Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

[Alan S.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Hi Paul,
As I mentioned in my PM, my 71 tire is a Firestone RWL. My car is #6589, a mid-January build.
The 8 digit code is 000MP123. The code configuration is just like yours. I did notice in your picture the 'negative' of the fasteners that were used to hold the code in the mold appear to be an Allen type screws. Mine looks exactly like yours.
The script on my tire is very different than yours as one would expect.
Regards,
Alan

[Grant W.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Note 8-digit DOT code documents this tire was produced between 1/1/68 and early 1971 when tire manufacturers used their own proprietary DOT coding sequences. If memory serves, the current DOT standardized 11 or 12-digit sequences (12-digit for tires produced after 1/1/2000) went into effect in 1Q, 1971...

Well this is what info I have. After May 22/71 is a 10 digit code. So being this an 8 digit, it is what Uncle Jack has mentioned between 1/1/68 to early 71.

002 for second week
BL for Oct of 1970
434 You got me!!!
Any takers out there? Thanks Grant

[Alan S.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Hi Grant,
How did you decode 'BL' to be October, 1970?
Can you tell me how to decode my 000MP123 ?
Thanks very much.
Regards,
Alan

[Grant W.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Paul:
Photos are a big help on this website. Thanks for posting your original spare. I have the exact same concerns that Paul Cook has.
As I understand it, 1971 came only with five F70x15 tires on 8" rims. Also, the rims were painted "Bright silver" and not the greenish silver that 1970's had. Am I correct? Reason I ask is that I was told at a recent judged event that my 71 rims needed to be greener.
Thanks Tom

Hi Tom
I have an NOS 71 spare in my attic and the green tint is greener than the 69 and 70. Just a little bit more. I compared them to a 69 NOS spare and there is a difference to the Tire Guru's. These spares are not over the counter but originals off original cars.
Grant

[Tom W.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Hi Tom
I have an NOS 71 spare in my attic and the green tint is greener than the 69 and 70. Just a little bit more. I compared them to a 69 NOS spare and there is a difference to the Tire Guru's. These spares are not over the counter but originals off original cars.
Grant

Grant:
I haven't seen an original 70 & 71 wheel side by side, so it's a tough call as to the exact green tint.
I'm confused by what I was told by a judge & what is in the NCRS Judging Guide p 48 "Wheels in 70 had a greenish tint, while the 71 & 72 wheels were bright silver." I'll have to hit a few more shows to really see the difference. Thanks for your help.
Tom

[Paul C.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

The opinion of the experts that emailed me was that this tire is in fact an Original tire. Thanks to all those who responded--your help was greatly appreciated.

Paul

[Paul C.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Someone offered to sell me another 1971 original tire in better shape for a spare. Anyone have an idea what a far price would be?

[Grant W.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Someone offered to sell me another 1971 original tire in better shape for a spare. Anyone have an idea what a far price would be?

Hi Paul
Getting a tire just a little better would be great for driving to the meets and getting it judged or more points for having original tires as it came from GM. Or are you collecting original tires for your car....then buying another used tire is any where from 50.00 to 150.00 to maybe 200.00 for a used tire. You basically pay for what you get and for most of the time buy used tires 50% or better which reflects the price. Don't buy any original tires that are worn out on one edge although having lots of rubber. Tire is basically garbage.
If you want a better spare then just buy an NOS one and those range again from a sweet deal of 100.00 to as high as 400.00 or even higher if it is date coded to your car. It all depends how bad you want it. If you have the original spare then just keep it as.
Hope this answers a few questions. I think I have a bunch of white lines in my attic but no time to see exactly what I have. Been collecting for a very long time.
Thanks, Grant

[Paul O.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

I dont know if it will show that well but here is my 1971 S/N 1914 rim with the green tint. Hope this helps. Paul 18046

[Tom W.]

Re: Spare Tire for 1971--Need an expert

Paul:
Thanks for the picture. The wheel definitely is not the really bright silver that I assumed. I have a March 71 car (11000+), so maybe the wheel colors started to change around then?

Also, I'm looking for an original GoodYear spare tire. I have an old Michelin on there now. So, if anyone would like to sell one, I'm interested.
You guys are a great help.
Thanks, Tom