Universal Tires

[Bob Bidonde]

Universal Tires are available again!

I received my order of new 4.74 / 5.00 - 19 Black-Wall Universal Tires from Summit Racing last Wednesday (3/20/2024) just 3 days after placing the order. Cost is $140 each plus shipping plus tax.
According to the date code on the tires, these tires were made in Vietnam during November of 2023. The new tires match the tread & sidewall patterns of the old Universal Tires I am replacing. Max load rating is 855 LBS at 32 PSIG.

[DJ S]

How many miles are you getting from your universals? After 5k mi, mine are almost half worn.

[Synchro909]

Originally Posted by DJ S

How many miles are you getting from your universals? After 5k mi, mine are almost half worn.

That sounds about right for the tyres we get these days.

[DJ S]

Originally Posted by Synchro909

That sounds about right for the tyres we get these days.

That’s too bad. What’s the best tire for value? $/mi.

[Bob Bidonde]

I have been using Universal Tires for many years and have gone through several sets. I find that typically I get about 25,000 miles out of a set. Both of my 1931 model A's have stock 3.78:1 Differentials and no overdrives. My combined annual mileage is about 2000. I keep the tire pressure at the max load rating of 32 PSIG. Wheel alignment is checked annually.

[Bruce of MN]

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Does the front end need more adjustment than you expected?

[Herb Concord Ca]

I got 7,800 miles on my Universals on my 31 slant Town Sedan. The Goodyears lasted 14,500 before they were replaced last year. I now have European Classic so I'll see how long they last.

[Bob Bidonde]

Ed, the Model A Ford Club of Long Island to which I belong, has an annual front end alignment clinic that i attend. I have learned the hard way that low tire pressure increases front tire wear, and causes uneven wear across the tread of the front tires. Otherwise, I have not experienced any change in toe-in that requires annual attention.
To improve the ride of my Model A's, I have run tire pressures as low as 28 PSIG. Although it makes the ride smoother, from experience pressures below 32 PSIG hasten tire wear.

[Y-Blockhead]

Just curious, how often do y'all rotate the tires on your Model A?

[Kurt in NJ]

every time i drive they rotate
I never changed the location of the tires, the right rear one has a bald spot, the left rear is close to bald, the front’s are a little better

[ronn]

toupee?

[Bruce of MN]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

every time i drive they rotate
I never changed the location of the tires, the right rear one has a bald spot, the left rear is close to bald, the front’s are a little better

Makes me think of the line in the song Hot Rod Lincoln, "Tires fair."

[Synchro909]

IMO, rotating the tyres only means I end up with four worn out tyres at the same time. $$$$ ouch!

[Herb Concord Ca]

Isn't that the idea of rotating tires - so they wear equally. I have always bought a set of 4 tires.

[ronn]

I agree Herb, but I guess you could just replace them one at a time, as needed?

all depends on your driving requirements. I know synchro is a madman, driving the outback and doing what 95% of us never do. good on him.

[Bob Bidonde]

I do not rotate them until the front tires are almost worn-out.

[Y-Blockhead]

Originally Posted by Bob Bidonde

I do not rotate them until the front tires are almost worn-out.

If I waited until my "front tires are almost worn-out", my back tires would be gone. My rear tires always wear out faster than the fronts.

FYI, most manufacturers now recommend that your better (newer) tires are place on the front .