Re: [Chrysler300] More on the large 14 inch tires

[Keith Boonstra <kboonstra@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Been watching this discussion with great interest as I need new treads 
on the C for California or Bust time.  I just placed my order with 
Diamond Back for a set of 2-1/2" wide whites on a set of Firestone 
Destination LE tires in the 225/70R14 size.  They had not done this tire 
before but were very accommodating.  Normally they recommend the BFG 
Radial TA, but I liked the specs and reviews of the Destination LE a 
little better than the TA.  And it was just a couple of bucks more.  And 
they did say that they warrant against excessive road force imbalance.

Now, here's the fun part.  I talked with Bill at Diamond Back and they 
have something new happening there.  They are working to have their own 
tires made - it will be in Thailand - to their own specs.  Two of the 
sizes he is going to have available are a 225/75R14 and a 235/75R15.  
The bad part?  They won't have product available until  September.  
After LSMFT !!

We'll just enjoy our low-riders until then.

Keith Boonstra

-

On 3/25/2011 11:52 PM, Edward Mills Antique Tractors wrote:
>
> I think you are pretty much out of luck on 225/75R14 - Cooper was the
> last one making them and I have a singleton NOS with a 2001 date code
> but I think they stopped making them in 2006 or 2007 - and I would bet
> they were the ones making for Coker as specs were pretty similar.
>
> As to the 235/75R14 - I think you have that story correct - and for
> anything later than 1962, narrow white is right. But if Coker's stock is
> old, be aware of potential age issues.
>
> As to the 215/75R14 (or 225/70R14) Narrow White I think your choices are
> Firestone, Cooper, and maybe Hankook. The 225/70R14 is a touch shorter
> than the 215/75R14, but there are still good sources for 225/70R14
> (black and RWL) used for small pickups thru late 90's - and Diamondback
> can do Whitewalls - but both the 215/75R14 and the 225/70R14 are a bit
> small for a New Yorker or 300.
>
> As to 15's, on the 68 NY, you can find correct 15 inch wheels and
> non-Disc-Brake wheel covers or go with 70's Styled OE or 15 inch version
> of the 5-spoke 14 inch Road Wheels.
>
> Personally, of the tires I have looked at (Firestone, Cooper, Toyo,
> Hankook, and Kuhmo), I would be more comfortable at speed on the Kuhmo
> or Hankook as they appear to be more modern in construction - and feel.
> The Toyo I looked at was made in China. I would prefer a nice modern
> Goodyear or Goodrich made in USA, but it appears even the Firestones are
> made in South America.
>
> There are still bias and bias-belted made for Coker, but I would
> hesitate to use those for serious driving - to me they are more for Show
> than Go - I'd probably go 15" radials for serious driving or use
> 215/75R14 for casual use without any heavy loads.
>
> Best, Ed
>
> On 3/25/2011 9:53 AM, tomlin wrote:
> >
> > All,
> > I've been "enjoying" the recent posts on the above subject. Now time
> > for me to chime in with the long story.
> > Last summer I was enjoying a ride in my 1968 New Yorker. It is shod
> > with Michelin P225/75-14's that were obsolete when I put them on (but
> > were on a dealer's shelf). That was in 1982 or 1983, I think.
> > While doing a high speed, burn out the crud run, the right front tire
> > gave up the ghost. The old spare (a Goodyear H78-14) got me home.
> > I then began the search. To this point in time, I put on a replacement
> > Firestone P215/75-14 that was in stock in the local dealer. They have
> > had three more backordered since with none coming in. They are made in
> > South America, and apparently none are being made for the foreseeable
> > future.
> > Diamondback does not have access to the European truck tire anymore.
> > Thus they only have a Cooper made tire that is the overly small
> > P215/75-14.
> > The only viable option I have found so far is Coker. I have had
> > several e-mail discussions with them. Apparently the Coker and
> > American Classic 14 inch tires are made in the same factory Coker
> > bought in Penn. Coker has not had the P235/75-14 in stock for some
> > time. The P225/75-14, considered the best fit for now, is/was only
> > available in the wide white wall. Some of the narrow whitewall,
> > P235/75-14 American Classics were "due in" anytime now (and I ASSUME
> > with them, the Coker brand of the same size).
> > I have been told, by Coker, the problems with separation and balance
> > problems have been rectified. I do not know that I trust that
> > statement--after all, who is going to tell you a $1000 plus of tires
> > may be having problems?
> > By the way, somehow, I just can't see having a tire on a classic piece
> > of american steel that says Toyo or Kumho.
> > Any current, viable alternatives or reassurances from independent
> > sources on quality would be greatly appreciated by me. As I
> > understand, several year old data does not apply at the present. I
> > sure do not need to spend relatively big bucks to have a tire with a
> > "gold mine" of lead installed on one side or have it separate at speed!
> > Tim Tomlinson
> > 2X300-K and 1 '68 New Yorker
> >
> > [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
> >
> >
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
> 


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]



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