Universal Tires

Bob Bidonde

Bob Bidonde

Well-known member
Universal Tires are available again!

I received my order of new 4.74 / 5.00 - 19 Black-Wall Universal Tires from Summit Racing last Wednesday (3/20/2024) just 3 days after placing the order. Cost is $140 each plus shipping plus tax.
According to the date code on the tires, these tires were made in Vietnam during November of 2023. The new tires match the tread & sidewall patterns of the old Universal Tires I am replacing. Max load rating is 855 LBS at 32 PSIG.
 
How many miles are you getting from your universals? After 5k mi, mine are almost half worn.
 
I have been using Universal Tires for many years and have gone through several sets. I find that typically I get about 25,000 miles out of a set. Both of my 1931 model A's have stock 3.78:1 Differentials and no overdrives. My combined annual mileage is about 2000. I keep the tire pressure at the max load rating of 32 PSIG. Wheel alignment is checked annually.
 
I got 7,800 miles on my Universals on my 31 slant Town Sedan. The Goodyears lasted 14,500 before they were replaced last year. I now have European Classic so I'll see how long they last.
 
Ed, the Model A Ford Club of Long Island to which I belong, has an annual front end alignment clinic that i attend. I have learned the hard way that low tire pressure increases front tire wear, and causes uneven wear across the tread of the front tires. Otherwise, I have not experienced any change in toe-in that requires annual attention.
To improve the ride of my Model A's, I have run tire pressures as low as 28 PSIG. Although it makes the ride smoother, from experience pressures below 32 PSIG hasten tire wear.
 

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every time i drive they rotate
I never changed the location of the tires, the right rear one has a bald spot, the left rear is close to bald, the front’s are a little better
 
Last edited:
Kurt in NJ said:
every time i drive they rotate
I never changed the location of the tires, the right rear one has a bald spot, the left rear is close to bald, the front’s are a little better
Click to expand...

Makes me think of the line in the song Hot Rod Lincoln, "Tires fair."
 
I agree Herb, but I guess you could just replace them one at a time, as needed?

all depends on your driving requirements. I know synchro is a madman, driving the outback and doing what 95% of us never do. good on him.
 
Bob Bidonde said:
I do not rotate them until the front tires are almost worn-out.
Click to expand...

If I waited until my "front tires are almost worn-out", my back tires would be gone. My rear tires always wear out faster than the fronts.

FYI, most manufacturers now recommend that your better (newer) tires are place on the front .
 
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