View Poll Results: If Goodyear offered Gatorbacks for our cars would you buy them?
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If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
08-31-2014, 05:57 PM
#251
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
GBs with modern compounds and construction would be a huge thing.
Plus that tread pattern looks killer...
Plus that tread pattern looks killer...
08-31-2014, 08:39 PM
#252
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Yup, like I said, the pickin's are getting pretty thin in the 245/50/16 size. If done right, ie., compounds, construction, price, this could be more than just a very low production tire.
09-02-2014, 09:09 AM
#253
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Don't worry you are not.. I have had thirdgens I ordered new from factory with employee discount and also purchased new and directly off the lot. I had a 3rd gen when very few in my town had ever seen one except on TV (Knight Rider?). I had the order sheets in my grubby little hands and knew of options most were not aware of back in the day. I have driven exotics and desirables also (Ferrari Testrossa,Nissan GTR, ZR1s, 427 Big block Vettes, GTOs, 57 Chevys, Vipers, Kit Car Dino, Gen Coupe and soon to drive a NASCAR). and no I am not trying to impress here.. LOL
09-02-2014, 09:49 AM
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
No impression taken....LOL back at you! There is something to be said about being the first and only owner of one of these fine cars. I have no plans to let it loose, hell maybe I will be buried in it! Ugh-
09-02-2014, 10:37 PM
#255
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I have a friend of a friend with Cooper tires that is in charge of new product development... Hmm...
09-03-2014, 12:23 AM
#256
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I would REALLY like to reunite my car with Gatorbacks. I'm gonna be due soon and tires last for years on my car lol. The problem is that they'd have to perform very good, (at least match the BFG SC2s) be of modern compounds, and not break the bank. None of us would really want to pay more than $150 a tire and even that's pushing it when almost every other performance tire in that size is about $20-$30 less.
09-03-2014, 12:33 AM
#257
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
The 225/60/15 Gatorbacks for the Mustang are going for $300 each, so......
09-03-2014, 03:22 AM
#260
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I've found no trace anymore of the latest Gatorback developed for the mid-00 Mustangs, which was a 245/45-17. No other size was available. Tirerack used to list it, but not anymore. The closest Goodyear tire currently in that size is the Eagle F1 GS EMT. Goodyear used to show the new Gatorback on its website too, but not anymore; the tire is mentioned, but its page is blank. I hate to be a killjoy, but this makes me think plans to reproduce our tires, if there ever were any real plans to do so, have probably been scrapped.
And here we are three years after this thread began, having hung our hopes on the statement of one individual who claimed to "know" this was going to happen, yet, other than a lot of entertaining banter about the quality of the original tire, nothing new has come to light. To say there's been a lack of progress would be an understatement, as the entire process seems to have gone into reverse, with not even any word on the Corvette's 255/50-16, which was supposedly a sure thing, while reproduction of ours was a "maybe," at best.
Perhaps production for Ford was the test market for the future of the Gatorback? If Ford and its family of Mustang owners liked the tire, then might Goodyear have gone ahead with future reproduction? Maybe it was the price, maybe it was performance, but whatever the reasons, with that recent 17" offering already seeming to be extinct, it's probably not a coincidence that there have been no new developments on reproducing ours.
The new Gatorback for Mustangs was expensive, the original Gatorback was expensive, and reproductions would be expensive too. Owners of exotic cars will pay high prices for such things, but 3rdgens are far from exotic, and the majority of 3rdgen owners won't or can't pay such prices. So where's the incentive for a manufacturer to produce a high-priced product for a market that probably won't buy it?
This is a common problem for manufacturers of aftermarket or reproduction products for 3rdgens. Too many people whine about price. Even in this thread, things like, "if the price is right," or "if the price is below $XXX," have already been stated several times.
Look at how few C4 Corvettes were produced, compared to the millions of 3rdgens produced. Yet the plans were (supposedly) in place to reproduce the C4's Gatorback, but not the 3rdgen's Gatorback. I doubt the lack of reproducing our size was an oversight. Corvette owners have money to spend, and they will spend it. But most 3rdgen owners, well...
