Tire date code
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,225
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Most date codes have 4 digits. As in 2602. 26th week of 2002.
Yours has only 3. So, my guess 3rd month of 76.
Down the road to the tire disposal facility for sure!
Yours has only 3. So, my guess 3rd month of 76.
Down the road to the tire disposal facility for sure!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2022
Posts: 526
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From: Chicora, PA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2019
Posts: 7,653
Likes: 2,468
From: Indiana
1996
In the example above:
DOT EJ8J DFM 408
DOT EJ8J DFM 408
Manufactured during the 40th week of the year
DOT EJ8J DFM 408
Manufactured during the 8th year of the decadeWhile the previous Tire Identification Number format identified that a tire was built in the 8th year of a decade, there was no universal identifier that confirmed which decade (tires produced in the 1990s may have a small triangle following the Tire Identification Number to identify the decade).
In the example above:
DOT EJ8J DFM 408
DOT EJ8J DFM 408
Manufactured during the 40th week of the year
DOT EJ8J DFM 408
Manufactured during the 8th year of the decadeWhile the previous Tire Identification Number format identified that a tire was built in the 8th year of a decade, there was no universal identifier that confirmed which decade (tires produced in the 1990s may have a small triangle following the Tire Identification Number to identify the decade).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
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From: Myrtle Beach SC
Four-digit date codes began in 1997...so this one is interpreted as a 3-digit code...37th week of 96, 86, 76...depending on size and configuration. As a reference...my NCRS Restorer article from 2007-08 and the link!
http://www.hunt4cleanair.net/Article...production.pdf
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,225
Likes: 7,823
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
OK, so 4 digit date codes started in 97. I didn't actually know that.
what that really means however is anything with a 3 digit code is unsafe.
what that really means however is anything with a 3 digit code is unsafe.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
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From: Virginia
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiret....jsp?techid=11
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 877
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From: Oregon
The tires on the 73 I bought 2 months ago have no date code at all. Looked and looked-nothing. Have to wonder how old they really are.
And here I drove it 100 miles home on the interstate. They look good. Been garaged since 78 and driven little.
Maybe better rubber 30 years ago. Life span on tires didn't seem to be an issue until last 8-10 years, it seems. As a rule in the past, if a tire didn't show cracking, you were good.
Non-issue for now as car is parked for the winter and maybe longer. Have other projects ahead of it. I do plan to replace them when the Rally wheels go back on it.
And here I drove it 100 miles home on the interstate. They look good. Been garaged since 78 and driven little.
Maybe better rubber 30 years ago. Life span on tires didn't seem to be an issue until last 8-10 years, it seems. As a rule in the past, if a tire didn't show cracking, you were good.
Non-issue for now as car is parked for the winter and maybe longer. Have other projects ahead of it. I do plan to replace them when the Rally wheels go back on it.
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2022
Posts: 34
Likes: 55
From: Laura, Ohio
3 digit data code
My understanding is that the triangle after the 3 digit date code was used in the 90’s, but not by all manufacturers. If the triangle is not there it would be 80’s or earlier.
I’m no expert, just a guy that googled it a few months back.
Replace those tires though!
I’m no expert, just a guy that googled it a few months back.
Replace those tires though!