Tire Choice

M

MrWzrd

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I'm going to put new rubber on the ground.
I've decided to go metal valve stems on new tubes.
The only decision left is:

4.50 x 21 Goodyear or Firestone?

The tread pattern is different and I would think that I would like the Goodyear more for year round driving.

Any comments on tread wear and ride comfort / steering?
 
Can't speak about Firestone's, but I just put new Goodyear's on my 1930 Town Sedan, and I was amazed at how much better it handled. I previously had BF Goodrich on the car, and it tended to wander a little more, plus they did not like the occasional tar strips on the freeway...it would make my car suddenly move over enough to get your attention. I would say the ride is also a little better, although that may be more due to the fact that the Goodrich's were about 16 years old. I just also like the way the Goodyear's look....a classic tread pattern.
 
If you call a few different Model A vendors who sell tires often, I'm sure you will hear additional opinions that may help to make a decision.
 
Metal valve stems will require some type of an adapter if you want to get air at most filling stations. At least that has been my experience.
 
i just put brattons good quality metal stem tubes and goodyear tires on my current restoration. i have firestones on my other cars
the goodyears look better tread and sidewall wise
the firestones are a little wider so with them you'll get more of a foot print on the ground.
when i have to replace the firestones i am going with goodyears.
 
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I replaced a set of worn Denmans almost a year ago with Goodyears. I couldn't believe the difference in the way it handled. The old tires still had good tread but were weather cracked and 33 years old and afraid to get too for from home.
 
Mr Wzrd,
Last week after I returned from Hershey I installed my new Good Year tires on my fresh powder coated wheels on my 29 pick up. I had Firestone tires on the truck sinse 1987, so it was time for a upgrade. The Goodyear tires are very nice and I like the tread pattern BUT the goodyear tires are smaller then the firestone tires big time almost a 1/2 inch. I am happy with the good year tires I just wish they were a little bigger and wider.

mike
 
Here are some pics of my new wheels, tires and special hub caps

Mike
149285
 
I have 19" firestones on my 31 Tudor with dual side mounts, they with fit if you inflate them half way then install in the well, then inflate to 35 p.s.i.

Mike
 
If replacing tires that are 10, 20, 30 yrs old, cracked, hard, ANYTHING is going to make an improvement in ride and handling. JMO
Paul in CT
 
I have been using FIRESTONE tires for 30 years, and have had extremely good service from them. They (at least mine) seem to last 'forever'. I like the looks of them, and the fact that they are a bit over-sized from the original Ford tires. Originally these after-market Firestone's came from an old Firestone mold in New Zealand. However they do differ in both size and appearance from the original Ford-issued tires of the 1928 - 1931 period.
Now that the new Good Year tires are pretty much an authentic duplicate of the Good Year tires Henry Ford installed on "The New Ford", I would really like to have a set of Good Year tires. We can all thank Doug Clayton for getting this authentic tire into production. I tried for years, but was never successful.
However, as my old Firestone's are still in exemplary condition, I really can't justify getting a set of these new Goodyear tires. But if I were in need of new tires, I would be getting the authentic Goodyear's. Of course, anyone who is even remotely interested in Blue Ribbon (or other, ie 'Touring' , etc) judging, the Good Year tire would be more appropriate and accurate - original to the car.
 
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I don't know how many track days you do with your Model A, but the $99 tires from either of the vendors, branded as LUCAS or Universal, are fabulous.
 
Thank you one and all... I was leaning toward the Goodyears. I liked the look...I did not know it was the original style...big plus. The reports on ride were nice to hear too since I plan on making this a daily driver. Engine, drive train, electrical and cooling are done. Working my way through the steering, suspension and brakes now so I should be ready for rubber next week.
 
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