I'd love to see our 16" Gatorbacks reproduced, but I'm doubting it will happen. And if I were to ever upgrade to 17" wheels, I'd hope the current 245/45-17 size was still available too. Not for "originality" reasons, but because the Gatorback was a very good tire, and from an appearance perspective it looked better, beefier and wider than most tires of the same size available today. However, as I've said, I find no trace of the 17" tire anymore, which is not a good sign for the future of our 16" tire.
Hitting-up another manufacturer, such as Cooper, might be a good idea. Cooper produces many "brand name" tires, so it could probably acquire the rights to reproduce ours. It might, at least, get the tire rolling.
And here we are three years after this thread began, having hung our hopes on the statement of one individual who claimed to "know" this was going to happen, yet, other than a lot of entertaining banter about the quality of the original tire, nothing new has come to light. To say there's been a lack of progress would be an understatement, as the entire process seems to have gone into reverse, with not even any word on the Corvette's 255/50-16, which was supposedly a sure thing, while reproduction of ours was a "maybe," at best.
Perhaps production for Ford was the test market for the future of the Gatorback? If Ford and its family of Mustang owners liked the tire, then might Goodyear have gone ahead with future reproduction? Maybe it was the price, maybe it was performance, but whatever the reasons, with that recent 17" offering already seeming to be extinct, it's probably not a coincidence that there have been no new developments on reproducing ours.
The new Gatorback for Mustangs was expensive, the original Gatorback was expensive, and reproductions would be expensive too. Owners of exotic cars will pay high prices for such things, but 3rdgens are far from exotic, and the majority of 3rdgen owners won't or can't pay such prices. So where's the incentive for a manufacturer to produce a high-priced product for a market that probably won't buy it?
This is a common problem for manufacturers of aftermarket or reproduction products for 3rdgens. Too many people whine about price. Even in this thread, things like, "if the price is right," or "if the price is below $XXX," have already been stated several times.
Look at how few C4 Corvettes were produced, compared to the millions of 3rdgens produced. Yet the plans were (supposedly) in place to reproduce the C4's Gatorback, but not the 3rdgen's Gatorback. I doubt the lack of reproducing our size was an oversight. Corvette owners have money to spend, and they will spend it. But most 3rdgen owners, well...
I'd love to see our 16" Gatorbacks reproduced, but I'm doubting it will happen. And if I were to ever upgrade to 17" wheels, I'd hope the current 245/45-17 size was still available too. Not for "originality" reasons, but because the Gatorback was a very good tire, and from an appearance perspective it looked better, beefier and wider than most tires of the same size available today. However, as I've said, I find no trace of the 17" tire anymore, which is not a good sign for the future of our 16" tire.
Hitting-up another manufacturer, such as Cooper, might be a good idea. Cooper produces many "brand name" tires, so it could probably acquire the rights to reproduce ours. It might, at least, get the tire rolling.
09-03-2014, 07:18 AM
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
http://www.googleadservices.com/page...ny=11&clkt=368
http://www.firestonecompleteautocare...amp%3Brim%3D16
http://www.firestonecompleteautocare...amp%3Brim%3D16
Last edited by mantaguy; 09-03-2014 at 11:20 AM.
09-03-2014, 08:03 AM
#262
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
09-03-2014, 08:54 AM
#263
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Thanks Charlie. 
Why would anyone want to buy far overpriced tires though? Can I buy $350 tires if I choose? Sure. How would I feel afterwards if they were not excellent performing and worth the price? Just bought for the look? Lousy. They'd have to exceed the originals in every way for me to feel satisfied and that is probably unlikely. If I can get $120 tires that are even better performing but don't look original it all comes down to, "Is it worth it?" That's more of my point. Only the people with super low milers might buy them, otherwise you alienate everyone else wanting them. I think if they were reasonably priced, since the market is small for our tires now, they could clean up in sales big time.
The new Gatorback for Mustangs was expensive, the original Gatorback was expensive, and reproductions would be expensive too. Owners of exotic cars will pay high prices for such things, but 3rdgens are far from exotic, and the majority of 3rdgen owners won't or can't pay such prices. So where's the incentive for a manufacturer to produce a high-priced product for a market that probably won't buy it?
