Tire originality DOT numbers

[Harry L.]

Hi all. I have 5 tires that came with my 63. I don;t know how old they are, and if I should be driving on them.I would like to know if I should trash them, sell them or use them. They look like new.
They are Firestone Deluxe Champion
Max load 1450 lbs @32 psi max press
load range B, 4 ply polyester 5.70-15
tubeless 1" ww
on th back - Dot E4 and in the oval the number 289 and the other 4 tires have similar numbers
1BE BD 80392
Any input is appreciated.

[Donald T.]

Re: Tire originality DOT numbers

The DOT code has a date code. Tires manufactured after 2000 have a 4 digit date code and 3 digits prior. I'm assuming the 289 you provided as part of the DOT markings is the date code. If so, this would be the 28th week of a year ending in 9. So that could be 1999, 1989, or 1979. Tires of the 60's did not have DOT markings. So the tires are at least 10 years old.

[Michael L.]

Re: Tire originality DOT numbers

I had a set of brand new Firestones that I stored for my cars years ago. Never been mounted until last year. After 1600 miles, a rear tire started to separate. Old tires just don't hold up to driving. Be safe, get a new set and use the old ones for display or???

[Bill I.]

Re: Tire originality DOT numbers

Harry, you sure on the width? 5.70 is a VERY narrow tire. Bill

[John D.]

Re: Tire originality DOT numbers

Even the original 6.70 width is very narrow. When those cars were new the rear tires typically lasted about 3 weeks as I recall. JD

[Bill I.]

Re: Tire originality DOT numbers

John, I'm sure that was because everyone wanted to see how well the clutch worked coming off the line at 4k on the tach. Been there, done that, got the ticket! Bill

[Lynn H.]

Re: Tire originality DOT numbers

I have a book that goes into identifying some of these older tires. Without spending a lot of time reading through it right now, I can tell you my research material tells me that:
New tire standards went into effect 8-1-68 requiring specifications be molded into tire side walls, along with the DOT symbol. Examples exist of tires dated well before this date. Examples of the DOT symbol being seen molded on tires as early as 6 months prior to this.
There was an 8 digit code used through 1969 this was known as a TIC (Tire Identification Code). Some companies only used 7 digits.
An interim code was used for the years 70-71 that also used 8 digits.
The 10 character code given above was initiated after 5-22-71 and breaks down as follows:
Character Identifies
1 Manufacturer
2 Location of Plant
3-4 Size of Tire
5-6 Type of Tire
7 Internal Use (optional)
8-9 Week of Production
10 Year of Production
I believe the date code of these tires would be the 39th week of 72, 82, or 92. My guess would be more likely 72 or maybe 82.
I would have to do a little more reading to break down the rest of the code, but if interested in finding out send me a PM and I will attempt to decode further with the material I have (it may take a little while to get to it). I would not recommend driving on these old tires, but would NOT be too anxious to throw them out until you know for sure what they are. I had a neighbor give me a set of four non DOT Goodyears about a year and a half ago, that I thought to be an oddball size. He said maybe I could use them on one of my trailers or something (they were MINT). Long story short, sold them on ebay for $1500, and found out after I could have gotten $4K. They were correct for 67 pace car, and a gentlemen drove quite a distance to view and purchase them (was told after we made the deal what they were for). $1500 was still pretty good to me for something I received for nothing.
Lynn