[SCG] Good news about 1966-9 concours tires

[Mark Corbin]

All,

Since I was left out of the loop, I might as well put in my two cents worth
as soon as possible (as if I haven't voiced my opinion on this to others
before).

The most common tire (that I know of) that was used on LM Corvairs was the
USRoyal Larado rain tire. An example can be found on #5999, courtesy of
Bruce McIntosh.

As far as a bias ply goes, that's an invitation for LOW sales, if there
ever was one (IMHO). Most people will drive their cars, even the show cars,
and NObody wants to drive on anything but radials. Without radial
construction, you can probably discount the idea of ever selling them in
any quantity worth the effort. Sorry, but we're spoiled. 

My recommendation would be to use the outer tire mold (design) BUT with a
radial carcass. Ok, so the federally mandated labeling won't match the
"original" 7.00-13. So what? It would at least be a tire worth driving on.
Maybe not the greatest 13"er, but at least a show-worthy one.

But at this point, I imagine the project is too far along to do anything
about this. Certainly, I don't expect to be taken seriously. Never have
been, so why should this be any different? But then, a prophet is without
honor in his own land. At least you won't be plunging into this debacle
unwarned.

-Mark


> [Original Message]
> From: Kent Sullivan <kentsu at corvairkid.com>
> To: <scg-list at tiger.skiblack.com>; Duanne Luckow <daluckow at aol.com>;
Bruce Schug <bwschug at charter.net>
> Cc: Tony Vizyak <glt at cros.net>; Robert Landers <corsarob at charter.net>
> Date: 7/5/2008 10:01:23 PM
> Subject: [SCG] Good news about 1966-9 concours tires
>
> Hi everyone,
>
>  
>
> Duanne Luckow asked me to let folks know that discussions are progressing
> with Coker Tire about reproducing a correct bias ply tire for 1966-9
> Corvairs. I started a conversation with them a few years ago and it ground
> to a halt. Duanne has been successful in restarting the conversation.
>
>  
>
> We were able to help things along a little by producing an original
> Firestone 7.00"x13" bias-play tire, courtesy of a Corsa convertible that
> Duane Wentlandt purchased. The latest communication from them is:
>
>  
>
> "I now have drawings for the original Firestone tire. We can proceed. I
need
> for you guys that are interested to put the word out that we are
developing
> this tire with a January 2009 availability."
>
>  
>
> So-I will buy at least one set. Who else is interested? We don't have a
firm
> price now but assume the price would be similar to other, similar, tires
> they sell today, like the 6.50"x13" bias ply tire.
>
>  
>
> Thanks,
>
>  
>
> --Kent