Has anybody used universal tire? I haven't heard much about them they are a little cheaper than coker tire. Should I go through universal or coker? David
If they are only a little cheaper, why bother? Coker has a solid rep and stands behind there products.
Try Diamondback. I had goodluck with them (see photo). Of course someone will have had a bad experience with one of the tire companys at one time or another I'm sure. Coker had what I wanted but could not go to the trouble of saving me the delivery fees by bringing the tires to the Carlyle, PA parts meet. The Diamondbacks so far have been great (2 years and about 1,000 miles).
They were more than Coker when I was tire shopping, and if you have an Alliance discount, Coker was significantly cheaper.
I've been comparing the Universal and Coker websites, and noticed a lot of similarities. It makes sense that Coker may own them. I have been looking at a particular size of tire, and the price is the same on both sites. So, join the HAMB Alliance (I need to re-up again), and save BIG buck$ getting the tires from Coker. Maybe Universal might even give an Alliance discount?
I really like damond back's product also. they don't make copies of old tires they make new tires more fashionable.
The guys at universal are great. I bought a set of tires a couple Fall Carlisle's ago and after mocking up the car over the winter, decided I wanted something else- they swapped them dollar for dollar at the spring and tossed in tubes at no extra cost. All that said, they have my car on their website
I just bought two 6.00X16 Firestone Deluxe Champions and tubes from Universal. The Universal web site allowed me to order completely without having to talk to anyone. The Coker site could not come up with a tube size and part number and I woulda had to call the next day and talk to a rep to order. I understand that all the Firestones are made by Coker. I ordered Monday evening and they were here Wed. AM. The price was equivilent to Coker direct. Not enough to make a difference to me. The shipping was way less cause I'm closer to Hershey than TN, I quess. Universal also has a eBay store where they sell blems and discontinued tires. "Universal Vintage Tire Company" I'm happy, I mounted and balanced, and as soon as the roads dry off, a test ride. Frank
Living just down the road from Universal tire's place, South of Hershey, PA, I have used them for the last 12 years on my 1954 chevy. I am on my second complete set of Universal Brand Bias Ply white walls and love them. the white wall does not flake, the tire wears evenly. and rides very nice. If you are looking for a vintage look in a new tire... I would for sure recomend Universal tire brand of tire. Here are some pictures of the car with the tires... the tires shown are the largest width whitewalls that Universal sells. First two at speed... Parked
So you guys who are Alliance Members, and brag about the big discounts with Coker. Care to tell the world? Seems like a big secret, join up and get the secret handshake to find out how much you will save. Tell me what I'd save and let me make the decision based on that.
I've ordered from Universal a few times- since they're relatively close to where I live their shipping times were really quick- it never took more than 2 or 3 days to get my order. The last time I purchased from them I didn't have the alliance membership, but they were a little bit cheaper buying from them than direct from Coker. Customer service was pretty good too. I wouldn't hesitate to deal with them again.
The real price saver is the tubes! They are like half price from universal. The shipping is cheaper and coker is always like a week and a half before I get my order and I'm in Missouri! I think I'm gonna try universal this time.
I thought Coker owned all white wall tire companies. that they bought them al out of their white wall divisions so no matter if you buy universal, or bf goodrich or even firestone, it is still a coker tire??? have i been misinformed?