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Old Tire Question.

Discussion in 'Early Jeep Restoration and Research' started by cwm108, Jul 28, 2022.

  1. Jul 28, 2022
    cwm108

    cwm108 Member

    Western NY.
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
    Messages:
    65
    My 1960 cj5 came with four B.F. Goodrich Trailmaker Silvertown tubeless 9.5-14 tires. Before I got it, the Jeep was last registered in 1985 in the state of California. The tire sidewalls have cracks in some areas. All the tires hold air. My question is what do you think about driving on old bias ply tires? Just short slow trips around 30mph. Mostly want to drive it to a truck show a few miles away. I know that the newest they could be is 1985, but they may be older.
     
  2. Jul 28, 2022
    Dave B

    Dave B Frankenjeep '67

    Northern Minnesota
    Joined:
    Nov 10, 2009
    Messages:
    650
    Ask your Life Insurance carrier, Auto Insurance carrier & State Vehicle Inspector! ;)

    I'm in farm country & rural roads--if I ever chose to use questionable tires I'd give them a controlled torture test, which would give some confidence.

    Life has its risks--you need to decide the unnecessary. I have old tires on my hay wagons.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2022
  3. Jul 28, 2022
    boopiejones

    boopiejones I can’t drive 55

    California east bay
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    Mar 16, 2020
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    545
    Personally i would (and did) drive tires like that on local roads with slow speed limits.

    Probably not a good idea to get on the freeway.
     
    Lockman and PeteL like this.
  4. Jul 28, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    Aug 3, 2003
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    9,754
    Caution is good. But IMHO older tires were/are far more durable than recent ones.

    New tires seem to "sun crack" is no time at all. (However this doesn't mean the cords will rot like they did in Model T days when they were made of cotton!)

    I have a number of vehicles/trailers with tires near 50 years old and still holding air. Hell, the spare on my jeep still has the OEM 1956 air in it.
     
  5. Jul 28, 2022
    Jw60

    Jw60 Sitting up n buckled down. 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Sedalia MO.
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    From my days 07-11 the roads in the western NY that were not highway had a good wide shoulder. I wouldn't go any faster than hi 2nd. Might even find an old implement to drag there or just poke along with hazards on.

    I'm assuming you are looking at something this weekend but you should look for some road wheels.
     
    Last edited: Jul 28, 2022
  6. Jul 28, 2022
    cwm108

    cwm108 Member

    Western NY.
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
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    65
    It normally wears radial Super Swampers.....
     
  7. Jul 29, 2022
    Lockman

    Lockman OK.....Now I Get It . 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Silver Hill,...
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    Dec 4, 2018
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    Spray 'Em with Silicone & see if the cracks close up some. The old rubber is cry'n for some oil .
     
  8. Jul 29, 2022
    PeteL

    PeteL If it wasn't for physics, and law enforcement... 2024 Sponsor 2023 Sponsor 2022 Sponsor

    Hills of NH
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    That will be mighty slippery when it rains!
     
  9. Sep 16, 2022
    Janssen Cannon

    Janssen Cannon New Member

    Ringgold, Ga
    Joined:
    Jul 31, 2022
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    4
    The ones that i have on my cj5 have a little dry rot. Nothing major. I drive on them quite often and have never had an issue. Just keep an eye on them and for me personally, i keep them coated in tire wet. 1 for the obvious reasons and 2 to help soften the rubber up as much as possible. Mine was sitting for an unknown amount of time before i bought the Jeep. Long enough to grow moss on the entire body. Either way, its your vehicle and you know it better than any of us. I wouldnt go flying down the interstate in it but just around town, i wouldnt be puckered up too bad.
     
  10. Sep 16, 2022
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
    Messages:
    4,170
    You Jeep has 14” rims? Postal wheels?
    I wouldn’t drive on public roads with tires as old as you say they are. If you got into an accident, I wouldn’t want the liability of old tires. Also, If roads are wet, old tires have little to no traction due to hard rubber.
    -Donny
     
  11. Mar 13, 2023
    cwm108

    cwm108 Member

    Western NY.
    Joined:
    Aug 1, 2005
    Messages:
    65
    I know this post is old but I just re-read it. My Jeep came with gold colored 14" wheels that probably are 10" to 12" wide. They have faded oval stickers on them and from what I can tell say something about "high flotation". The Jeep has some other off road modifications from I would think the 60's. You can see the tow bar/grill guard in my avatar.
     
  12. Mar 15, 2023
    Keys5a

    Keys5a Sponsor

    Florida Keys
    Joined:
    Jan 23, 2014
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    4,170
    Those wide 14” wheels with oval stickers are likely vintage dirt-track racing wheels. If this is the case, some of those can be very lightweight and not very rugged for Jeep use. You may want to look more closely at those rims depending on how you use your Jeep. They are also not likely to be DOT approved for road use and may not have safety beads.
    -Donny
     
  13. Mar 15, 2023
    nickmil

    nickmil In mothballs.

    Happy Valley, OR
    Joined:
    Sep 23, 2002
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    12,529
    Ask yourself what your life and the life of your passengers and other people on the road is then let that be your guide. Would you skimp on your brakes or steering? Tires are in the same category.
     
    vtxtasy likes this.
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