68 DOT tire code

[Craig T.]

I am trying to decode a Goodyear widetread white stripe F70-15 tire. It looks to be an original spare with a white paper tag with the number 106 on the side wall. The DOT code molded into the tire is UR01D17. I would like to use the tire as a spare on a July 7, 68 car. Your help is greatly appreciated.

[Jack H.]

Re: 68 DOT tire code

From the time DOT went into effect (1/1/68) until rules were changed to 'standardize' the DOT ID sequence (4/71?), each manufacturer made up his own ID sequence containing the information required by DOT. Upon DOT request, the manufacturer would supply 'decoding' to translate their sequence into information fields the DOT mandated.

Most mfgrs maintained the decoding rules for their sequence(s) as proprietary information. And, yes, a given tire mfgr might have changed his ID sequence one or more times during that era...

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 68 DOT tire code

Craig:
According to the Bizzolo book (Pg. 70) your tire is a December of '69 tire made in the Akron, Ohio plant.. A '68 code would start with an L or T.
Jeff