Tom,
Now you reminded me why I still buy Jap cars and have been my entire
"driving" life.
Mike
----- Original Message -----
From: <andycost@att.net>
To: <datsun-roadsters@autox.team.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 13, 2000 4:01 PM
Subject: Firestone Tires
> I used to be the manager of a Wal-Mart auto shop. We
> used to get Rangers and Explorers in all the time with
> bubbles under the tread (separated). I even got a few
> that had thrown the tread, but not flipped. I swore I
> would never use Firestone tires. These trucks that came
> in were less than a year old in many cases. Ironically
> I was given a Chevy truck that had Firestone ATX tires
> on it. These ATX's weren't the same that are currently
> causing all the problems. They were Farm Bureau tires.
> They made a lot of noise(knobby), but lasted a long time
> and gave good response and feel. Unfortunately they
> discontinued these particular tires and started a new
> line named ATX that are the ones that separated
> freequently. Another common problem with OEM parts was
> the batteries. We replaced batteries from new(less than
> a year old) Fords and Chevys all the time. Ford
> batteries seemed to bulge out and fail, while the side
> terminals of Chevy batteries came out and spilled acid
> everywhere. Most of the time the Chevy batteries had
> never been disconnected so owner overtightening could
> not be suspected.
>
> There have been several comments on air pressure. A
> lower air pressure will give a softer ride while
> increasing contact patch and adhesion. A higher air
> pressure will give a harsher ride, lower temperatures,
> and increase slip. The sidewall rolling under does not
> effect the adhesion of the tire much. It does effect
> the feel and responsiveness as the tire squirms in
> relation to the rim. In extreem cases the rim may touch
> the ground causing the car to flip. I have replaced
> tires that the sidewalls rolled so far as to pull the
> bead away from the rim enough to allow dirt and grass to
> get inside the tire without it deflating. I have also
> replaced tires with screwdrivers, old valve stems, and
> loose change inside. I guess you should monitor the
> guys that are installing your tires. Don't make them
> mad however, I've seen technitions hammer 2.5 oz weights
> on obnoxious peoples perfectly ballenced new tires.
> Andy
> > On the air pressure vs. tire:
> >
> > I'd run the higher air pressure. This will reduce the heat build up
> > in the tires, and IMPROVE the handling. The RIDE does suffer
> > as you will feel more bumps, and the like.
> >
> > Personally, I'd spend the $400 on new tires. Toss the Firestones,
> > and install anything else. My heart goes out to the families who have
> > lost someone due to an accident. [Local family was on vacation...
> > sadly their 8 year daughter was killed in the roll over.]
> >
> > Also commonly overlooked is that at time (mud, sand, etc) conditions
> > you are better reducing air pressure. Sad part was a couple of hikers
> > who had gotten their rental car stuck in deep sand, and died when
> > they decided to hike out. To "free" the stuck vehicle was to simply
> > let the air out of the tires, down to 10 psi, and DRIVE the vehicle out
> > of the sand.
> >
> > Tom Walter
> > '68 2000 --> darn hard to spot in Austin Traffic
> > '84 Land Cruiser FJ60 --> easiest to spot the RED beast in traffic
> > '99 Maxima SE --> quick and fun, probably the safest vehicle I own
> >
> >
> >
> >
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