The End of an Era ??

[Duke W.]

Apparently Goodyear makes some 217-70R15s for some tires stores that are available:

https://www.tires-easy.com/215-70-15/goodyear-tires/eagle-sport/tirecode/109148539

So, you can avoid an off-brand if you wish new tires for your C3.

If I was in need of a set of C2/3 tires in the foreseeable future, I'd jump on these and store until needed, but all the retailers I checked say "out of stock" and they're not even listed on the GY corporate web site when you search that size.

Duke

[Tim S.]

Do their WW stay white or turn brown like Coopers et al?

They turn brown. I had a set on my Dad's 67, and he fought it constantly. Discount tire even warrantied a set, and the problem still remains. I replaced them with Diamondback's and all is well.

Tim

[Leif A.]

Do their WW stay white or turn brown like Coopers et al?

Modern whitewall tires often turn brown due to a phenomenon called "tire blooming", which is a natural process where antiozonant compounds in the rubber leach to the surface and react with oxygen. These compounds are added to the rubber to protect the tire from ozone and UV damage, but they can also cause a brown or yellow discoloration over time. Another contributing factor is the porous liner between the black rubber and the white rubber in the tire, which can allow black oils to bleed through and discolor the white walls.

[Patrick H.]

If I was in need of a set of C2/3 tires in the foreseeable future, I'd jump on these and store until needed, but all the retailers I checked say "out of stock" and they're not even listed on the GY corporate web site when you search that size.

Duke

Unfortunately the reviews you find of them are not that positive.
Given how the OEM Goodyears on my 2008 were poor performers compared to the replacement Michelins, I believe it.

[Terry M.]

Unfortunately the reviews you find of them are not that positive.
Given how the OEM Goodyears on my 2008 were poor performers compared to the replacement Michelins, I believe it.

They went fast enough at Milford when our C6s were new. That said, I agree with you. It took three sets of Goodyears on My C6 before I saw the light and got a set of Michelins. Those French tires are far superior to the OEM Goodyears.

[Patrick H.]

They went fast enough at Milford when our C6s were new. That said, I agree with you. It took three sets of Goodyears on My C6 before I saw the light and got a set of Michelins. Those French tires are far superior to the OEM Goodyears.

True enough, but they were new then.
We both know how bad those tires were in the rain. Having the rear end wiggle sideways on you when driving on a wet highway is NOT fun.

[Donald O.]

The discoloration sorta defeats the appeal of having true whitewalls.

Aside from the cost of Diamondback with a colored stripe red, blue, white, gold) the use of Westly’s Bleche White is a No No

Are there any new WW in a 205-75 r15 made? And do not mention anything about any product from Coker. They are a NEVER AGAIN to me.

[Dave B.]

the use of Westly’s Bleche White is a No No

Why? I've been using it since the 80's. Outstanding product, though the newer formulation isn't as effective as it used to be.

[Donald O.]

Why? I've been using it since the 80's. Outstanding product, though the newer formulation isn't as effective as it used to be.

When I bought my red stripes Diamondback told me not to use it, only Simple Green. They said I’d could cause the vulcanized stripe to fail off or rather to break the bond between the tire and the new stripe.

Don

[Dave B.]

Ah, thanks Don. The tires I've always used it on had white letters from mainstream brands. The tires I use for judging are gold stripe reproductions, so I'll avoid using it on those. Good tip.

[Dave B.]

Modern whitewall tires often turn brown due to a phenomenon called "tire blooming", which is a natural process where antiozonant compounds in the rubber leach to the surface and react with oxygen. These compounds are added to the rubber to protect the tire from ozone and UV damage, but they can also cause a brown or yellow discoloration over time. Another contributing factor is the porous liner between the black rubber and the white rubber in the tire, which can allow black oils to bleed through and discolor the white walls.

Yep, and it isn't just whitewall tires. All tires have antiozonant in them, and they all get the "brown tire syndrome". Fortunately, Griot's Garage makes a product that wipes it right off, called Rubber Prep. No scrubbing, just a gentle wipe and it makes the tires look brand new. I'm not sure but I think it might be alcohol-based, so maybe just straight rubbing alcohol would work as well. Rubber Prep for Auto Detailing | 16 oz - Griot's Garage