Advice?

[ehornung]

Hello,
I am brand new to possessing a classic car... and this site. 
Looks like there is a lot of knowledge here, I hope someone can help with some advice:  I just got a low miles 72 Cuda 340...  that seems to have 15 year old tires on it.  They look almost new.... but I suspect they may not be safe after all this sitting around?  So the first question is:  Are they safe?
Assuming the answer is NO, the next question is:  What size tires would be best to put back on for a mostly stock look?  The fronts are currently 215 70 R14, with 245 60 R14's in the rear, with stock rallye wheels.  I know nothing about tires, or why they are not matching sizes.  Sure appreciate some advice!!!
Thanks very much.

[Chryco Psycho]

Where to start , the tires may be OK if there is no sign of cracking between the treads or on the sidewalls .
the best fit seems to be a 235 60 front & a 255 60 rear but htat is in 15" , I am not sure what if anything is available anymore in 14" unless you want tires for you Echo , Kia  or something .

[brads70]

Those sizes are still available in a BFG T/A ? .... as much as I don't like those tires.   
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Radial+T%2FA

[tommyg29]

Welcome,
Any relation to Paul?! 
If you confirmed from the manufacture date code on the tires they are 15 years old, I wouldnt trust them no matter how good they look, at least not at high speeds
Search online for bfg's and tire rack, etc. People often stagger front and rear because they like the look , but if the wheels are the same width its probably pointless.
Search this site for lots of fitment advice and pictures to give you some good ideas.
Good luck 

[ehornung]

Thanks for responding!  No relation to Paul unfortunately.  I think I'd like to keep the stock wheels, which are 14's....  so I think I'll go shop for some of those BFG TA's. 

[ehornung]

Oh, and yes....  the most recent tire I have is the spare... and it's 10 years old, still "New".

[Chryco Psycho]

do yourself a favor check any other brand first , Cooper Cobra , Dean Stinger , Daytona anything but BFGarbage

[Super Blue 72]

   Hi and welcome to the site!

Just one little question/something to consider is that you mention "stock" Rallye wheels.  I am not sure what width they are if they are 6" or 7" but just ask whoever you buy from whether or not the 245/60-14 tires are too wide for the rim you are using. 

On a 6" wide rim I think 235/60-14 may be the widest you can "safely" mount, but check your wheel size first then go from there.  If too wide, the center of the tire may bulge and cause an uneven wear pattern and wear out the center of the tire prematurely. 

[Chryco Psycho]

14" are 5.5" wide

[Super Blue 72]

14" are 5.5" wide

I wonder if that 245/60-14 tire is ok on that rim? 

[Chryco Psycho]

I believe that si what I had on my Chall right or wrong when I still had the 14" ralleys

[dutch]

welcome to the site 

looks like I`m the only one here, but I would toss any tire older than 6-7 years.  From around that age you could be facing delamination. Perhaps you could drive another 10 years with them, but personally I would not take the risk.   
I agree with all above on the bfg`s... most are square to begin with 

[ehornung]

Hmmm...  OK, maybe no BFG tires then.  I do appreciate all the comments.   I'm waiting another week to get in to have the leaf springs re-sprung new shocks, new brakes, and some small repairs, trans gasket leaking a small amount etc. When that is done I'll ditch the old tires that sat in a garage their entire life and get some new ones.  No sure why no one seems to like BFG's... But I'll take your advice and run from them.

[dutch]

btw....   

 

[ehornung]

I hate worthless posts!