Too Old of Tires to Use?

[Vince]

Hi guys,

     I would like your opinions on this.  I have a set of reproduction Goodyear Wide Tread GT's E70-15 that were manufactured in Nov., 2003 that I put on my '69Z for less than a year in April, 2004.  Since then they have been stored in my basement where it is cool, damp in the winter, and of course they were not exposed to sunlight.  I want to replace the Eagle GT II's on my Z that are 14 years old.  I drive my Z about every 2-3 months for about 30 miles of freeway speed, the rest being around town at 25-45 mph.  Are my old Wide Tread GT's alright to put back on my Z now, or are they too old where I should buy new ones?  I have read articles mentioning tires should be replaced with everywhere from 6-10 years being mentioned.  Thanks for your input. 

[77thor]

In my opinion, for the amount you drive that car, you should be fine to use them.

[lakeholme]

What do the sidewalls look like? Cracks, etc?
How damp is damp? Enough to get mold?

[IZRSSS]

A new set of tires would be a small price to pay for peace of mind. Obviously you have concerns and this would be enough for me to make the change. Also, don't forget about protecting your Z and more importantly those inside.

[maroman]

How about I confuse you more, Vince? Read the salt flat forum, some of those guys run 40 year old tires at 200. Like has been suggested, it depends on the tire condition. What do they look like? I have a set of tires for my 20's car that were made by a Co. out of business for about 30 years, and they look perfect. But it only goes 45 MPH.

[Vince]

My basement is ventilated but can get water on the concrete floor after a heavy rain; the tires have been stored elevated on upside down folding chairs.  Definitely no mold has formed on them.  Three of the tires have what I would call patterns developing on the sidewalls and in the white lettering, not really cracks but definitely not perfectly smooth as one tire is.  I think based on my looking at them closely and noticing the sidewalls (pre-cracks?) I'm going to go ahead and get a set of new ones and save the best old one for a spare.  Thanks guys for your input. 

[lakeholme]

Good decision! I'm pretty particular about my tires and brakes.

[TX-302]

Vince also asked for a supplier for the GT reproduction tires, can someone recommend a reputable dealer?

[x66 714]

Vince
I sent you a PM for Rusty Small (smallhurst) on VCCA chat & Yenko site. He can get the tires for you at a great savings. I don't have his e-mail so I gave you a phone number.....Joe