This is a common problem for manufacturers of aftermarket or reproduction products for 3rdgens. Too many people whine about price. Even in this thread, things like, "if the price is right," or "if the price is below $XXX," have already been stated several times.
Look at how few C4 Corvettes were produced, compared to the millions of 3rdgens produced. Yet the plans were (supposedly) in place to reproduce the C4's Gatorback, but not the 3rdgen's Gatorback. I doubt the lack of reproducing our size was an oversight. Corvette owners have money to spend, and they will spend it. But most 3rdgen owners, well...
This is a common problem for manufacturers of aftermarket or reproduction products for 3rdgens. Too many people whine about price. Even in this thread, things like, "if the price is right," or "if the price is below $XXX," have already been stated several times.
Look at how few C4 Corvettes were produced, compared to the millions of 3rdgens produced. Yet the plans were (supposedly) in place to reproduce the C4's Gatorback, but not the 3rdgen's Gatorback. I doubt the lack of reproducing our size was an oversight. Corvette owners have money to spend, and they will spend it. But most 3rdgen owners, well...
09-03-2014, 09:25 AM
#264
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Why would anyone want to buy far overpriced tires though? Can I buy $350 tires if I choose? Sure. How would I feel afterwards if they were not excellent performing and worth the price? Just bought for the look? Lousy. They'd have to exceed the originals in every way for me to feel satisfied and that is probably unlikely. If I can get $120 tires that are even better performing but don't look original it all comes down to, "Is it worth it?" That's more of my point. Only the people with super low milers might buy them, otherwise you alienate everyone else wanting them. I think if they were reasonably priced, since the market is small for our tires now, they could clean up in sales big time.
With that said, I think it's unreasonable to expect these tires to be cheap. But if they could sell for what the the former GY Eagle F1 GS-D3 did, say about $900 for a set, Kelsey Tire, or whoever ends up reproducing them, may find they have more sales volume than they think. Especially if they perform as well or better than what's left of the 245/50/16 market - which honestly, shouldn't be hard to do.
09-03-2014, 11:36 AM
#265
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I just send this to kelsey@kelseytire.com... please do the same!
let us let them know we want them!
I see this on your website
Goodyear Gatorback 225/60-VR15
The GATOR is BACK in town!
This new Eagle VR radial by Goodyear scores high in four important categories – speed, traction, handling and uniformity. Bring back the bush to your Fox’s tail.
You either have Goodyear Eagles or you need them!
Contruction: two body plies of polyester, two steel belts, and two nylon overlay belts.
WHEN will you produce them in size 245/50 VR16???
This was a popular size for Camaro IROCs and TransAms and GTAs in the mid to late 80s and early 90s.
I know many collectors that are trying to get their hands on the right size. if you offered a lower price there will be volume! (900 for set of 4??)
Please read this thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...l-offered.html
Please help us!! there are fewer and fewer tires in this size today and many of our cars are on the road. this is a market opportunity!
I will let you know if I get any response!
let us let them know we want them!
I see this on your website
Goodyear Gatorback 225/60-VR15
The GATOR is BACK in town!
This new Eagle VR radial by Goodyear scores high in four important categories – speed, traction, handling and uniformity. Bring back the bush to your Fox’s tail.
You either have Goodyear Eagles or you need them!
Contruction: two body plies of polyester, two steel belts, and two nylon overlay belts.
WHEN will you produce them in size 245/50 VR16???
This was a popular size for Camaro IROCs and TransAms and GTAs in the mid to late 80s and early 90s.
I know many collectors that are trying to get their hands on the right size. if you offered a lower price there will be volume! (900 for set of 4??)
Please read this thread:
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...l-offered.html
Please help us!! there are fewer and fewer tires in this size today and many of our cars are on the road. this is a market opportunity!
I will let you know if I get any response!
09-03-2014, 07:31 PM
#266
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
That was the point I was trying to make before. The tire choices for our cars are getting fewer and fewer by the month. This could be an opportunity to fill a void - not just for the collector - but for 3rd genners in general.
