Original tires air pressure for storage

[Michael J.]

I have a couple of sets of original tires (one set 52 years old, the other 35 years old), used just for judging, that I need to store as I put driving tires on the cars for the real fun. I have been advised to store them upright in the garage, with about 8-10 psi in them in between judging events and fully inflate them for judging. Anyone have any experience with this and what is the conventional wisdom on it? Thanks for any experiences and opinions.

[Duke W.]

Re: Original tires air pressure for storage

I'd say up to 15 psi - or enough so they keep their shape and check about every six months.

The important thing is to keep them away from UV light and electrical equipment that might generate ozone. If there is a lot of light in the garage, just wrap garbage bags around them.

My garage has a step in the back (the ceiling rises over the washer and dryer). So across the face that faces the front I built a tire rack across the garage (18 feet) to store all the second sets of wheels/tires I have for my four cars plus some of my stash of unmounted tires. That gets them out of the way, but I can still easily access them when necessary.

The rack consists of a couple of 2 x 4s secured at a 90 degree angle with deck screws and brackets I made from angle iron to secure the ends to the wall studs with lag bolts. The center is supported with wire rope secured with eye bolts into the rack and a second floor joist.

So far it's survived all the earthquakes including the pretty big one we had back in the early nineties.

Duke

[Michael J.]

Re: Original tires air pressure for storage

Thanks Duke, good advice I will follow. But luckily, we don't have any earthquakes here...........yet anyway..........

[Terry M.]

Re: Original tires air pressure for storage

Thanks Duke, good advice I will follow. But luckily, we don't have any earthquakes here...........yet anyway..........

But you are elivated, and the UV will be stronger where you are. Keep your tires in the dark.

[Michael J.]

Re: Original tires air pressure for storage

True Terry, I will cover them, but we also don't have any ozone up here and far away from any big city pollution, and nothing electrical in my garage except lights.

[Steve B.]

Re: Original tires air pressure for storage

Keep about 15 psi on the tires to maintain the shape as Duke has mentioned. Also treat the tires with a non silicone product like 303 areospace protectant.

[Michael J.]

Re: Original tires air pressure for storage

Thanks, good build, I have used that on my trailer tires before.