Saving Original Tires from 1986

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Jun 26, 2014 | 12:46 PM

RoccoNH1

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From: Take a Guess

Car: 1986 Firebird T/A 7,213 Orig Miles

Engine: 305 4bbl V8

Transmission: 700R4 auto

Axle/Gears: 2.73

Saving Original Tires from 1986

So I have an original set of 1986 Goodyear Eagle GT Tires in amazing shape.

I've decided to hold onto them so I'm taking them off my car and putting them in storage. I'm going with 21565R15 BF Goodrich Radial GT's in their place... I'll feel safer I think...

Regarding storage: I know to keep them on their side and all that, but is it best to separate them with a sheet or something and is it better to keep them in a basement rather than out in a garage (harsh New England Weather)?

Stupid question I don't know, The number of times in my life I've had a classic car and wanted to preserve the original tires which are 27 years old... (once)

Thanks and have a nice day.

Jun 26, 2014 | 01:12 PM

RedLeader289

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From: Louisville, KY

Car: 1983 Z28

Engine: 385 Fastburn

Transmission: T-5

Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears

Re: Saving Original Tires from 1986

I would think that the basement would be better for storage, and separating them with a sheet of something too. If you had some way to seal them up that would be the best.

Not sure what they'll do in terms of value.

Jun 26, 2014 | 02:05 PM

Caveman305

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From: Newburg, MD

Car: '89 RS, '89 Iroc

Engine: L03, LB9

Transmission: 700r4, T5

Axle/Gears: 2.73, 3.08

Re: Saving Original Tires from 1986

uv rays are what speed up the aging process of rubber, I would also think the basement would be the best place to store the tires, maybe put them in to individual air tight bags or something, not really sure if that would help stop the aging process

Jun 26, 2014 | 02:26 PM

RedLeader289

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From: Louisville, KY

Car: 1983 Z28

Engine: 385 Fastburn

Transmission: T-5

Axle/Gears: BorgWarner 9-bolt posi, 3.27 gears

Re: Saving Original Tires from 1986

Yeah, would putting some type of oil on them maybe help? even like...motor oil? for when you seal them up? That might be crazy, idk

Jun 26, 2014 | 03:07 PM

82RZ

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Joined: Aug 2012

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From: NC

Car: 2000 SS Camaro LS1

Engine: 347 cu in mild mods

Transmission: T56

Axle/Gears: 3:42 or 4:10 depends on what I'am d

Re: Saving Original Tires from 1986

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoccoNH1

Regarding storage: I know to keep them on their side and all that, but is it best to separate them with a sheet or something and is it better to keep them in a basement rather than out in a garage (harsh New England Weather)?

The High-End Vette and 1stgen Camaro guys have dealt with 'survivor' tires and recommend the following for storage:

1. Side-wall down flat - Do NOT stack.
2. Dark room, temp & relative humidity around 50F and 70%. Dry Rot is what kills vulcanized rubber.
3. Clean with Dawn dish soap and let air dry.
4. Do NOT apply anything to them.

I have personally seen 35 year old NOS tires stored in this manner with no issues when mounted and inflated.

Jun 26, 2014 | 03:11 PM

Joe Tag

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Re: Saving Original Tires from 1986

The only thing I would ever use them for is a car show. Spare set of wheels you keep ready and put on when you get there. Six years is the recommended safe life expectancy of a tire, regardless of tread. Those are nearly five times that.