MTFCA Forum

I am getting ready to buy new tires for my TT and I want to know what tires are recommended. It has gum dipped 4 ply Firestone 33x5 Tires. They seem to have been brand new when the car was stored but unfortunately they
Dry rotted. What are some comparable 33x5 tires out there because I don’t believe Firestone produces this tire anymore.

Jacob,

I think when you check into prices you're not going to be pleased, https://www.universaltire.com/catalog_f ... _size=33x5

I would place a Wanted ad in the classifieds section for a good, usable pair of tires. If the rubber is good and there's a bit of tread life remaining, a used pair would most likely serve you for a long time.

Jacob

after putting on new tires, you may well find them looking exactly like your old ones within 3 years.

I have 4 Ts...one of them is my primary driver. When I bought it 10 years ago, it had 4 tires which were 40+ years old and had great tread. Due to an accident, one rear rim got bent and that tire was ruined. I changed both the ruined tire and it's mate on the other side. The fronts remained on the car. I have now worn out the two "new" rear tires twice over, while the now 50+ year old tires on the front still have tread on them.

They look exactly like your tires and I have no plans on replacing them.

I am not saying that it is safe for anyone to drive on old tires. I am relaying my experience of running old American Made tires and it has been a good experience and can say with confidence that I am not entirely alone in the hobby with respect to these kinds of results.

It's not my truck, it's yours. If it WERE my truck, I would not be in a hurry to replace them.

Keep up the great work...love reading about your progress.

Also, don't worry too much about the cracked rubber, (unless the cracked areas are also bulged). The rubber does not hold the tire together, it's more about the internal cord. If it says anywhere "Nylon cord" it's probably still a sound tire. (Whereas a cotton cord is susceptible to rotting)

Good advice up above there Jacob. I have probly 40 year old Goodrich Silvertowns 33x5 on my TT Ccab. They might have 500 miles on them, excellent tread but very cracked sidewalls. Always kept inside out of the Sun. Wouldn’t hesitate to take it on a national tour w/o a spare. You do have a split rim jack, don’t you ?

Jacob, If you have a spare tire and tube, good. If you don't, you might ought to keep your eyes out for them, and while you're looking, look for a usable spare rim, too. If you have a flat far from home base, Its enough work to change a flat on a TT, even if your spare tire and tube are already mounted, and much more work, if you don't. Its unfortunate that your TT has the 33x5 rims that limits your choice of tires. The later 20" rim can use present day available 6.00x20, 6.50x20, and maybe even 7.00x20 tires which while not cheap, at least are more readily available. Both Lang's and Snyder's have them listed, although if you are in Nevada, Lucas Tire in California may be cheaper as the freight will be cheaper.

Jacob - look for 32 x 4 &1/2 tires - that's the equivalent to a 33 x 5. I have a '24 TT with 21" on the fronts & 32 x 4 & 1/2's on the rears - I carry 2 mounted spares - one of each !

I would reuse the rear tires except the fact that on one of the tires, there is a big crack in the middle of the tread. It is also missing some chunks of rubber in some places. I will take more pictures later.

Thanks for the advice, Jacob Mangold

I believe they are 30x31/2 and yes they do need to be replaced. I will take a closer look. Here is a picture of them.

I plan on driving it to school and around to places close by (5 mile or less). I was also looking at these for the rear.https://www.lucasclassictires.com/33x5- ... 5lucas.htm Are Lucas tires any good? Also, has anyone done business with Coker tires before?

Jacob Mangold wrote: ↑

Thu May 11, 2023 1:54 pm

I plan on driving it to school and around to places close by (5 mile or less). I was also looking at these for the rear.https://www.lucasclassictires.com/33x5- ... 5lucas.htm Are Lucas tires any good? Also, has anyone done business with Coker tires before?

Jacob,

Those Lucas tires would be just fine.

Coker, Universal, & Lucas have probably been the sellers of 90% of the tires sold for T's. (With Blockley quickly coming on as a strong contender as well.)

Jacob, if that is a front wheel photo, it is not a 30 x 3.5" clincher. To my knowledge, there never was a beaded edge Insa tyre. They were 21" straight sided tyres like those in your photo. They did give really good service, and those who still have them are blessed. Someone bought them out and they dissappeared, leaving us with the present crop of junk, Blockley's excliuded.

Allan from down under.

Well that’s a shame. I just realized that too. What sizes will fit on the rim because the tires are shot.

I found the tires I’m going with. They have the same tread pattern and are both made by Lucas
Front-https://www.lucasclassictires.com/440-4 ... l-344p.htm
Rear-https://www.lucasclassictires.com/33x5- ... 5lucas.htm

I run these rear tires on my 1924 Model TT Truck. They have been doing well for four years and 200 miles. They still look brand new. I like the tread and side wall design better than the Firestone one and they are cheaper in price.


https://www.lucasclassictires.com/600-2 ... l-330p.htm






600-20 LUCAS Blackwall

Unavailable for the last few years, this beautiful Lucas 600x20 is finally back in stock in a limited quantity. Make your classic look it's best by ordering a set today. Nokia tread pattern.

32.0" O.D.
6.25" Section Width
4.50" Tread Width

Manufacturer: LUCAS
600-20 LUCAS Blackwall

Price:
$179.00