With that said, I think it's unreasonable to expect these tires to be cheap. But if they could sell for what the the former GY Eagle F1 GS-D3 did, say about $900 for a set, Kelsey Tire, or whoever ends up reproducing them, may find they have more sales volume than they think. Especially if they perform as well or better than what's left of the 245/50/16 market - which honestly, shouldn't be hard to do.
With that said, I think it's unreasonable to expect these tires to be cheap. But if they could sell for what the the former GY Eagle F1 GS-D3 did, say about $900 for a set, Kelsey Tire, or whoever ends up reproducing them, may find they have more sales volume than they think. Especially if they perform as well or better than what's left of the 245/50/16 market - which honestly, shouldn't be hard to do.
09-03-2014, 08:39 PM
#267
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
My 89 formula 350 vert wouldn't look good with anything but the gatorback on it.
That would be a great ad campaign, "get your gator back"...
That would be a great ad campaign, "get your gator back"...
09-03-2014, 08:39 PM
#268
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Sorry guys. My car is a low mile car, but there is no way I'd pay 50-80% more just to have the "correct looking" tire on my car. I would pay more for correct parts that are long term parts, like seat covers, carpeting, dash pads, hood insulator, etc. Tires are a limited term, wear item. If I can buy a set of BFG performance tires for $120 each and these were selling for $150 each, I'd consider them to keep the "correct" look, but $300+ each just for looks until they wear out or 6 years, whichever comes first, is a waste!!!!
09-03-2014, 08:52 PM
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Sorry guys. My car is a low mile car, but there is no way I'd pay 50-80% more just to have the "correct looking" tire on my car. I would pay more for correct parts that are long term parts, like seat covers, carpeting, dash pads, hood insulator, etc. Tires are a limited term, wear item. If I can buy a set of BFG performance tires for $120 each and these were selling for $150 each, I'd consider them to keep the "correct" look, but $300+ each just for looks until they wear out or 6 years, whichever comes first, is a waste!!!!
09-03-2014, 09:57 PM
#270
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I can see how some people don't feel they'd be worth the cost. And trust me, the more affordable they are, the better I'd like it. With that said, GBs are such an integral component of the whole package which makes our cars what they are, I'd cough up the extra bucks to have them.
09-03-2014, 10:47 PM
#271
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Sorry guys. My car is a low mile car, but there is no way I'd pay 50-80% more just to have the "correct looking" tire on my car. I would pay more for correct parts that are long term parts, like seat covers, carpeting, dash pads, hood insulator, etc. Tires are a limited term, wear item. If I can buy a set of BFG performance tires for $120 each and these were selling for $150 each, I'd consider them to keep the "correct" look, but $300+ each just for looks until they wear out or 6 years, whichever comes first, is a waste!!!!
I guess I'm in the middle between how you and Charlie feel about it. I also feel like these companies put super high prices on these things to get people to pay for the nostalgia and emotions that people feel for original stuff. It's almost like paying $100 for limited edition Jordan basketball shoes that cost $5 to make. I understand profit margins just fine, but that is abusing the privilege just the same in both cases.
As said, I would also pay high prices for many other items on my car, but if it's gonna be tires, they'd better be super high performance, top end pieces, and not just look stock and perform decent. That's not an item that warrants a huge price tag if I could buy something else way cheaper and have more grip and better handling. Performance is important to me. It's not Third Gen owners not wanting to pay, it's more like we'd like to get our money's worth and not be robbed for a high wear item just for the sake of originality. But then again, I guess their market is the people who never drive their cars, so they make less tires and still have a good profit.
09-03-2014, 11:22 PM
#272
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I can see how some people don't feel they'd be worth the cost. And trust me, the more affordable they are, the better I'd like it. With that said, GBs are such an integral component of the whole package which makes our cars what they are, I'd cough up the extra bucks to have them.
09-04-2014, 04:38 AM
#273
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
We are a price-conscious demographic, not really the best market for items with nostalgia markup on them, or for any special reproductions of any real quality.
