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Hi everyone! New guy here so if I make a unacceptable mistake, please be gentle. I need your advice/opinions, please.
I just purchased a 1989 Iroc-Z from the original owner with 30,120 miles. It is bright blue with tan interior and gold wheels/decals. It has the original tires on it that are dry rotted with cracks between the tread that you could slip nickels in. I obviously need new tires.
My question is, do I just purchase new tires to put on these original 16 inch rims, or do I wait a couple of months when Hawks has the gold Iroc 17 inch wheels available and buy them and put new tires on those? That way I could store the original tires and wheels for the future. I don't plan on selling it any time soon, but I always keep anything I take off a car to pass on to the next owner in case they want to put it back to original. Is there a value to keeping the original tires on the original wheels? Would having the original wheels and tires be a good selling point down the road? Would you care as a potential buyer? Obviously it's going to cost me another $1000 for the new wheels, but I want to make the right decision here. I'm only going to get one chance to make the right decision. If your opinion is to buy the 17 inch wheels, what size and brand tire do you recommend that will fill up the wheel well without any rubbing/fitment issues. The third option I guess, would be to straddle the fence and put new tires on the original wheels and keep the old tires in the garage for the future, but that just seems indecisive. Would you want the old tires? I'm just not sure what the right decision is.
Also, in case it matters, my intentions are to keep this car fairly original and drive it on weekends and to cruise nights. Thank you very much for your thoughts and opinions.
I'd check the date code on the tires but I'm guessing at 30k miles if they have a lot of tread, those may be replacement tires. However, if your plans are for larger wheels, just wait till they come out and go that way..
Hey man, welcome to TGO. Glad you got the posting all figured out!
....also, we'll need pictures of the car! ...I have a Bright Red 89 with the tan (Medium Beechwood) interior. My goal has always to been to keep it looking pretty stock, but its far from original. Much faster! My ideal second Iroc would be a blue 89 with the tan interior, just like you have! -and it would remain all original.
As for wheels and tires, I think that unless the car is extremely low miles, and 100% mint/flawless, original tires are kinda not that big of a deal. -and certainly not something you'd wanna drive on. As TTTOP350 mentioned, check the date code, chances are they're not original anyhow. .....as for 16" or 17", I'm a fan of either. I DO plan on picking up some gold Hawk's wheels when they're available. The two tires I was looking at for both performance reviews and nice clean plain looking sidewalls were the Mickey Thompson Street Comp, and the Continental Extreme Contact Sport. Either one sized in 275/40/17. That's the general size that everyone uses, and you shouldn't have any fitment issues, even with lowered cars.
Given a choice I'd make the move to a 17"
wheel. It seems there's a wider selection of tire options available. That said, there are still quality tires available in the OEM size. The BFG Sport Comp 2 comes to mind.
As for keeping the originals, a couple of thoughts. If I were buying another Camaro and it had 17's and the original 16's, that to me would be something helping to peak interest. I also like having a complete set of replacement wheel/tires even just for use as keeping the car a roller should the need arise. Dry rotted doesn't matter in that case. One last thought involves racing. The 16's can always be fitted with slicks should you ever want to venture out to the drag strip.
You guys are right. I was thinking they were original for the following reasons: The wheels look untouched. No impact wrench gouges, no marks from mounting and balancing, no marks around the lug nuts or anything like that. The tires are the Goodyear Eagle ZR50's which I thought was original equipment. Also, having purchased the car from the original owner and he said they were original. The condition also fit. Low tread, dry rot cracks between the treads you could slip nickels in. All of it added up to what I thought was original tires. But, not exactly conclusive, I admit. You are right, I should have checked the date codes.
So I came home and looked at it. The number, if I'm looking at it right, is 478. Which I think means the 47th week of the year ending in 8 which could mean 1988 or 1998. Right? Did they make these tires in 1998? Am I looking at the right number? Am I reading it right? I will try to upload some pictures.
Sorry for the big pictures. I'm still trying to figure out this site.
