Okay guys,
After all of the horror stories, and warnings from everyone, I am finally considering replacing my original 1962 Vredestein tyres on my Amphicar. Especially since a careful inspection revealed weather checking on the inside, although not yet big enough to let my hand slip in (or to let the air slip out), is far worse than what appears on the outide. Man, I am going to miss that really cool tread pattern!
Can anyone tell me which tyres are a best alternative, and will fit without ubbing or spacer modifications. I think that I would prefer a whitewall radial for improved ride and handling, but I really don't want to pay Coker prices for these tyres. Do the radials look stupid, or are they okay on the Amphicar?
Plese also include sources and prices for your suggestions.
Thanks for your help and advice.
Chas


        
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I am guessing that I am talking with Charles in Newton - anyway it doesn't
matter. Regarding tires, though your spelling of tyres may have me addressing
someone else, I recently re-tired one of my cars and after a lot of thought,
consultation, consideration and etc., I bought Diamondback Classics. However,
you mentioned not wanting to pay Coker's prices and I think these are right
in the same ball park. However, this family run company in existence for 50 or
more years is in South Carolina and they vulcanize the white wall on right
at their factory. I bought real Radial tubeless tires with wide (3-1/2 inch)
white walls and like the several people who recommended them from their
personal experience, I can tell you they are great. The service was great - they
shipped them in about 2 weeks. One of the virtues of their white walls vs
Cokers is that they stay white and I mean white, whereas I have heard and read
numerous complaints about Cokers yellowing. I do not have the Diamondback
Classics on my Amphicar yet, though I am going to have to attend to that shortly,
but others on this Amphicar website said that they put them on their
Amphicars and also endorsed them back when I also was seeking advice on which
direction to go for new tires. I have been driving on tubeless tires with the
Amphicar for 12 years now and have yet to have the first problem except that the
reaction time when turning the steering wheel in the water is less than ideal !

The company is Diamondback Classics. The president is Bill Chapman who will
gladly give you the benefit of his extensive experience. He can tell you
which size he would recommend and why. (I would inquire of other Amphicar folks
who have used his tires and see what size they used to assure not rubbing or
running into problems with clearances on the Amphicar) Diamondback Classics
will send you their catalog which has a lot of interesting information about
tires and their company. They are in Conway, South Carolina and their TOLL
FREE number is (888) 922-1642

Vic Nelson with the Split Personality near
Daytona



**************It's only a deal if it's where you want to go. Find your travel
deal here.
(http://information.travel.aol.com/de...0050000000047)


        
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GORDON IMPORTS INC.. The world's largest source of Amphicar parts and accessories. Visit our new website today.

I went to a local Firestone Service Center,they put on Lemans Champion SE P-185 80/R13. I have had them on for two years now with no problems.
They hold air without the innertubes.
Steve
1964 RED Amphicar


        
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GORDON IMPORTS INC.. The world's largest source of Amphicar parts and accessories. Visit our new website today.