With that said, the dearth of performance tires in 245/50/16 could make this a real opportunity. At some point the market will capitulate and there will be more demand than options. For a summer tire, the BFG's and Firestones are the only options we have. They are probably enjoying it, but clearly the other companies dropped out for a reason. There was no market. If BFG or Firestone drop out, I would imagine that would be the time to make their move and try to bring back the gators.
With that said, the dearth of performance tires in 245/50/16 could make this a real opportunity. At some point the market will capitulate and there will be more demand than options. For a summer tire, the BFG's and Firestones are the only options we have. They are probably enjoying it, but clearly the other companies dropped out for a reason. There was no market. If BFG or Firestone drop out, I would imagine that would be the time to make their move and try to bring back the gators.
09-04-2014, 09:40 AM
#274
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
09-04-2014, 10:49 AM
#275
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Just got a message from John Kelsey
Good afternoon Mr. XXX,
Unfortunately the size you need is still waiting in line for development. I cannot be accurate as to the time table. Your inquiry is appreciated. Thank you for thinking Goodyear.
Sincerely,
Kelsey
Good afternoon Mr. XXX,
Unfortunately the size you need is still waiting in line for development. I cannot be accurate as to the time table. Your inquiry is appreciated. Thank you for thinking Goodyear.
Sincerely,
Kelsey
09-04-2014, 12:55 PM
#276
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I think if all of us who want these tires were to send an email, it may quicken the "wait in line".
09-04-2014, 01:59 PM
#277
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
09-04-2014, 03:39 PM
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Make the damn tires so I can get a set or three. Are you listening Goodyear????
09-04-2014, 04:20 PM
#279
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
The best thing you can do is if you are that interested, send them a nice email, not "Give me the damn tires" kind of email either... Give them a call, it is how things get done, if there appears to be interest, then they will eventually dive in.
John
09-04-2014, 05:04 PM
#280
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I just emailed again - but I've emailed them previously, as well as talked to Rusty at length about it.
I wonder if we should pursue Kelsey exclusively or maybe go directly to Goodyear. I may be wrong, but my understanding is that Kelsey has it's Mustang sized GB made by Goodyear in batches.
I wonder if we should pursue Kelsey exclusively or maybe go directly to Goodyear. I may be wrong, but my understanding is that Kelsey has it's Mustang sized GB made by Goodyear in batches.
09-04-2014, 05:14 PM
#281
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
The second one comes in the right size, but is an A/S snow tire, like so many others left in our sizes.
09-04-2014, 06:09 PM
#282
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Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
Engine: 5.0 EFI
Transmission: THM700R4
Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
No,they come 245/50/16.
It appears that they come in a variety of sizes.
It appears that they come in a variety of sizes.
Last edited by mantaguy; 09-04-2014 at 06:28 PM.
09-04-2014, 06:33 PM
#283
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Riken Raptor ZR Tires
http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...6?autoview=sku
I'm running these tires on my IROC. They come in a variety of sizes but they do still make them in the stock IROC 245/50/16 tire size. I like the way these tires look and they way they perform. The price is very good as well in terms of the tire you're getting. These tires also have a W-speed rating.
http://www.summitracing.com/search/b...6?autoview=sku
I'm running these tires on my IROC. They come in a variety of sizes but they do still make them in the stock IROC 245/50/16 tire size. I like the way these tires look and they way they perform. The price is very good as well in terms of the tire you're getting. These tires also have a W-speed rating.
09-04-2014, 07:07 PM
#284
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Hey look at my response! Looks familiar.
Good afternoon Mr. XXXXXX,
Unfortunately the size you need is still waiting in line for development. I cannot be accurate as to the time table. Your inquiry is appreciated. Thank you for thinking Goodyear.
Sincerely,
Cindy
Unfortunately the size you need is still waiting in line for development. I cannot be accurate as to the time table. Your inquiry is appreciated. Thank you for thinking Goodyear.
Sincerely,
Cindy
Maybe we need to go directly to Goodyear.
09-04-2014, 07:18 PM
#285
Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I doubt goodyear will ever consider remaking the gatorbacks. Coker tire makes all the repoduction tires now. They are the ones that currently make bf goodrich radial t/a's, firestone wide ovals and many other obsolete tires.
