Best Ford Mustang tires for restorations

Twenty years back, concours restorations were the big deal in the car world. Tire selection was much easier then. You either picked original-equipment tires from Coker Tire and Kelsey Tire. Or you could go for radials that looked like the old ones—a modern tire with a correct-width whitewall. For those with ’69-’73 Mach 1s or Bosses wanting to hit the road, BFGoodrich Radial T/As. Or Goodyear Eagle STs with raised white letters were go-to. These were chosen over the factory-original Goodyear Polyglas or Firestone Wide-Oval bias-belted tires.

Understanding Tire Types for Classic Mustangs

Tire choice is very important for classic Ford Mustangs. The right tires can really change how your car feels to drive. There are three main types to choose from: bias-ply tires, bias-belted tires, and radial tires. Each one has its own special features that fit different driving styles and restoration needs.

Bias-Ply Tires

If your Mustang is from 1969 or 1970 and is a Mach 1 or Boss 302, it likely had Goodyear Polyglas tires. These bias-ply tires were good for cars that weren’t used every day. But, if you’re used to radial tires, trying bias-ply tires is like a new adventure. You might find they handle and perform differently than what you’re used to.

Bias-Belted Tires

Over time, tire technology has really improved. When classic Mustangs first came out, they used early versions of bias-ply tires. These tires have their plies set at a 45-degree angle. As the 1960s went on, bias-ply tires turned into bias-belted tires. These are basically the early type but with extra belts for more strength and better at resisting punctures. Tire models like the Firestone Wide-Ovals and Goodyear Polyglas show what bias-belted tires looked like.

Radial Tires

Making tire history in the 1960s, Michelin introduced radial tires. Radial tires work differently from bias-belted tires because of their special design. The belts in radial tires cross at a 90-degree angle, aiming to keep a lot of tire on the road. This method, combined with flexible sidewalls, leads to better contact with the road. As time went on, new kinds of radial tires emerged. These include ones with fiberglass belts and steel belts. These new designs improve both performance and how long the tires last.

Tire Sizing Explained

Figuring out the right tire size for older Mustang cars can be tricky. Let’s say your ’65 Mustang originally came with 6.95×14 tires. What should you put on it now? Knowing how Mustang tire sizes have changed over time is key to finding the perfect vintage Mustang tire fitment.

Original Tire Sizing

In 1965, Mustang tire sizes told us the width and rim size. So, a 6.95×14 tire was 6.95 inches wide, fitting a 14-inch rim. A 7.00×13 tire was 7.00 inches wide for a 13-inch wheel, and it went on like that.

Alphanumeric Tire Sizing

Since 1968, tire makers have used alphanumeric codes for sizes. This system meant a C78x14 tire was like a 6.95×14. A D78x14 was for the old 7.35×14, and so on. The two numbers hinted at the tire’s height compared to its width.

P-Metric and ISO Metric Tire Sizing

In the late ’60s, with more radial tires around, the “R” for radial was added. So, an FR78x14 was a thing. By the ’80s, the P-Metric system began. It shows tire width in millimeters and its aspect ratio. “R” still stands for radial. Today, the ISO Metric system is used by manufacturers. It shows tire width, aspect ratio, then load index and speed rating. For example, 195/78R14 82H.

Best tires for Mustang restoration

Restoring a classic Mustang with original parts for car shows is a cool job. You’ll want to use the same kind of tires it had back in the day. This means using new versions or actual old-stock tires. But, if you look in regular tire shops, you won’t see these unique Mustang tire brands for sale. Today, only Coker Tire and Kelsey Tire offer many of these special tires for Mustangs.

Choosing the right Mustang tire treads and Mustang tire authenticity is key for top-notch restorations. For a detailed restoration, it’s crucial to find these tires from trusted sellers. This way, your classic Mustang will be truly authentic, right to its tires.

Driving Considerations for Classic Mustangs

Some folks drive their classic Mustangs only on weekends. These cars often have original-style tires. The issue with such tires is their poor grip and short lifespan. Most last only about 12,000 miles. If it’s been decades since you used these types of tires, you might find them challenging. They don’t handle turns like newer radial tires. This means you could lose control quickly, which is dangerous.

Occasional Weekend Driving

How you use your Mustang matters a lot. If you drive it every weekend, think about getting radial tires. They fit the car’s vintage look but handle much better. Radial tires can improve your car’s handling and last longer. Make sure you choose the correct size, especially for the width of the tire.

Frequent Driving

If you drive your classic Mustang often, go for radial tires. They are safer and perform better. Radial tires can make your car drive more smoothly and safely. You can even keep a classic look while having better control on the road.

Tire Maintenance Tips

Keeping your

Mustang tires in good shape

is vital for long life and top performance. Focus on

tire pressure

and

tire switchoff

Proper Inflation

Maintaining the right pressure matters most for how long your tires last. If they’re too low, tires can get too hot and wear faster. Always keep your tires filled enough and check the pressure a lot.

Tire Rotation

Regularly changing where your tires are is next on the list for longer-lasting tires. Move them around often and make sure the front wheels are straight on your Mustang. For older tire types, do a crosswise switch. Your grandpa probably showed you that. But for radials, switch them from front to back on the same side every 8,000 miles. Rotating them the old way can cause issues such as odd wear or bumps. This is what we’ve learned in 30 years of experience.

Choosing Authenticity or Performance

Concours restorations make sure your car looks like it just came from the factory. For instance, a ’65 Mustang should have certain Firestone tires. These Mustang tire authenticity rules ensure true restoration.

But, these original tires aren’t good for handling. If you’re used to modern radials, get ready for a change. Driving hard might mean going off the road. Even with the risks, seeing a Mustang fully restored is special.

Want better performance over being exactly like the original? Think about putting modern radials on your Mustang. They make driving better but keep the car’s classic look. Just make sure you stick to the right rules for an authentic restoration.

Source Links

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/mump-0511-best-ford-mustang-tires/

Looking for the perfect tires to complete your classic Ford Mustang restoration? Our guide explores the best tire options for authenticity and performance.