Are new tires for the 1978 Mark V Disappearing??

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audioresearch
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Are new tires for the 1978 Mark V Disappearing??

Post by audioresearch »

Someone told me that new tires that properly fit the 1978 Mark V will not be made for much longer and that I should stockpile tires now.

Is this true???
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Dan Szwarc
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Re: Are new tires for the 1978 Mark V Disappearing??

Post by Dan Szwarc »

Do you mean 235/75R15s?

Like this?

Have you shopped for any?

The choices will be very limited as WW tires have been disappearing for years.
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Re: Are new tires for the 1978 Mark V Disappearing??

Post by frasern »

That size is in decline, but should be available through vintage tire dealers forever, I would think.
In my opinion, stockpiling tires is a bad idea, they don't last. My understanding is that newer tires have had a preservative oil reduced by about 75% compared to the past, for environmental reasons. They may last longer when stored indoors, but still not as long as they used to.
There are some who believe tires should be replaced after 7 years, regardless of wear. I am not that extreme, but find the tread will usually outlive the casing today, where years ago, it was the opposite.
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thegermanfan
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Re: Are new tires for the 1978 Mark V Disappearing??

Post by thegermanfan »

Factory made ww tires might vanish in the future, because of shrinking demand. So at the moment I would expect less choices and higher prices. Custom made ww tires cannot be as cost effective as mass produced tires which have their ww incorporated from the start.
LR78-15 Firestone 721 3/4" Whitewall Radial is a good match for your '78 but also not exactly a cheap option...
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Re: Are new tires for the 1978 Mark V Disappearing??

Post by action »

audioresearch wrote:
..... I should stockpile tires now.

Is this true???
Storing tire is a problem because tires age no matter if they are used or stored. After a certain point (5 to 10 years depending on the opinion) the tire is no longer usable on the road no matter how much thread on the tire

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