Does Kelsey have a contract with goodyear?
Does Kelsey have a contract with goodyear?
Last edited by RamIt; 09-04-2014 at 07:24 PM.
09-04-2014, 07:30 PM
#286
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I think I heard Kelsey does have the rights to Goodyear reproductions.
Don't quote me but I think I saw or read that someplace.
Don't quote me but I think I saw or read that someplace.
09-04-2014, 07:53 PM
#287
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Look at all of the reasonably priced vintage tires at Coker. http://www.cokertire.com/searchbyatt...0&tire_type=96
Too bad they don't reproduce them.
Too bad they don't reproduce them.
09-04-2014, 09:03 PM
#288
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Car: 1989-92 FORMULA350 305 92 Hawkclone
Engine: 4++,350 & 305 CIs
Transmission: 700R4 4800 vig 18th700R4 t56 ZF6 T5
Axle/Gears: 3.70 9"ford alum chunk,dana44,9bolt
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
This isn't a good sign... Granted, its corvette size so they pay a corvette tax but dang.
http://www.cokertire.com/searchbyatt...=0&tire_type=0
http://www.cokertire.com/searchbyatt...=0&tire_type=0
09-04-2014, 09:26 PM
#289
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
Engine: LB9. Dual Cats. Big Cam
Transmission: World Class T-5
Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
This isn't a good sign... Granted, its corvette size so they pay a corvette tax but dang.
http://www.cokertire.com/searchbyatt...=0&tire_type=0
http://www.cokertire.com/searchbyatt...=0&tire_type=0
Yeah, I saw that. That one is crazy.
09-05-2014, 08:49 AM
#290
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I just emailed again - but I've emailed them previously, as well as talked to Rusty at length about it.
I wonder if we should pursue Kelsey exclusively or maybe go directly to Goodyear. I may be wrong, but my understanding is that Kelsey has it's Mustang sized GB made by Goodyear in batches.
I wonder if we should pursue Kelsey exclusively or maybe go directly to Goodyear. I may be wrong, but my understanding is that Kelsey has it's Mustang sized GB made by Goodyear in batches.
Good afternoon Mr. xxxxx,
Goodyear will no longer make the tires. When they become available it will be thru a licensed specialty U.S. manufacturer. Further to this point and without delving too deeply into tire sizes, maintenance of green tire specifications, market velocity of each size, and other key line considerations. I wish I could extend a clear sky forecast of the consumer cost of this and similar sizes. Unfortunately I am unable to meet this request. Your continued interest and consideration of Goodyear vintage tires is appreciated.
Respectfully yours,
Kelsey
Last edited by IMissMy86TA; 09-05-2014 at 08:52 AM.
09-05-2014, 08:51 AM
#291
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I realize that this is frustrating, but this probably does not help... Kind of like yelling at someone to get your point across, usually it just causes them to shut down or ignore you.
The best thing you can do is if you are that interested, send them a nice email, not "Give me the damn tires" kind of email either... Give them a call, it is how things get done, if there appears to be interest, then they will eventually dive in.
John
The best thing you can do is if you are that interested, send them a nice email, not "Give me the damn tires" kind of email either... Give them a call, it is how things get done, if there appears to be interest, then they will eventually dive in.
John
09-05-2014, 08:54 AM
#292
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09-05-2014, 09:02 AM
#293
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Axle/Gears: BW 3.45
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I got this email from John Kelsey today:
Not good.
Unfortunately the information you have is incorrect. I wish the news were better. At present there is not a fixed time line development schedule for this size. Your offer of sample tires is most generous and one which we may take advantage of at a later date. Thank you for your continued interest.
Regards,
Kelsey
Regards,
Kelsey
09-05-2014, 09:21 AM
#294
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Car: 1989 IROC-Z. Original owner
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Just emailed this to Coker:
Hello,
Wondering if there was any interest in reproducing Goodyear Gatorback tires in the 245/50/16 size. This was used on the the performance versions of 1985-1992 Camaros and Firebirds as well as other cars of the era. Kelsey Tire currently reproduces this tire in the 225/60/15 size for similar year Mustangs, but there appear to be no plans for the 245/50/16 size.