I was impressed with the cars originality. Let me know if you disagree and don't think these are original tires. If they are not original, I will just buy some new 16 inch tires and be done with it. I just thought if they were original, it would be cool to leave these tires and wheels intact and put them in my garage for the next owner. I obviously wouldn't drive with them on the car. I had the car hauled the hour and a half trip home on a flat bed because I knew these tires weren't safe and I didn't want to get snow and salt on the car. Thanks again for your thoughts.
Sorry BizJetTech, I'm slow...by the time I reply you have already posted something else. I'm a two finger typist. It was posted on Craigslist for about a week back in September. I talked to the guy and we couldn't come to an agreement. Then the car disappeared off of Craigslist. I couldn't get it out of my mind, so I contacted him again in January to see if he still had it. He had gotten frustrated with all the flakes on Craigslist that want you to give your car away and took it off. Lucky for me!
Sorry BizJetTech, I'm slow...by the time I reply you have already posted something else. I'm a two finger typist. It was posted on Craigslist for about a week back in September. I talked to the guy and we couldn't come to an agreement. Then the car disappeared off of Craigslist. I couldn't get it out of my mind, so I contacted him again in January to see if he still had it. He had gotten frustrated with all the flakes on Craigslist that want you to give your car away and took it off. Lucky for me!
No kidding, looks like you hit the jackpot - congrats !!
Thank you sir! So what is your opinion on the tires, original or not?
They look to be original - but to verify, you'd need to run the date code, as pointed out here earlier.
However, IMO, even if they are original, they look to be in very poor condition (based on your pics)
and if they were mine, I would not bother hanging on to them.....but that's just me, you know the old saying,
one mans junk, another mans treasure
Like Biz said, original tires or otherwise, I can't see where they have any value (except as usable rollers as mentioned). But the rims look to be mint! Those I'd put away and get the 17's.
For tires manufactured in the year 2000 – present
The date of manufacture is the last four digits of the DOT code. The first two digits are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. For example, if the last four digits of the DOT code are 0203, that means that the tire was manufactured during the second week of the year 2003. Pretty simple, right? However…if your tires were made before 2000, it gets a bit more complicated.
For tires manufactured before the year 2000
The date of manufacture is the last three digits of the code. The first two digits refer to the week within that year. For example, if the last 3 digits are 022, it means that the tire was manufactured in the second week of the year, and the year is the second year of the decade. This is where it gets confusing -- there's no universal identifier that signifies which decade, so in this example the tire could have been manufactured in 1982 or 1992. Some tires do have a small triangle following the DOT code to indicate the 1990s.
Last edited by skinny z; 01-31-2019 at 09:44 PM.
Reason: Credit to: https://www.tirebuyer.com/education/how-to-determine-the-age-of-your-tires#
You are correct about the date code. Pre 2000 tires only had 3 numbers. Post 2000 have 4. ....so it could be 88 or 98. I suppose they could be original, but you should never drive on those! -and appearance isn't great with all the cracks. If you have the room, maybe you throw 'em up in the attic somewhere, but honestly I'd just move on.
Edit - missed Skinny's post originally. He has a little more date info, but ......same idea.
As for the car. OMG. Awesome. I want it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Those are the factory wheels weights, and valve caps, but those tires seem to have a lot of tread for 30K miles.
BTW, don't drive on those tires.
What would I do? Mount new tires on the factory wheels and store the Gatorbacks.
Chances are, if you remove those tires from the original rims, they're done.
IMO, as cracked and brittle as they look, removing them will make them worse when you break the bead.
Not sure what you'd do with them anyway, it's only a matter of time before they wont even hold air...
Chances are, if you remove those tires from the original rims, they're done.
IMO, as cracked and brittle as they look, removing them will make them worse when you break the bead.
Not sure what you'd do with them anyway, it's only a matter of time before they wont even hold air...
Well, if I were to ever buy that car, I'd simply add them to my other old, not safe to drive on, Gatorbacks in the attic.
Actually the Gatorbacks off my black '89 look mint with no cracks. But they were hard as hell. The last couple years I had them on the car, you'd think my LB9 was putting out 650 horsepower by how easy they were to spin.
Actually the Gatorbacks off my black '89 look mint with no cracks. But they were hard as hell. The last couple years I had them on the car, you'd think my LB9 was putting out 650 horsepower by how easy they were to spin.
