Hey guys, With the recent release of Coker’s new bias look radial. Branded roadster something or other? Says it humongous on the side wall I can’t remember the full name. Anyhow they or the threads said it’s the only true bias looking radial out there and I thought to myself maybe people havnt seen the Auburn in the wild. It’s more likely they have and they didn’t even notice! So this time when I noticed I took a few pictures for you guys. I was at Pete and Jakes open house and spotted this little hemi coupe looks pretty good to me even on a fenderless car! The ones I saw on fendered cars at the roc I really didn’t notice until I went to check the sidewall for tire size however the one knit pick is that the pie crust doesn’t cut into the tread surface like a firestone which I think the Coker does. But! There are a million old bias plies that were like this and different versions. They weren’t all firestones back then! comparison to a Firestone near by. Not really sure which I’ll buy when the time comes. I’ll honestly wait and see what the Coker reviews, timelines and customer service are like and factor that in but as of right now it’s pretty side wall with a slightly different pie crust vs the more Firestone type edge on the Coker with a giant name on the side wall. I’ll find a pic of the Coker tire to add to the thread.
I have diamondback auburn bias looks on my tub. They drive great. I got the 1000R15 on the rears I have which are palamides mags 15" x 8.5" wide. I'm hoping they make a 16" x 7-9" wide so I can get some on my widened kelsey hayes wires. Gordy
Ok found a decent photo of the Coker’s. hard to see in these photos but it’s the best I can do. The side wall says excelsior real big and then in an old English lettering style opposite it says roadster. And then it also has a raised grand national roadster show badge I believe. So both are probably good options but there ARE options
I was looking to buy some, after seeing some at the SK 500.... but Coker is out of stock as of yesterday when I checked I agree, they have the bias look and reported they handle, ride and wear much better than the bias I have one egg shaped bias ply on the Vicky and it turns into a basketball above 65 mph...I need to so something before my next trip in June...probably 2500 miles round trip....no, trailering is not an option
I've been using Firestone DeLuxe Champions in my '32 PB Roadster for about 35 years/100,000 miles, wearing out and replacing a set every 3-4 years (+/-15,000 miles) and see no reason to use anything else, let alone Radial fakey-doo's or any other modern stuff, but then again, I'm old-school traditionalist when it comes to hot rods.
I havnt seen or heard of a single person having the Coker’s yet. They may not have even hit the shelves yet. Some guys like a tire that’s round, lasts 60,000 miles and looks good. That’s who these are a good option for. I know I’ve seen guys with the original excelsior sport radials getting 30-60k out of a set. Also seems if you try them and don’t like the radials the secondary market/ resale price point tends to be closer to initial purchase price than the firestones. not shitting on one tire or another just putting info out there.
I have Auburns on two cars at the moment and could not be happier with them. They look good, they ride better. The two on the front of my roadster replaced cokers. They looked nice but weren't round. I like roundness in a tire.
I've been running WW Diamond Back tires for over 24 years, and presently Auburn Deluxe on my '51 and Auburn Premium on the '40. When the 2nd set of out-of-round Firestone Deluxe tube tires get changed on my '32, it will get ROUND Auburn Deluxe tub-less. If you want high quality white-walls that stay WHITE, Diamond Back is your best choice.
My 48 will get Auburns when the time comes for the "just right" look. Bias are nice if you can afford to replace them every 15 K or don't put serious road miles on but I have several long cross country trips planned and need tires that will last more than 12/15K.
Also, regardless of tire brand/size/type/etc, every car will behave differently and every driver will have different preference in that behavior, so if one wants to actually* use them for driving, opinions of others (referring to their cars or preferences) & photos mean very little. Only real way to learn/know is to buy a set or a few and see if they meet expectations. *Not just on'n'off a trailer or puttering around to/from local C & Cs , shows, etc.
And let's not forget that any tire, regardless of brand/size/type/etc, will have a limited lifespan for safe road use, which in most tires is 6* years from the DOM, even if not mounted or driven at all and no real/respectable/self-respecting car guy will drive on public roads with tires older than that. *Many high performance, soft-compound tires age out at 3-4 years or less.
Stick with the Diamond Back Auburns. You will not be disappointed. And if you have a problem they will do whatever it takes to make it right. I know firsthand. Snowman ⛄️
@Some Guy has a set and they ride great (look really good on a full fender car). I get the bias ply super traditionalist, but at almost the same price for at least twice the wear....it's hard to beat. I used to get bias a lot when they were under $150, then regular tires now. I plan to drive the crap out of my car(s) in the near future so 15k (or less) per tire change sucks at that price. Not to keen on the giant writing on the Cokers also.
I know the auburns offer several side wall options and even “white” wall color options. Maybe Coker will as well, or possibly the “back side” of the tire is smoother?
I’ve been running blackwall and whitewall auburns since they came out and really appreciate the ride and handling.
I saw these at Myrtle Beach this year and was impressed with the look. They will definitely be going on my 34 Ford. I have Diamondbacks on three of my rides. ROUND, NOT BROWN!
I have the Auburn radials on my '32 sedan. But I've only driven like 2 miles on them. They look good so far. LOL But I may not get much more use out of them. I might be selling the car.
The wider the tread design the bigger the boulders they lodge & raise hell with the fenders, but then, who has fenders!
Auburn radials are great, but they are truck tires. So for light weight cars, you will need to play around with the pressure to get a comfortable ride.
I'm afraid that may require an explanation. Diamondback Auburn tires are UTQG460AA rated to 112 MPH. Not a luxury, performance tire for a BMW but most passenger car tires carry an A rating for traction not AA (highest as far as I am aware). Not sure about the truck tire reference?
Poor guy here, I've got no dog in this fight but if I had the dough.... I've lusted after a set of Auburn Deluxe since they announced the idea here probably 15 years ago ! These ol Denmans need a rest... One day soon, when I get our 52 Chevy proper that will be my choice. I don't have a pic handy, but I do have this custom piece Mcphail did for us a few years back. Enough ramblin Yall get the idea..
I'm in the tire shopping phase... just looked at all the selection Summit has...I'm looking for 16" so just queried on 16" tire....10 pages looks like they have a good stock and $7.99 shipping.....
I just bought 4 Auburns for my Tudor model A. They replaced Coker Classic radials. I have them on my roadster and really like them. Summit ships them free. John
I think they are a great option if you have fenders. I personally can't stand the way the tread looks on a fenderless car, and the front tire has too wide a contact patch, it makes a narrow front wheel look super wide. I'm hopefull that the new tires from coker have a true narrow/small front tire. Even then, I'm probably priced clean outta the market for them. .