Old tire rule?

[Mark Bailey]

I have a '62 TR4. I restored it to show condition 30 years ago, put new tires on then, then again a dozen years ago. The car only goes a couple thousand miles a year, if that, and so the tread never wears down. But the rubber dries out and they get slick as heck.

How often do underused tires need replacement?

And then there are the wheels. My wheels are American Mags from way back when (the '60s) and I use inner tubes. The mags are fragile and I worry about having just any tire shop wreck them. So far, in Utah, I have not found a go to place.

Any advice appreciated.

Mark

 

[LarryK]

Most old car forums warn that 5-7 yrs is the max for driving on tires. They really suggest 5 if driven a distance to shows. RVs and trailers the same. Don't take the risk with the baby, especally now when it is hot.

 

[drooartz]

Welcome fellow Utahn!

5-7 is usually my limit as well. Tires on my B are 10 yrs old, will be replaced this year (it's not been driven in 5 yrs). Tires are not that expensive, certainly cheaper than a blowout.

I run fairly new wheels on my Brit cars, so have generally just taken them to the local shop for tires. I did have a B with wire wheels a few years ago, and the Point S tire shop in Heber knew what tubes were and did a decent job.

If you connect up with the British Motor Club of Utah (full disclosure, I run their website and email list) there may be someone who's found a good, reliable shop. PM me here if you're interested and I can add you to our email list.

 

[Mark Bailey]

Welcome fellow Utahn!

5-7 is usually my limit as well. Tires on my B are 10 yrs old, will be replaced this year (it's not been driven in 5 yrs). Tires are not that expensive, certainly cheaper than a blowout.

I run fairly new wheels on my Brit cars, so have generally just taken them to the local shop for tires. I did have a B with wire wheels a few years ago, and the Point S tire shop in Heber knew what tubes were and did a decent job.

If you connect up with the British Motor Club of Utah (full disclosure, I run their website and email list) there may be someone who's found a good, reliable shop. PM me here if you're interested and I can add you to our email list.

Thank you! After I posted here I reached out with a membership request to the BMCU too. My TR has been in the garage in Torrey for the last two years showing its even-though-it's-restored age. It's running again but before I drive it much I want to look into the tires.

 

[drooartz]

I'll keep an eye out for the membership request. Torrey's one of my favorite places.

 

[Ian Mckenzie]

My tires usually last for 5 years, I guess the tread wear will depend on how the owner uses the car.