Welcome to thunderbirdnest.com! TBN is the web's best site for enthusiasts of 2002, 2003, 2004
and 2005 Ford Thunderbirds (retrobirds). Discussion forums, technical forums, production
data, photos, modifications, performance enhancements, accessories and more.
Much of the content on TBN can only be accessed by registered
users who are logged in. You must also be logged in to post. There is no cost to join; it's
all free! If you don't have an account
register for one and
join the Retro T-Bird fun today!
When i bought my '05 Bird a year ago at 29k miles, I wanted to get aftermarket wheels. But no tire shop would switch out 5-year-old tires. That gave me the excuse to go up one size.
The original tires look good, and are still on the original wheels, in the corner of the garage.
- Ted
Titusville, Florida
We're all Bozos on this bus.
I have 3 original and 1 replacement due to a nail puncture too near the inner edge.
Good- Goodyear said the others were fine.
Bad- Michelin changed the design of the outer sides of the Pilot series tire so i moved ot to the rear where I don't notice it.
My '03 is still riding on the stock tires, although my local Ford dealer suggested I should replace them, but with only 5500 miles on them and no visible sidewall cracks, I'm keeping 'em.
I'm no tire expert but, from what I've learned and read over the years, tires do have a life beyond which they are considered to be not serviceable or safe. The Feds and most manufacturers recommend tires be replaced 6 years after their manufacture date.
As a tire ages the oils in the rubber dry out. This is what causes dry rot and cracks can occur inside the tire where they are not readily visable as well as on the outside of the sidewalls or the tread. Also, as the rubber drys out, the tread becomes harder and starts to lose grip especially on wet roads.
Again, I'm no expert but these are some facts to consider when anyone is considering keeping their 'Bird all original.
I'm no tire expert but, from what I've learned and read over the years, tires do have a life beyond which they are considered to be not serviceable or safe. The Feds and most manufacturers recommend tires be replaced 6 years after their manufacture date.
As a tire ages the oils in the rubber dry out. This is what causes dry rot and cracks can occur inside the tire where they are not readily visable as well as on the outside of the sidewalls or the tread. Also, as the rubber drys out, the tread becomes harder and starts to lose grip especially on wet roads.
Again, I'm no expert but these are some facts to consider when anyone is considering keeping their 'Bird all original.
Don
Don, I posted this a few years back.
I see where you live, we lived in West York for 60+ years until retirement and I worked at ACCO on S.Queen St.
Changed mine last year with 28K. Florida heat and sun don't help with tire life small cracks were pointed out to me by two tire retailers. My thinking tires are one of the least expensive items on a car that can save your life. JMO. I also had a nail in one rear tire and my local Goodyear dealer wouldn't fix it, against there policy ?????
I see where you live, we lived in West York for 60+ years until retirement and I worked at ACCO on S.Queen St.
Hi Spence. Know exactly where you worked. I go by there a couple of times a week. I live off of Rte 24 between Stewartstown and Red Lion near Crossroads.
I've been looking at some local 'Birds for sometime now but haven't found exactly what I want at the right price. I'm going to Hershey ('02 - black) and Lebanon ('05 - black) tomorrow to see what I can do.
I'm no tire expert but, from what I've learned and read over the years, tires do have a life beyond which they are considered to be not serviceable or safe. The Feds and most manufacturers recommend tires be replaced 6 years after their manufacture date.
Don
[QUOTE = Michelin TSB]
While most tires will need replacement before they achieve 10 years, it is recommended that any tires in service 10 years or more from the date of manufacture, including spare tires, be replaced with new tires as a simple precaution even if such tires appear serviceable and even if they have not reached the legal wear limit.
I'm on my third set. but have not worn out any tires yet. Changed wheels ( NM wheels)and bought used tires from another bird and kept my original tires and wheels. Then bought new tires and replaced the used tires but still have 2nd set also.
Comment