....they rot from the inside out, so if they look bad externally, they are really terrible internally......that's been my experience anyway
Want a bona fide opinion on dated tires? Go to the track where they have a thorough tech inspection. My 8 year old tires were rejected and they appeared to be in prefect condition. Even ten years after the fact, I still have the tires on rims but am scared as hell to run them. Too bad too because they have very few miles on them. They sit on the rack as trophies (mounted on nice IROC rims too)
How many miles did those tires typically last? I know I get about 70k miles out of the Michelin’s on my Tahoe..
I know they weren’t the best, but if you didn’t burn out too much they might go to 35k, right?
I think saving those rims and tires and picking up some Hawk’s 17” replicas is a cool idea and I’m thinking of it myself because I’d be pissed forever if I ever curbed or damaged my original wheels..
Your tires were manufactured in the 47th week of 1988. Here is a pic of the date code on my 13,000 mile original Gatorbacks from my '89 IROC which were produced in the 18th week of 1989. I drive the car to shows within 3 to 5 miles of home only and always stay below 35 MPH, otherwise she gets trailered.
Wow! The blue paint with tan/gold looks absolutely stunning!
Personally, I'd leave that wheel and tire set alone. Just put them in indoor storage, waiting for the day when reproduction gatorbacks are finally available. In the mean time, it's cool having the original installed tires. I'm not entirely sure I'd get 17's for it, possibly just rehab another set of stock wheels to put new tires on.
How many miles did those tires typically last? I know I get about 70k miles out of the Michelin’s on my Tahoe..
I know they weren’t the best, but if you didn’t burn out too much they might go to 35k, right?
I think saving those rims and tires and picking up some Hawk’s 17” replicas is a cool idea and I’m thinking of it myself because I’d be pissed forever if I ever curbed or damaged my original wheels..
These wheels are so nice, I too would be pissed if I messed them up. It's hard to kick your own butt!
Another thing that has crossed my mind is every time I get tires done, you almost always come home with some new gouge, scratch or black marks on your wheels. I would also be pissed if that happened. I was thinking if I bought the 17 inch reproductions from Hawks I could have those mounted and balance and come home and put them on myself, so I knew the original 16's came off with no marks/damage. I wouldn't be happy if the new 17's had marks, but not as much as if the 16's where damaged. The last owner kept the car and wheels nice for 30 years, I don't want to mess them up on my watch.
Your tires were manufactured in the 47th week of 1988. Here is a pic of the date code on my 13,000 mile original Gatorbacks from my '89 IROC which were produced in the 18th week of 1989. I drive the car to shows within 3 to 5 miles of home only and always stay below 35 MPH, otherwise she gets trailered.
I love your car! Funny thing is, I was looking for a blue Iroc with silver stripes and gray interior like yours when I came across mine. I was afraid I wouldn't like the tan interior until I saw it and then decided I really liked it. It also helps that I have never seen another one in person with this color combination. I REALLY like yours though.
I'm glad you agree with me that the tires are original. I felt they were also, but it's nice that someone else agrees with me. I respect how you use your car, but I don't think I have the self control. I don't drive my cars much, under 1000 miles a year and sometimes not that much. But I have to drive them some.....and faster than 35mph. Like I said, no self control. LOL.
AWESOME AWESOME AWESOME CAR!!!! Congrats on the purchase and welcome to TGO!
Originally Posted by 86blackiroc
Wow! The blue paint with tan/gold looks absolutely stunning!
Personally, I'd leave that wheel and tire set alone. Just put them in indoor storage, waiting for the day when reproduction gatorbacks are finally available. In the mean time, it's cool having the original installed tires. I'm not entirely sure I'd get 17's for it, possibly just rehab another set of stock wheels to put new tires on.
Huh... look at me figuring out the multi-quote function!
Thank you and everyone else that have said kind things about my car. I really appreciate it. I have always loved the blue Iroc's and the gold is just so different. It's the first time I have seen one in person. As soon as I seen it in person I knew I had to buy it.
