Sky Smith's blog : Tyres For Classic Cars

Do you drive a classic car or maybe an older car that is just not quite 'classic' yet? If so, you might have a keen eye on the look of tyres to suit your car's style.

Just as the right accessories can complete a great outfit, the right tyres in Reading can complete the look of your classic car. Of course, that doesn't mean you need to find and purchase a set of four hardly-used tyres from 1950. The fact is, it's dangerous to use really old tyres, even for show.

These old tyres can crack and become unsightly, sometimes looking ugly on your car if you are exhibiting them. Let us discuss a few options to get the right look for your classic car with the right tyres.

Option 1: Original vintage tyres (for show)

If you have bought used items previously and just want them for display, then you must be hell-bent on ensuring that you get a set. In such an event, you may choose to purchase period tyres dating backward in time. If you do this, it is important to make sure that the tyres remain in good condition.

If you were going to do no more than take it to an occasional car show or around the block, it might work out OK for you. You shouldn't be driving them on the highway, though! Old tyres dry out and get brittle, and with the heat from highway speeds today, they're likely to just fall apart.

That is another reason these tyres must be handled with care, and they are not day-to-day running tyres - they are very rare and hard to find. The older they get, the harder they are to source.

There is no guarantee that you will get the exact tyres you want or how long they will last. The main disadvantage is availability; therefore, you've got to keep your eyes open and take them while you can.

Option 2: Lifelike contemporary tyres (for road use)

Are you among the elite who owns a classic car, perhaps a '60s Mustang, and it's in fabulous shape and you like the idea of being seen driving all over and perhaps even want to take it to car shows?

These are styled after vintage tyres, such as those with white lettering or wall styles, but they are constructed with new materials and technology. This means they boast the performance and handling gains that come with modern technology and are also more readily available than authentic vintage tyres.

Most of these modern tyres have acceptable speed ratings for regular or highway driving, typically with an S rating of 112 mph or a T rating of 118 mph. But you can also consider ordering modern tyres with custom treads to provide that vintage look.

Some manufacturers can add older-style white, red or blue-striped sidewalls to new tyres. They will look classic from the side but give modern tyre performance - a great mix for daily driving. But you adopt non-authenticity once you use them in car shows.

Option 3: Modern vintage tyres (for show and street)

You do have choices if you want old-fashioned-looking tyres that work like new ones. Many companies manufacture new tyres today with the appearance of tyres from the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s. Some even go so far as to remake those from the very early 1900s.

These tyres normally have wide whitewalls and don't wrap around edges very well. Think of them as modern tyres in vintage disguises; they're safe and reliable but match the classic look of your car.

For instance, the Coker Tyre uses the old moulds to work on new tyres. They happen to have Firestone Deluxe Champion tyres that were being used in the 1940s and 1950s, considering the thick whitewalls of their treads.

They have BF Goodrich Silverstone tyres designed to suit automobiles throughout the early 1900s and Firestone Wide Oval tyres that would suit the needs of muscle cars as old as the 1960s and 1970s. More current tyres are the BF Goodrich Radial T/As that are produced by Coker.

There are several choices, including different whitewall widths, letter styles, stripes, and tread widths. These tyres will make your car look period-correct while keeping it safe on the road.

Conclusion

Balancing aesthetics with safety is an exercise in getting the right tyres Baughurst on your classic car. Here are your options:

Original style tyres: These are authentic period tyres that have been re-produced since the olden days. They look perfect on a show, but really, they are not very good to be used on everyday drives.
Modern tyres with a vintage look: These have today's technology but are made to look old. They allow the car to look and feel original with no problems with regular driving.
Modern reproductions of vintage designs: They're the best on both counts: style and driving safety. You can make your classic car look nice and drive safely by picking its type.

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