the tire let go with a bang. They put on the spare and moved it outside to their lot.
Two days later the second tire let go. The tires were initially inflated by me, to 32 psi.
If I had been driving, at a minimum I would have torn out a quarter panel and wiped out a wheel.
So keep in mind that old tires may look good, but they are date stamped for a very good reason.
I’m putting on 4 new Cooper Cobras
Just thought I’d share
Bob
When I bought my C3, it had been a garage queen and the tires had dates in the latter 90s. They looked great, but with tires looks are often deceiving. The first time I took the car out to go to a car show, I got about 3 miles from my house and one of the tires just ripped open on the sidewall. Luckily, I was only driving about 30 MPH at the time. I replaced all of the tires that day.
You really think those let go while stationary? check your wheel wells .. If only cars could talk...
I've seen and had more than a few let go just sitting there... And a spare never used in the trunk let go. Hell I have one in barn on old axle right now blew apart last year.
The old BFG's on my 72 had the same belt separation issues that apparently caused yours to blow out as well....Notice how the tread is bulged out. Mine rode like the tires were egg shaped, parked it till I could get a new set.
Kind of interesting that it was both rear tires that let go at the repair shop. And no one happened to take it out for a test drive??????? Very interesting.
Duane
Kind of interesting that it was both rear tires that let go at the repair shop. And no one happened to take it out for a test drive??????? Very interesting.
Duane
Actually, they did test drive it around the block and reported that there was something going on with the tires.
But they were focused on the L83 and resolving some idle issues I am having. I think the car sat for so long at heated warehouse temps and humidity that storing the car outside at the shop with below freezing temps affected the tires. Just my theory.
Bob
BTW
There is currently no interior in the car. Seats, door cards, carpets, all torn out. So it’s not set up for test driving. Sitting on the old cushions, with a seatbelt, of course.
Last edited by Drifter36; 12-06-2017 at 06:43 PM.
Reason: More info
I may be wrong, but I believe a tire on a garaged car that's 10+ years old should still be perfectly safe if it has no cracking on the sidewall or tread. The outer rubber does not support the weight of the vehicle, but it protects the internal structure. The same old tire on a car that sits out in the elements year after year will show severe cracking and should be replaced asap. But remember, even a brand new tire can blow out. It's best to be prepared on how to handle such an event safely and without panicking. As to the blow outs from just sitting, unless they were over inflated, for me that's hard to believe.
The tires on my project looked great/90% of tread remaining. The date code showed they were 8-9 years old. I had just made a 60 mph test drive/slowed down to 30mph/the tires began vibrating and separating!
As another member said....Don't take a chance because repairing a body panel will equal the cost of a new set of tires....a casket costs even more
$$$$$$$$$$$$$
Last edited by doorgunner; 12-06-2017 at 09:58 PM.
Kind of interesting that it was both rear tires that let go at the repair shop. And no one happened to take it out for a test drive??????? Very interesting.
Duane
I think the shop is located at higher altitude; 10 000 feet?
Wow, lucky indeed that you were not driving the car. Solid advice on replacing before they get to that point.
As a former motorcycle racer I have a very special affinity for tires (since your life literally rides on 2 contact patches about the size of a deck of cards). Tires are not something that I take for granted or go cheap on.
...I may be wrong, but I believe a tire on a garaged car that's 10+ years old should still be perfectly safe if it has no cracking on the sidewall or tread...
The car sat for 15 years. The tires may have been told when it started sitting also. And then moving it around some reshuffled everything. Of course, it's also possible they were smoking the tires in the parking lot when they blew.
My C-5 is stored during the winter. I have a second set of aftermarket wheels, and newer tires, that I drive it on, during the summer. However, the pretty well worn OE tires, now 16.5 years old, are what it's sitting on until spring comes (as has been the case, since 2001). I haven't had a "blowout" yet.....
YIKES ! ! I've been looking for a nice set of red line tires for my car, ran into a lot of folks saying that the tires that they were selling were old but still in great condition. Might be time to just open my wallet and buy new. That's some scary stuff there ! !
12-06-2017, 09:10 AM
The risk with old tires
