[C4] Chances Of Gatorback Repros

[John M.]

Folks,

I'm looking for your (always useful) opinions...

...what do you think the chances are that one of the reproduction tire makers will make 'gatorbacks', the style of the original tires on the early C4s, within the next five years or so?

[Art B.]

Re: [C4] Chances Of Gatorback Repros

John:
I can't answer your questions but I have some opinions on the Goodyear "Gatorback" tires. I feel there are much better tires for the early C-4s. I found that the gatorbacks were noisy after only about 15K miles and the ride was more harsh. I switched to BF Goodrich Comp T/A and like them much better. I have many more miles on them than I ever got with the gatorbacks and they are quieter. For my type of driving, they are a better choice.

[Joe C.]

Re: [C4] Chances Of Gatorback Repros

John:

I spoke to John Kelsey just 2 months ago on exactly that. His words were to the effect that it could be as long as 10 years, if at all, based on current demand. Consider the fact that Goodyear is not reproducing any early radial tires from the early seventies, and that should put things into perspective.

For myself, I am hoping (yeah, right)that early C4's will magically become extremely valuable (see my profile), but I won't hold my breath. This might possibly cause every Tom, Dick and Harry with a nice early C4 to seek a McClelland award, which would then create demand for Gatorback repops.

I still run my original Gatorbacks as drag slicks. For the occasional romp in the dry, they are still adequate. In any kind of moisture they are downright dangerous. But, points wise, they are much more valuable than a set of new rubber.

Joe

[John M.]

Re: [C4] Chances Of Gatorback Repros

Thanks for the opinions, guys.