Re: 1931 833 Tires

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2011/11/30 12:23:51

Tom, no experience in your size. I've been giving it a lot of thought recently as the tires (Lesters) on my 34 Eight are now about 18 years old with about 16,000 miles on them. They have modest tread wear, perhaps about 50% remaining, but age is the concern. Before the Henry Joy Tour this year I removed the tires/wheels from the car so I could give them an extremely close examination - they still felt and looked almost like new but you never know what lurks inside.

Though I don't much care for the width of the whitewall (should I go again with white, it's a black sedan) and the tread pattern is not really "of the era", the Lesters have given remarkable service and are much preferred by many as a highway tire. Steve Babinsky who does many Pebble winners put Lesters on his 2nd Series 236 by Merrimac and drove from Seattle to Pebble and says the performance left nothing to be desired. Again, in my size, Bedford Cords were an option based on appearance but I don't hear good things about their roadability - though a great "show" tire. The prior Firestone-label 700x17 which got some criticism has apparently been resized and I've heard it's a good tire. I don't know if it's available in 700x17 but the recent GoodYear-labeled tire seems to be the current favorite in 7.50 x 17 for the Twelves and probably fits (but is incorrect) for the Super Eights. Biggest problem with it is it won't fit under the metal tire covers of the Eights.

So, ..... I'm still deliberating. And I don't think any of this does you much good as results with one maker's tire in one size, other than for appearance, doesn't necessarily translate to his offerings in another size.

I appreciate your dilema, it's a big decision. What's the intended use for your car - strictly show, or touring and show - that may influence your decision. If you tell me what size you intend to install I'd be glad to ask around.