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02-12-2021, 12:42 PM | #1 |
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Location: Bay City, Michigan
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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.
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02-12-2021, 12:53 PM | #2 |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
I wouldn't; especially radials.
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02-12-2021, 12:57 PM | #3 |
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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.
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02-12-2021, 01:13 PM | #4 |
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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.
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02-12-2021, 01:39 PM | #5 |
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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.)
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02-12-2021, 01:56 PM | #6 |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
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02-12-2021, 01:59 PM | #7 |
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Location: Lake worth Florida
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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 .
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02-12-2021, 02:31 PM | #8 |
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Join Date: Jun 2012
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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.
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02-13-2021, 10:35 AM | #9 |
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Location: Sydney Nova Scotia
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
Just wondering what is wrong with coker tires. I thought they were one of the better tires
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02-13-2021, 11:14 AM | #10 | |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
Quote:
Don't take this as recommending to use old tires. They were replaced once dot was realized and damage was noted.
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02-16-2021, 09:57 AM | #11 | |
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Location: Snohomish,WA
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
Quote:
I don't know about them being "one of the better tires", but they are definitely the best advertiser of classic car tires. Balancing them and out of round are the common complaints I here about. |
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02-12-2021, 02:38 PM | #12 |
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Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Massillon, Ohio
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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.
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02-13-2021, 12:30 PM | #13 |
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Location: Fort Gratiot, Michigan
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
I totally agree with Joe. Wayne
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02-12-2021, 02:56 PM | #14 |
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Join Date: May 2010
Location: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
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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.....
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02-12-2021, 03:15 PM | #15 |
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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
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02-12-2021, 03:23 PM | #16 | |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
Quote:
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02-12-2021, 03:33 PM | #17 |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
Lose the whitewalls....
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02-12-2021, 03:45 PM | #18 |
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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??
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02-12-2021, 03:50 PM | #19 |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
I think that Coker would be the one to ask.
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02-12-2021, 04:04 PM | #20 |
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Re: 12 year old Coker tires, still ok?
.
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 |
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