1976- Correct tires

[Jeff Heuer]

Judging manual lists a Goodyear Steel Guard and a Firestone Steel Radial 500. For VIN 4863 with rally wheels, what would be the correct tire, or were they used interchangibly for Sept . 75 Body Date? Spare tire is a replacement. Thanks for the help.

Jeff Heuer NCRS 30834

[Joe L.]

Re: 1976- Correct tires

Jeff-----

As far as I know, the tires were used interchangeably throughout the model year. This same situation was true of most model years that used a variety of different brand tires. About the only way to know for sure which tire that your particular car came with is to have an original spare or a picture of the car taken very early in its life.

Also, the Firestone 500 tires were recalled due to a severe safety defect involving delamination of the tread belts and consequent failure of the tires on the road. I would not recommend using these tires even if you could find a set, which is doubtful. At the present time, neither of these particular tires are available in reproduction.

[Zachary King]

Re: 1976- Correct tires

It's a job and if your lucky your tank sticker if it's still there should list what type of tires came on your car. The only problem being you have to remove the tank. If you have a low mileage car that has been garaged you could very well be in luck. Otherwise stick with what Joe and the Judging Manual call for.

[Michael W.]

Re: 1976- Correct tires

Zachary,

I don't think the tank sticker shows which BRAND the tires were, just the option code for black wall, white wall, raised white letter and/or tire size if those were variables in the particular year.

Mike


Quebec NCRS Chapter

[Jeff Heuer]

Re: 1976- Correct tires

Joe,

Can the Goodyear Steel Guards be found at swap meets? I would imagine the tires could be spares from wrecked cars. I need white letters which I think are more common, however, is it even worth fooling around trying to find these? I mean are they safe to drive on after so many years?

Thanks for your help!

Jeff Heuer

[Michael W.]

Re: 1976- Correct tires

Jeff,

The chances of finding a set 4 (or 5) serviceable, correct tires for your car are pretty slim. Even if you did find them they would be so expensive, you wouldn't want to drive on them! Usually original tires are kept just for high-end judging events, and another spare set of wheels and tires are installed for driving.

If you are going to have your car judged at NCRS events, since repro tires are not yet available for '73 and up, the best bang-for the-bucks is a set of current Goodyears. The points hit is minimal. You may want to look in the archives for a recent discussion on this.

Mike


Quebec NCRS Chapter