I would consider a set of stock 16 inch wheels if I could find a nice set in gold. I just don't know how long I can wait to drive this car. Hawks told me the 17's should be available in about six weeks. The winter dulldrums have set in and I want to get out of the house and drive something. I usually put my cars away at the end of October and get them out the first of March. Giving time for winter to be over and the rains to have washed the salt off the streets. Gotta love the rust belt. I hope to have the tire situation figured out by then and have the car ready to drive.
I DO plan on picking up some gold Hawk's wheels when they're available. The two tires I was looking at for both performance reviews and nice clean plain looking sidewalls were the Mickey Thompson Street Comp, and the Continental Extreme Contact Sport. Either one sized in 275/40/17. That's the general size that everyone uses, and you shouldn't have any fitment issues, even with lowered cars.
If I decide to go with 17 inch wheels, does 275/40/17 fill the wheel well and look good? Anyone have pictures? Does it throw off the speedometer at all? Thanks for the size suggestion. If that's the general size everyone uses it must be right. I don't need to reinvent the wheel...so to speak. (pun intended ). Look out...I just figured out the smileys.
If I decide to go with 17 inch wheels, does 275/40/17 fill the wheel well and look good? Anyone have pictures? Does it throw off the speedometer at all? Thanks for the size suggestion. If that's the general size everyone uses it must be right. I don't need to reinvent the wheel...so to speak. (pun intended ). Look out...I just figured out the smileys.
275/40/17 are 25.6" overall height - same as your original 245/50/16 that are on the car now.
These wheels are so nice, I too would be pissed if I messed them up. It's hard to kick your own butt!
Another thing that has crossed my mind is every time I get tires done, you almost always come home with some new gouge, scratch or black marks on your wheels. I would also be pissed if that happened. I was thinking if I bought the 17 inch reproductions from Hawks I could have those mounted and balance and come home and put them on myself, so I knew the original 16's came off with no marks/damage. I wouldn't be happy if the new 17's had marks, but not as much as if the 16's where damaged. The last owner kept the car and wheels nice for 30 years, I don't want to mess them up on my watch.
I was so paranoid about replacing the Gatorbacks on my '89, because like you, I was afraid of any possible damage. I spoke to the manager at my tire place and explained my concern. He cleared a bay, just for me, and then him and I did the deed super carefully with hand tools.
I understand the paranoia. I had my early IROC rims professionally refinished (super job and excellent pricing too) and the shop that did the work had the equipment for a damage free installation. Unfortunately the next go round for tires, despite asking the tire shop about touch-free equipment and getting their assurance, mangled the inner hoop with the jaws that push outward to support the rim. I didn't see the damage until well after the fact when doing some chassis work months later. At least they didn't crush the outer lip.
Again, to the OP, those rims are in such pristine looking condition that I'd put them away, tires and all or display them in the garage as museum pieces. Get some 17's and call it a day.
275/40/17 are 25.6" overall height - same as your original 245/50/16 that are on the car now.
Thanks...sounds like that is the size for me.
Originally Posted by chazman
I was so paranoid about replacing the Gatorbacks on my '89, because like you, I was afraid of any possible damage. I spoke to the manager at my tire place and explained my concern. He cleared a bay, just for me, and then him and I did the deed super carefully with hand tools.
Sounds like you had a good experience. I'm not sure if I am that lucky.
Originally Posted by skinny z
I understand the paranoia. I had my early IROC rims professionally refinished (super job and excellent pricing too) and the shop that did the work had the equipment for a damage free installation. Unfortunately the next go round for tires, despite asking the tire shop about touch-free equipment and getting their assurance, mangled the inner hoop with the jaws that push outward to support the rim. I didn't see the damage until well after the fact when doing some chassis work months later. At least they didn't crush the outer lip.
Again, to the OP, those rims are in such pristine looking condition that I'd put them away, tires and all or display them in the garage as museum pieces. Get some 17's and call it a day.
Now this is my kind of luck, unfortunately. I am leaning this direction as well. Thanks for your thoughts everyone.
01-24-2019, 07:55 PM
My ideal second Iroc would be a blue 89 with the tan interior, just like you have! -and it would remain all original.
). Look out...I just figured out the smileys. 
