1982 Tires...

[Richard B.]

I just visited my 82 in the storerom, and found a flat tire. It's a slow leaker, needing air once every few weeks in the summer. The tires are all original, 23,000 miles, and I have 2 spares of same. Is the tire damaged beyond safe driving? Is there a way to cure the slow leak? Should I just mount one of the extra tires and toss the flat one? I'm a little concerned about how long it sat on the flat tire this winter.

Any help will be most appreciated!!!!!!!

[Tom Freeman]

Re: 1982 Tires...

Rich,
I would not drive on 20 year old tires. Take those off and only use them for show. Then get a set of new ones for regular driving. Would really hate to see you loose a fender at 70 mph when the dry rot causes a blow out.

tom...


The '73 Spot

[Harmon C.]

Re: 1982 Tires...

A slow leak is usually fixable at a small shop with a car guy doing the work. I would use the tires you have now for show only if you plan any NCRS judging and buy a set of driving tires and rims as Tom said.

[Richard B.]

Replacement tires...

Tom, Lyle: Thanks for the input. That's a mighty UGLY thought seeing a pristine fender shreaded by stupidity! There was some discussion here a few months ago of a place to get good replica tires. Can someone recommend a mailorder dealer, or will my local tire guy be just as good?

Again, Thanks for the help!!!

[Jim T.]

Re: 1982 Tires...

The slow leak could very easily be a defective valve stem.

[Richard B.]

Re: 1982 Tires...

Thanks, Jim. I agree, but after the mental image of the crushed fender, I'll be looking for a new set of tires AND valve stems!

And Thanks to all for your help.