New Zealand Tires

[flatheadfan]

I have a set of Firestone tires that are marked "Made in New Zealand." I can find no date of manufacture. When did Firestone stop making tires in New Zealand? This might give me a clue as to how old these tires are.

Thanks

Tom

 

[Phil Gillespie]

The factory located in Christchurch Papanui area opened in 1947. Later towards the end taken over by Bridgestone but still know as Firestone. Closed in 2009.
Understand many tyre moulds were onsold to sources in America.
Maybe your tyres were from these moulds made in America but with New Zealand markings on mouds still.
Hope this helps.
Phil NZ

 

[flatheadfan]

Thanks Phil for the info.

Tom

 

[1931 flamingo]

I've got 19" F/stone w/w's on my A from the late 80's. Say made in New Zealand.
Paul in CT

 

[A bones]

Mine were bought in 1992.

 

[Graeme / New Zealand]

I think the moulds went to Sth America when Firestone NZ stopped producing them

GB

 

[FlatheadTed]

I run a set of NZ Firestone that are 35 years still consider them good tyres ,Old technology made to last .No built in obsolete .Ted

 

[fordscript]

I got 40,000 miles out of the New Zealand made Firestones on my 37 coupe. Wish I could get some more.

 

[Ian NZ]

I have a set of Firestone whitewall tyres made in N.Z. now for 40 years on my 47 coupe.
I bought a set of double whitewall 18inch tyre in 1997 for my 32 from U.S and they have Made in N.Z. stamped on them which I now believe they have deleted.

 

[mercman from oz]

I bought these New Zealand Firestone Tyres in 1979 and they still look like new. In 2014, I did a 500 mile trip with no problems. The only problem that I have is that the Tubes were also made in New Zealand, and they don't retain the air like the Olympic Tubes that were made in Australia. I have to add Air every 2 months to these NZ Tubes, whereas, I can leave the Olympic Tyres and Tubes that I have on another car 2 years between checking them. These Olympic Tyres and Tubes on my other car were fitted in 1973 and also look like new. ( We spell Tyres differently to you! )

 

[4dFord/SC]

We spell Tyres differently to you! )

In some parts of the US, it's "Tars."