Tires-

[EllisonCal]

Re: Tires-

When it rains it pours---

I am going to need new tires, any recommendations? 2002

(I know I'm opening a pandora's box here but WTH)

NWoT

Right after your post, I received an email from Costco.com with a promo for Michelin Tires. The size for the Tbird is 235/50-17 and they are selling installed with balancing etc. for around $211. each. If you have a Costco near your home, you may want to check them out. I have 25200 miles on my 2005 and am not yet ready for new tires. I expect to get at least another 5,000 miles or so before I need to replace them.

Cal

[Daktari]

Re: Tires-

Hi there,

I'm not sure how relevant this is because the Infiniti FX is quite a different vehicle than our T-Birds but the tires that have been on our FX fom new are the Bridgestone Potenza RE92A.

The sizes are a lot different, these are P265/60R18/109V but as far as wearability goes, they are just past 40,000 and are good for at least another 5,000 according to the dealership.

The ride has always been slightly harsh but most of that I think is due to the set up of the car. I have been recommended Hancook tires next time for the FX.

Gordon.

[laikjaim]

Re: Tires-

Dot:

When you change out the pads to ceramics that dust problem goes away and you can then keep both sides clean as a whistle.

Bronzebird

I noticed that the brake dust appears only a few miles after spending time polishing the chrome wheels and the going for a short spin. Are the ceramic pads readily available and is there much difference in cost compared to regualr pads?

[SKIPIFE]

Re: Tires-

Igone

[Leroy]

Re: Tires-

There was so much bad publicity about Firestone tires in the last 15 or 20 years, I'm surprised they're still in buisiness. Ford used them on all thier SUVs at one time and had to have a recall on them becuase they were junk and cuased thousands of accidents, killing alot of people. So they came out with Bridgestone? I still wouldn't buy them. As far as them not being balanced, I would go back to where you bought them and demand some ansewers. Who knows how much extra wear that has cuased to the rest of your car. I would get rid of them and get some good tires. Leroy

[Lonestar]

Re: Tires-

There was so much bad publicity about Firestone tires in the last 15 or 20 years, I'm surprised they're still in buisiness. Ford used them on all thier SUVs at one time and had to have a recall on them becuase they were junk and cuased thousands of accidents, killing alot of people. So they came out with Bridgestone? I still wouldn't buy them. As far as them not being balanced, I would go back to where you bought them and demand some ansewers. Who knows how much extra wear that has cuased to the rest of your car. I would get rid of them and get some good tires. Leroy

Bridgestone was a separate company from Firestone. Bridgestone, a Japan company, purchased Firestone a few years back. Now, just like Michelin does with BF Goodrich, Bridgestone is the halo brand while Firestone is the more economy brand.

[Leroy]

Re: Tires-

Lonestar, And so, would you recomend them or put them on your car? I know I wouldn't. Leroy

[Lonestar]

Re: Tires-

Which ones, Firestone or Bridgestone?

[BIRD 42]

Re: Tires-

We bought our 05 this summer and they had just installed a new set of Goodyear Response Edge tires, had only about 3,000 miles on them. I have had the bird into three different tire stores, including the Ford dealer and have had them balanced, the last time at Ford with a spin balance. I guess it is just that the Goodyear Response Edge creates a harsh ride from about 30 to about 60 MPH. Handling is great at any speed and the wear appears to be excellent as well. Checked all the struts and no leaking or abnormal wear spots. Just a harsher ride than I would have thought, but did not have the original tires to compare to.

[Leroy]

Re: Tires-

Lonestar, Maybe I'm wrong here, but I though Bridgestone tires were sold by Firestone at Firestone dealers. Regardless, I don't think I would ever put either of them on my Thunderbird. Right now I'm happy with the Michelins. The last time I bought a set of tires I replaced the original set of Michelins that came on my 01 Oldsmobile Aruara 4.0 after more than 50K miles, with Perelli P-6s. Sold the car with 89K miles and the tires still looked new. I would surely concider the Perrelli's for my Thunderbird. Leroy

[Bradford]

Re: Tires-

I replaced my tires a couple of months ago. I went with Perelli PZero Nero, the original tires were 235/50 17", I put 235/55 17". The difference is a slightly taller tire. The sidewall is now 55% of the tread width instead of 50%. I like the taller tire, it fills the wheel opening more, provides a more agressive look and the taller sidewall helps to absorbe more of the roughness, with the wheelbase on this car and the added rigidity from being a convertible it has been a noticible difference in ride without any sacrafice in handling.

[V8 Cat]

Re: Tires-

Bradford,
It will be interesting in how much mileage you get out of the Pirelli's. I hope you do better than I did with the ones on my Jag.

[rthirdbird]

Re: Tires-

I just purchased as set of the Pirellis from Rick at World Class Wheels and they are 1/2 inch higher that the orignal on my 2002. The old michelan only had 27,000 miles on them but they were dry roted from the sun in the south.
The new pirellis look good and ride much softer that the old. I am very happy with them and the price from Rick.

[Johnny TBird]

Re: Tires-

I REPLACED MY MICHELINS WITH THE BRIDGESTONE POTENZA AFTER GETTING LOTS OF FEED BACK FROM THE TBN MEMBERS....I HAD 48,000 ON THE MICHELINS AND COULD PROBABLY HAVE GOTTEN ANOTHER 1,000 MILES OR SO.

I AM HAPPY WITH THE BRIDGESTONE TIRES.

HAPPY TRAILS

[EllisonCal]

Re: Tires-

Just did some tire pricing for Michelin MXM4 235-50 17s. The price at Costco was $239.99 installed, new valve stems, filled with Nitrogen, and balanced.

At Gerald's the total for (4) identical tires was $999.50 out the door, but filled with compressed air. Very close in price but when tax is added, I think Costco is a little more.

I have 31,000 miles on the OEM tires and I need to replace before May 25th of 2009. That is my anticipated departure date for the Left Coast.

Cal