Original Tire Identification

[Paul Bigness]

What are the distinguishing marks, writing or characteristics of an original 1969 Firestone wide oval redline? I have a Coker repro to compare to the what I believe may be an original. I appreciate any insight.

[Everett Ogilvie]

Re: Original Tire Identification

The original will have a "shorter" serial number. Serial numbers on original 1969 vintage tires have either a 8 or 9 digit serial number, and modern repros will have more characters (maybe 10, 11 or more alpha/numeric characters). If it is a good repro, most other markings on the tire will be the same, or very similar (midyear tires differ in that originals are non-DOT and repros are DOT marked, but original tires began to be marked DOT during the '69 model year). Another difference could be that your original may be marked "Max Load xxxx lbs at yy PSI Max Press". The repro will surely be marked "Load Range B".

[Paul Bigness]

Re: Original Tire Identification

Thanks for the response. The serial number is less digits. It contains the tire model number and 3 more digits. The Coker repro has four more digits. It still has a very old stiker on the tread, and faint white markings that run in the depth between two outside treads. I believe the Coker representative told me that they had the original mold for the tires that they are now making. If so, would their repro be correct except for the serial number and the sticker? thanks....

[Dick W.]

Re: Original Tire Identification

Paul, the molds might be original for some application, but the Coker Firestones, that I have seen, are not anywhere near what was originally installed on your 69.

Several differences include the tread design, nomenclature on the sidewalls, location of redline in reference to the bead. The NCRS Technical Information Manual and Judging Guide explain this in detail.

[Paul Bigness]

Re: Original Tire Identification

Hi Dick, I read the NCRS manual and there wasn't anything mentioned to the contrary and the bead to redline measures OK. The manual doesn't really give the reader what to look for in an Original vs. a good repro.