For bias-ply guys

[Adam/Mill Valley CA]

I recently decided to replace the Firestone (Coker) 6.00-16 bias ply tires on my '36 pickup, which were aging out after 10 years-particularly since I drive on the freeway regularly. I've been very happy with them but they now run about $240 each. I saw Excelsior (Coker) brand bias ply tires in the same size for about $140 and decided to give those a try, since it would save about $400 on a set of four. I have to say so far I'm very pleased, they really are indistinguishable from the Firestones in driving, either on back roads or the freeway-I usually run about 55-60mph. They track very well, and don't seem to have any problems being out of round. The look is certainly vintage (see photo). I opted for 6.00-16 fronts and 6.50-16 rears, ordered through Summit racing (which has a $10 surcharge for oversize shipping). So far so good, we'll see how they hold up over time.

Adam

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by Adam/Mill Valley CA

I recently decided to replace the Firestone (Coker) 6.00-16 bias ply tires on my '36 pickup, which were aging out after 10 years-particularly since I drive on the freeway regularly. I've been very happy with them but they now run about $240 each. I saw Excelsior (Coker) brand bias ply tires in the same size for about $140 and decided to give those a try, since it would save about $400 on a set of four. I have to say so far I'm very pleased, they really are indistinguishable from the Firestones in driving, either on back roads or the freeway-I usually run about 55-60mph. They track very well, and don't seem to have any problems being out of round. The look is certainly vintage (see photo). I opted for 6.00-16 fronts and 6.50-16 rears, ordered through Summit racing (which has a $10 surcharge for oversize shipping). So far so good, we'll see how they hold up over time.

Adam

[Zeke3]

Those do look good, hope they work out in the long run. I will consider them when I get around to purchasing tires for my project.

[Steve/IL]

Highly Recommended!

[lotsagas4u]

Not available til January 24, bummer, I was looking for a set.

[Tim Ayers]

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Thank you for the review. I've been going back and forth on the Excelsiors.

[lotsagas4u]

Any suggestions for a set of bias ply tires now? I want to keep the old look, not doing any traveling. Anyone used the Firestone 6.00-16 recently? Thanks

[ndnchf]

Me to, been thinking about a new set of 6.00-16s for my '35 Fordor. Maybe pick some up at Hersey if Coker has them.

[ronn]

Look good.

[RalphG]

They do look nice. Kind of remind me of the old "gum dipped" Firestones of the 1950s. I'd like to try bias plies on the 52 Merc. I find the steel belted radials even at 28 psi to be very hard riding on our gravel roads. Plenty smooth enough on pavement but I've got a few miles of gravel to get to it.

[ndnchf]

I wish they were in stock. I found the date code on my Lester 6.00-16s. It appears to be 109. I take that to mean october 1999, probably about the time my '35 was restored. Definitely time for new tires!

[Dennisfly]

A year ago I bought European Classic 600X16s for my 35. They have several dealers across the country and are less expensive than the reproduction Firestone or Goodyear. They are manufactured in Europe, not Viet Nam, and certified by the European equivalent of our DOT.


I bought mine from Jay Mader A & T parts
(540) 885-0053 84 Old Churchville Rd
Staunton, VA 24401-6242

You pay him and he ships directly from the factory and the price includes shipping. When I bought mine they shipped within a week.

They drive fine, but I only have about 1200 miles on them so I can't speak to wear. I think there are other Ford Barner's that have them and could offer their experiences or you could do a search.

[lotsagas4u]

It appears the European Classics are out of stock also, must have been a run on 600x16s.

[ndnchf]

Thanks Dennis. I'll have to start looking around to see what is available.
Steve

[52flthed]

On my pick up I have 6.50 x16 Firestone tires on all four wheels then I switched the STA super traxion for the rears kept the pie crust up front. . I got all my tires shaved and it made a HUGE difference in how the truck rode and felt much more stable at higher speeds.

[Newc]

What about 17" options. Lester from California??? Cheaper than Firestones. Newc

[ndnchf]

I'm staying with 6.00-16s. My '35 has wide whitwall Lesters. But I'm not a big fan of whitewalls. So I'll probably go for blackwalls.

[petehoovie]

Originally Posted by ndnchf

I'm staying with 6.00-16s. My '35 has wide whitwall Lesters. But I'm not a big fan of whitewalls. So I'll probably go for blackwalls.

Blackwalls - Now you're talkin!...