Driving Excelsior Radials? Do you like them?

I am looking at buying Coker radials or Excelsiors. For those of you driving them how do you like them and how are they holding up as you put on the miles?

thanks
Z

 

for your infos diamondback will release a new radial in september called auburn simillar firestone bias real nice

 

Just type Excelsior in the search box, we have discussed this extensively.

 

Got any pics?

 

Yeah man, spill it! Out with the Diamondback info!

 

they haves pics on their website in 2012 catalog

 

Is it just me, or do they have a certain trailer tire look to them?

 

If you buy any of these from Coker or other suppliers and intend to run tubes, MAKE SURE you INSPECT for and REMOVE any stickers that the manufacturers/ dealers place in the INSIDE of the tire. These aluminum or mylar tags, typically with a bar code on them, will CHAFE and PUCNTURE the tube as you drive, leading to lots of flat tires.

Happened to two friends of mine (Coker Wide White Radials) leading to several flats, delayed trips, unexpected expenses for motels and flatbeds, and a near miss to a collision.

Make sure you or your isntaller CHECKS BEFORE installing the tires with tubes.

 

..WOW, That's a great heads-up. Wouldn't have thought about that. Thanks.

 

It's just you.

 

I've been watching for an update on these myself. They look like they'll be a real game changer...

 

So, no one actually drives on Excelsions? Only used on the "perfect" roadster / trailer / show queens? Gary

 

Sorry... but I think I want some and I REALLY want to read about how they ride, wear, etc., please. Gary

 

Gary, I can't give you a first hand account, but two years ago at LARS there was a guy in the North Carolina group who had just finished a gorgeous green '32 roadster and drove it out on Excelsiors. he said he had the same issues as the Firestone bias plies, that he had to have them trued. Other than that he seemed pretty happy with them. I plan to run them on my '27 roadster.

 

I had the Firestones on my sedan and had a bad vibration above 65 mph. I'm not sure if it's the tires or my 35 Ford wire wheels. I switched to some 1940 solids and Excelsior tires. Drives like a dream. Now I can keep up with teach'm on the freeway.

Mike

 

Myself and Kirk! both posted this question years ago. I found upwards of ten pages in my search filled with some excellent info on Excelsiors, radial Excelsiors, Pirellis and Blockley tires. That is why I mentioned the search, lots of real world experience with them if a person takes time to look.

 

If I sound frustrated here, it's because I've been through heaps of HAMB threads and hundreds of posts and can't find the answer.

With the greatest respect Tman, I haven't found any thread or post that actually answers Ziffer's questions.

Although Ziffer doesn't say it outright, I think he's settled on RADIAL technology as am I. Bias tires are great looking, but don't cut the mustard when it come to tram-tracking or proper handling performance.

If I'm correct, what he wants to know is; . . . . has anybody actually bought and used a set of the Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials? And if so, then what are they like on the road or track? By track I mean with corners, and not a drag strip.

Tman, most everybody seems to want to turn all those other threads into BIAS vs RADIAL discussions. Don't need that.

To repeat, has anybody actually bought and used a set of the Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials? And what are they like? We are looking for a current user's view on say their high speed trueness, road wear and so forth. I hope that's what your looking for Ziffer.

I think ZIFFER and I want to buy the Excelsior Stahl Sport Radials but would like the comfort of a serious user's report before we do.

I want to put a set of 6.00-16s on a period 'factory' hot rod, the 1935 Railton Sport Tourer and I'd love to have a report before I stake up the money.

At least I haven't yet found any negative reports on the net.

Thanks.

 

OK! Good to hear. Gary

 

I do remember someone saying they drive just like the bias tires, chasing ruts and such as well as handling and performance wise. Not a tremendous amount of traction because they're narrow, but at least there is better technology in them than when tires were made 77+ years ago when the car mentioned above was new.

Still not a first hand account, sorry.

 

I guess everyone lives in the need it now society?

Here is a link where I linked many threads, radials included.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=622257&highlight=excelsior

Specific to the Stahl Sport

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=566974&highlight=excelsior

More radial

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=418376&highlight=excelsior

Another option, NOT Excelsior but cool to know.

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=434999&highlight=excelsior

 

Jim

Nice job in exacting my thoughts/question. I too hope to hear some responses from people actually driving the Excelsiors.

 

Thats good to hear as I'm in need of tires now and I like em to be round.

 

Like the ones I linked for you!?

 

I ended up going with bias plus. They went on clearance when they were switching over to radials. They drive like any other bias plys.