I have a set of original 9000 mile Gatorbacks from my 1989 IROC-Z which could be used as sample tires if needed.
This thread on ThirdGen.org https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...l-offered.html has a commitment for a couple hundred sets of tires if they were to be available.
Thanks in advance,
Charlie
Wondering if there was any interest in reproducing Goodyear Gatorback tires in the 245/50/16 size. This was used on the the performance versions of 1985-1992 Camaros and Firebirds as well as other cars of the era. Kelsey Tire currently reproduces this tire in the 225/60/15 size for similar year Mustangs, but there appear to be no plans for the 245/50/16 size.
I have a set of original 9000 mile Gatorbacks from my 1989 IROC-Z which could be used as sample tires if needed.
This thread on ThirdGen.org https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/hist...l-offered.html has a commitment for a couple hundred sets of tires if they were to be available.
Thanks in advance,
Charlie
09-05-2014, 09:40 AM
#295
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09-05-2014, 03:04 PM
#296
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Car: 89 Formula L98, CC1
Engine: 350 TPI
Transmission: Auto
Axle/Gears: 3.27
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I realize that this is frustrating, but this probably does not help... Kind of like yelling at someone to get your point across, usually it just causes them to shut down or ignore you.
The best thing you can do is if you are that interested, send them a nice email, not "Give me the damn tires" kind of email either... Give them a call, it is how things get done, if there appears to be interest, then they will eventually dive in.
John
The best thing you can do is if you are that interested, send them a nice email, not "Give me the damn tires" kind of email either... Give them a call, it is how things get done, if there appears to be interest, then they will eventually dive in.
John
But, your point is noted to be very applicable in many situations.
In the meantime, I hope for new Gatorbacks while I wait for the truck to show up with my new aero wing....
09-08-2014, 07:21 AM
#298
Supreme Member
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
Got another response.. thought I would share.
I asked him
Are there any other Goodyear licensed specialty U.S. manufacturers?
I received the reply
Dear Mr. XXX,
In North America one factory remains regardless of the brand being discussed and made in the U.S.A. Offshore companies do exist in Vietnam, Thailand, etc. The technology is not present to build this type of highly technical tire. Your question is valid. I welcome any unanswered points which may come to mind.
Sincerely,
Kelsey
I asked him
Are there any other Goodyear licensed specialty U.S. manufacturers?
I received the reply
Dear Mr. XXX,
In North America one factory remains regardless of the brand being discussed and made in the U.S.A. Offshore companies do exist in Vietnam, Thailand, etc. The technology is not present to build this type of highly technical tire. Your question is valid. I welcome any unanswered points which may come to mind.
Sincerely,
Kelsey
09-08-2014, 02:44 PM
#299
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Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Doghouse ······································ Car: 1989 Formula 350 Vert Engine: 350 L98 Transmission: 700R4 Axle/Gears: B&W 3.27
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Car: 87 Formula T-Top, 87 Formula HT
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Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?
I had heard that Cooper was the last tire company to make tires in the USA.
John
John
Got another response.. thought I would share.
I asked him
Are there any other Goodyear licensed specialty U.S. manufacturers?
I received the reply
Dear Mr. XXX,
In North America one factory remains regardless of the brand being discussed and made in the U.S.A. Offshore companies do exist in Vietnam, Thailand, etc. The technology is not present to build this type of highly technical tire. Your question is valid. I welcome any unanswered points which may come to mind.
Sincerely,
Kelsey
I asked him
Are there any other Goodyear licensed specialty U.S. manufacturers?
I received the reply
Dear Mr. XXX,
In North America one factory remains regardless of the brand being discussed and made in the U.S.A. Offshore companies do exist in Vietnam, Thailand, etc. The technology is not present to build this type of highly technical tire. Your question is valid. I welcome any unanswered points which may come to mind.
Sincerely,
Kelsey
09-08-2014, 07:46 PM
#300
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Car: 1 Owner 1986 TA with a WS6 package
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Axle/Gears: 277 Posi Speedo
Re: If they still offered 245/50/16 Gatorbacks, would you buy them?