Date Code for Firestone Whitewalls 6.70-15

[supercub]

I found these Firestone whitewalls that look real nice for a good price but I'm certain they are old even though there isn't any wear visible except for white flaking around the bead. Can anyone verify? I believe 41st month of 1958. The seller states that he brought them 5 or 6 years ago.

[supercub]

The other pic shows a code of E 4128.

[supercub]

This long DOT code shows 3415 so I believe 34th month of 2015.

[TTR]

Correct ^.

So only a year or so beyond "best/use before" date, at least in my book, but I tend to drive my (vintage) cars, so I wouldn't chance it using these.

 

[61polara]

My calendar only has 12 months in each of these years...anyway, the code 158 is the 15th week of the eighth year of the decade, 128 is the 12th week of the eighth year of the decade and 3415 is the 34th week of 2015.  So the first two could have been manufactured in 2018 or 2008 or 1998 or 1988 or earlier.  Based on the sellers comment that they are only 5 or 6 years old, they could be from 2018 and the one from 2015.

[mrspeedyt]

As long as not steel belted radials... I think... (especially if they're bias tires) probably still good.

 

Heck.

If cheap..

 I'd buy them.

Edited April 28, 2022 by mrspeedyt (see edit history)

[TTR]

3 hours ago, 61polara said:

So the first two could have been manufactured in 2018 or 2008 ...

Incorrect !

 

Prior to year 2000, DOM was indicated with only 3 digits, first two for the week and the third for the year of manufacture. The decade was not indicated until year 2000.

From 2000 and on, DOM has been indicated with 4 digits, first two for the week, third for the decade and fourth for the year of manufacture.

 

So basically, any 3 digit DOM has been made prior to year 2000, but during which decade is not always clear.

Any 3 digit DOM tire is now over 22(!!!) years old and any self-respecting tire shop owner/operator (or vintage car driver/owner) will not mount/install/use tires that old on public roads.

Edited April 27, 2022 by TTR (see edit history)

[MarkV]

If they need a tube I wouldn’t be worried if they are 5-10 years old and if you are driving just around town.

 

on my 21 Chevy I had firestones that were probably several decades old. They are tubed clencher tires which are driven at 25 mph. I replaced it when chunks started coming off the tire! Remember though they were tubed and I can only drive 25 mph. 
 

what scares me are cars from the 50s and above driving at hwy speeds on old tires. 

[edinmass]

Drive around on old, cheap tires? Sort of looking for a discount cardiac specialist……….I don’t want to take the chance.

[maok]

When were Firestones last made in NZ? 

[60FlatTop]

5 hours ago, maok said:

When were Firestones last made in NZ? 

I think those may have been made in Old Zealand.

[TTR]

5 hours ago, edinmass said:

Drive around on old, cheap tires? Sort of looking for a discount cardiac specialist……….I don’t want to take the chance.

Or like going sailing in a wooden boat with just a few lrotten boards near the keel.

Or like flying in a plane just a few years past it’s last annual or only small holes in the wings.

 

This is also why we’re often experiencing long delays in availability and soaring prices on vintage tires.

Perhaps if cheapskates pretending to be antique/classic/vintage car owners would find themselves a hobby better accommodating their inability to spend money on them or grow up and start using the cars enough to wear out the tires sooner and/or at least replace them before they become danger to other road users, manufacturers would likely see a reason to make them more frequently.

[edinmass]

9 minutes ago, TTR said:

Or like going sailing in a wooden boat with just a few lrotten boards near the keel.

Or like flying in a plane just a few years past it’s last annual or only small holes in the wings.

 

This is also why we’re often experiencing long delays in availability and soaring prices on vintage tires.

Perhaps if cheapskates pretending to be antique/classic/vintage car owners would find themselves a hobby better accommodating their inability to spend money on them or grow up and start using the cars enough to wear out the tires sooner and/or at least replace them before they become danger to other road users, manufacturers would likely see a reason to make them more frequently.

 

 

I would agree with you.......but I may get in trouble if I acknowledge it, so I won't. So I shall remain mute. 🥸

 

 

 

I do practice what I preach. I won't run tires over seven years old if at all it can be helped. Same thing with tubes. 

Edited April 27, 2022 by edinmass (see edit history)

[TTR]

42 minutes ago, edinmass said:

I do practice what I preach. I won't run tires over seven years old if at all it can be helped. Same thing with tubes. 

I've been doing same for decades, both my own and clients cars, except my cut-off is six years (just like most tire manufacturers liability).

I've even had some clients (wealthy collectors with cars stored in fancy buildings, etc) telling me they at times dread sending cars to me because their neglected maintenance/services/upkeep will be promptly exposed and I sometimes scold them for it. 🙄

 

I do and always have applied similar quality/safety requirement philosophy on any safety related mechanicals (brakes, steering, suspension, etc) on vehicles I drive, ride or work on.

Edited April 27, 2022 by TTR (see edit history)

[60FlatTop]

6 hours ago, edinmass said:

if cheapskates pretending to be antique/classic/vintage car owners

Be assured cheapskates do not pretend to be classic/vintage cars owners. Anymore than it is appropriate to use "like" when one makes a metaphor referring to another person's actions.

[supercub]

Been searching for some new tires online. I think I want a radial tire that has the old look and is 28.6" diameter as a 6.70-15 is spec'd. The  radials that I have perform well but look too modern and I believe make the car harder to steer at almost a dead stop. The bias tires may be easier to steer in this situation but won't handle and brake as well as radials. I could end up driving home from work in the rain and need handling and braking as the radials perform on my hilly twisty road. I like the pie-crust design of the bias ply tires and can live with or without the whitewalls. Alot of considerations.

[nzcarnerd]

On 4/27/2022 at 7:48 PM, maok said:

When were Firestones last made in NZ? 

I believe the last tyres from that factory were made in early 1992. Of course some of the moulds for the older sizes were then passed over to other factories so there is no guarantee those tyres were actually made in NZ.

 

Our 1929 Plymouth is on 4.75/5.00 x 20 Firestones from back then. We have had no problem with them. The car has been off the road for a couple of years but we intend to get it going again for a winter rally in a few weeks. 

 

2019 - with its tyres 'blacked' for a club event.

 

A few bonus shots from the winter rally in 2019. It is not usually that showy, and the river crossings are mostly for fun - there is almost always a main road way around them. This year's event will be in a different location so we will see what happens.