So I took the 'Bird out for it's first drive in MANY years, without incident... But... The WWW Firestone bias ply tires are, as expected, pretty flat spotted from sitting. The car was stored in a dirt floor barn, and the tires are essentially brand new. I know they will be replaced before any highway time is seen, but should I expect them to even out in time once they warm up? Am I asking for trouble just driving around the neighborhood at low speed (20-30 mph)? It's been awhile since I ran bias ply tires on anything, so any advice based on your experience on the matter is appreciated... BIGREDTODD
They should smooh out once they get warm. That usually takes around 10 miles at speed if they are really flatspotted. Low speed will take much longer.
Just putter around the neighbor hood to your local tire store and next time put the car on stands and avoid the problem.
Gee thanks I have only had this for about 3 months. Next time I know that I will be acquiring a car years in advance, I will make sure the previous owner puts it on jack stands.
Reduce the tire pressure to about 20-22 lbs. Then drive around 10 miles or so at not over 40-45. The lower pressure will let the tires flex more and built up some heat . When you get back home pump up to normal 28-32.
Hell the nylon cord tires from that era would flat spot over night especially in the cold weather. A few miles and all was fine.
Yeah I read it, and have had the same thing happen on old radial tires (michelins, believe it or not). But bias ply tires are prone to flat spots... Thanks John, that makes sense and is prctical in my neighborhood to do so... BRT
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