MTFCA Forum

I currently have Universal T Driver tires on my 1924. The tread pattern is nearly gone on a couple of them, but I don't see any patches of cord yet. How far down can I run them? I don't drive in the rain.

One thing I've found over the years is, the cords are pretty tough. I've literally had to use a sawsall once to remove old stiff tires and was shocked how hard it even was for the saw. Problem is possible skidding due to no tread.

In Texas, the law requires at least 1/16" of tread all the way across the tread area and all the way around. How far a tire can go without failure is difficult to say. Age can affect the strength of the tire, as well as type of use, loading, weather, carcass material, and more. Worn out tires could become a liability issue in case of accident. Old tires can blow out with considerable force. I've had them blow out on vehicles that are parked and sitting. I'd hate to have one blow out while airing it up. Worn down tires are more prone to flats, and worn down tread on the front wheels can cause road walking and hard steering. Old, hard rubber does not grip as well as live rubber.

I'd order new ones now and hope you get them by next driving season (if you are in the northern US). By then, you'll perhaps have the wear on them that you'll feel good replacing them. Given the current global shipping issues, if you wait until you need them... you'll likely be waiting...

I usually run them until the strings are flapping. They're very pliable then and super easy to dismount from the rims.

No kidding.

I have good tread on my firestones but have sidewall cracking and everyone I talk to tells me to just run them so I am without issue. My question is how many miles do you get assuming your car is not the problem ? Also are Blockley tires worth it?.....do they last longer and not crack?

Ron

Thanks everyone for the replies! I don't think I'd have the nerve to run tires with exposed, floppy cords. :O

I do have a new set of tires mounted on new rims and ready to swap on when needed. I like the idea of holding out until next spring to do the swap, I'll try that.

Massachusetts also requires 1/16" of tread. As that state measures tread in 1/32" increments, they officially call minimum tread 2/32".

A vehicle will perform best with 4 new, quality tires with about 500 miles on them. Run the best tires you can afford.

So what happens if you install treadless tires?

You'll put up with lower wet weather performance and may get interviewed by law enforcement or have difficulty getting an inspection sticker. I had difficulty getting an inspection sticker on a 1972 Ford F-250 several years ago when the state of Texas computerized their safety inspection process. "The Computer" would not accept the VIN number. The truck is shabby, but it is an original build with the original VIN. Apparently, it did not have enough digits/spaces in it to suit the computer. A phone call to Austin by the inspector got it straightened out. If I had been in a big city and unknown to the inspector, I probably would have had to try to deal with the bureaucrats myself.

A few problems, are of course, Ice, snow, and rain or hail. The smoother the tires, the worse the skids. I realize most of us don't intentionally run in those conditions, however, they can come on unexpectedly while on a tour.
They used to say, put a quarter with Washington's head in the tread, if you can see the top of his head, the tire should be replaced. Newer tires have bars which when the tire wears down to where the bar is flush with the surface, it should be replaced.
You should have the best treads on the rear, because you need the traction for starting out and for stopping. However if the front tires are too worn and you go around a turn too fast, it puts a lot of pressure on the front tire, and if it blows, you could roll the car.
Now that I have scared you, I hope you will put on some new tires before any of the above happens.
Norm

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 25, 2021 10:33 am

So what happens if you install treadless tires?

Most treadless tires (slicks) have a couple of holes molded into their contact surface so that the remaining rubber can be measured.

John Codman wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 25, 2021 1:09 pm

Mark Gregush wrote: ↑

Sat Sep 25, 2021 10:33 am

So what happens if you install treadless tires?

Most treadless tires (slicks) have a couple of holes molded into their contact surface so that the remaining rubber can be measured.

I don’t think that Mark was referring to Hoosier’s. It’s more likely he was referring to the smooth tread designs that came on the early T’s straight from the factory, like these…

https://www.modeltford.com/item/TIRE2WF.aspx

I mean, we are all still talking about Model T’s, right?

Eric

I can still see tread on all four T-drivers. I have plenty of miles left ! Dirt roads are kinder to tires than pavement.