While loading my '12 into the trailer I noticed that one of the rear tires had a bulge out of the side by the rim. On closer examination it looked like the clincher bead was separating from the tire casing. This was confirmed when I removed the tire. The rim is not an issue and it seems like a defect in the tire itself. My problem is that the tire is a Universal 30X3-1/2 whitewall tire and I can't find a replacement in any of the tire catalogues I have. Does anyone know where I can get a matching replacement? Right now I am running three whitewalls and a black wall.

Good Luck.....I haven't seen any in 15 years you'll have to find some that someone has stuck back and have been saving. I don't think anyone is making them not sure why they look Great !

You are right about how old the tires are. They were put on the car well over 15 years ago but, with the exception of the one tire, are still in great shape with no side wall cracking or tread wear. I keep all of my cars up on blocks when not in use and that seems to keep the tires from getting sidewall cracks. The whitewall tires really do look great on the car and I'd hate to have to go for 4 new tires. If anyone has one I'd sure like to hear from them!

Get some sidewall paint and put a black one on and paint it white. Put it on the left rear. That one is the one least seen when parked.
Norm

Good idea Norm. I did not think of that but I will try it until I hopefully can find a replacement. I would bet that finding sidewall paint is almost as hard these days as finding the whitewall tire I need! Any suggestions?

Some years back the sidewall paint thing was discussed on this forum. I believe the final consensus was to try a good white latex outdoor paint.

Val,

I just drove our 13 to the speedster reunion in Lincoln NE on Friday (only about 50 miles total) and noticed the same on the left rear. I have Firestone non skid white tires and they are less than two years old.

Anyway, I called Snyder's and they told me all white tires were discontinued by suppliers.

I then called Cokers, and they had one white non skid in stock, and are sending it.

You might try them. They also said they would continue to supply white and grey tires, but would wait for enough orders to make an order.

If you can't find one, I might still have one of my old 30X3 1/2 universals, but don't think it is very good. Let me know if you want me to look for it.

Rob

I saw an early T with aftermarket wire wheels and the most gorgeous white tires you ever saw. I then noticed the tread was black where it contacts the road. They were garden variety black tires that had been painted white, and looked great. Paint type unknown.

Rob,
I will call Coker since they just might have one odd tire laying around somewhere but I am not optimistic since I am told it has been a long time since they have made these tires. I don't want to put you to the trouble of looking for the one you might have just yet. However, after I have exhausted all other options I may well ask you to see what you can find as I really don't want to give up the whitewalls as they really look great on the car. I can't understand why they don't make them anymore.

Val,

My universals were all white ribbed. I replaced them when one blew out a long time ago. After rereading, it sounds like you need a white wall?

Good luck,

Rob

Rob,
That's right, what I need is a whitewall, not an all white. I have a set of smooth grey Universals that look good but I am afraid to use them after hearing your experience with the all white Universals. The tires look good but the clincher bead does not look beefy enough to stay in the rim with 60 pounds of pressure.