12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

So my 36 has had its tires since 2008, Coker radials with white walls. Its been sitting for eight years waiting for paint project to be finished. Now that its almost ready to get on the road for spring got me thinking, the tires are 12 years old even though they only have about 500 miles on them. Hearing stories about old tires after several years going bad. Hate to get rid of them but question how safe they are.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I wouldn't; especially radials.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Only you can decide the answer to this question. :) If they are dry rotted at all, then the answer is surely 'No'. You might run them a bit, see if you see any issues with them and then make a determination. If you plan to run it at higher speeds . . . then the risks get greatere.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

My white wall radials were 15 years old and looked great. I decided the risk was not worth it. I bought 4 new tires.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

If the tires have been inside under controlled conditions for that entire time and pass a close inspection. They should be OK for at least local driving. I'd think twice before going on the interstate. (I'd probably go, though.)

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I'd probably run them, but not at serious speed. I've had several blow-outs on my motorhome with proper inflation, excellent tread, but 10-12 years old. Never a front tire, thankfully.

Al Hook

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Storage conditions matter . Exposure to the uv rays can make them brittle and crack . I usually reserve the ‘maybe if ‘ to just around town , 3-5 mile rides to an evening car cruise, no 50 mph or higher . If i have no need for them or that kind of driving I sell them to someone that does , WITH A WRITTEN DECLARATION OF SUCH . Ive been known to buy some , after all 14 cars and no where to go , parts get expensive quickly. Gas tanks , carbs , brakes , batteries and of course tires .

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I wouldn't trust 12 year old Coker tires. Heck, I don't trust new Coker tires, do your research.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Since you have already invested in paint and other restoration, you should spend a little more and buy new tires. As you know with the "good" luck most of us have, a blowout etc. will happen where it will cause you to swerve into.....something.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Well.....no one has provided any scientific rationale/evidence for discarding tires that have no outward appearance of deterioration. Lots of opinions, no scientific/engineering data.......maybe someone will offer such.....

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Car is kept in my heated garage and for the eight years at the body shop the same. I never take it on the expressway or go above 55mph. Normal driving is just around town, 30-45mph. Think from the sounds of it and how important the car is too me, new tires are on the radar soon. Can go either way, radial or bias..never thought it drove poorly with the old bias ply Firestones. If Coker is not that great, what other tire companies are better. My wheels are the wide five, stock 4 inch wide on front and 5 1/2 wide at rear. Tire size now 550-16 and 700-16. Thinking about going black wall this time. Know its a personal choice but like having real world and good advice! Thanks

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I have the same question. Didn't Coker buy up all the tire companies and just keep the old names? Like Universal, etc.?

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Lose the whitewalls....;)


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...6&d=1613160820

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I see there are Excelsior tires that look really good, black wall style. Made by Coker though??

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I think that Coker would be the one to ask.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

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Blackwall Excelsior Stahl radial tires are available in the sizes you noted. They have a 'bias tire' profile or 'look' to them, and perform wonderfully....without tubes, on old Ford 16" wheels. Below are 5.50 & 7.50 Excelsiors on 16 X 4" and 16 X 4-1/2" wheels. DD


https://www.fordbarn.com/forum/attac...9&d=1586283163

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I would change them. your ass is worth the price of the tires let alone the cost of replacing your car if something happened. There was picture a while ago where a new restoration went up in flames when a tire let go at a low speed.

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

I've had a ten year old tire, stored inside, go off like a bomb.
This was on the highway, 70 mph.
This was pretty soon after putting it in service.
Took out some sheet metal. Almost nothing left on the rim.

Karl

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Thanks to all, new tires before spring for sure! Old school Firestones in bias ply , black wall look pretty cool...

Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
 

Playin with your life.