New Firestones on the Market

[StLouisCadMan]

Just out last week, Firestone Firehawk "Wide Oval".



I just bought CHROME C4 sawblades that are 17" x 9.5" for all four to go onto my 95 Convertible Vette and was looking for options on tires.



GEEEZ what a nightmare!! After reading so many posts and replies about tires real confusion overwhelmed me. All I wanted was 2 more Firehawk SZ50s 285 40 ZR17, which are no longer available.



Well as it turned out my local Firestone dealer informed me that there was one set available of the new release, Firestone Firehawk "Wide Oval" in St. Louis that he could have in 2 hours. Well I had already spent a few weeks looking at just about every tire make, rating and tread pattern that would fit my Corvette and have maximum rating with a bold look, so what the heck was two more hours.



When I returned to the dealer later that day and seen these tires, the first thing I said was "Let’s do it, Mount em up".



Wow what a difference, I immediately noticed the ride difference, the quietness and the much improved traction over the Firehawk SZ50.



Last night I polished the Chrome Sawblades, Bleach whited then armor alled the sidewalls of the of the "Wide Ovals" and can't wait to get another paycheck so I can put some high octane (97) in my empty tank and tear up the town, (Well maybe just cruise around).



Seriously, the Wide Ovals were pretty darn easy on the pocket book, $850 and driving down the road with road hazard coverage and lifetime rotation and balance. (What actually is a lifetime on Vette tires with a heavy right foot?)



Any way if anyone is interested in OEM 95 wheels with Firehawk SZ50s with 75% tread, let me know.

 

[ßill]

Pictures of wheels and tires on the car please. I don't think i've ever seen a C4 with white walls.

 

[WhalePirot]

Pictures... please. I don't think i've ever seen a C4 with white walls.

Are they white walls or just the white, wide oval, like the old ones? Gee, the Japs own Firestone and they're in this retro thing......Big surprise about the resurrection of the wide oval name! NOT!!

 

[StLouisCadMan]

Sorry For The Confusion!!!

I use "Wesleys Bleach White" to remove scuffs and clean tire rubber before putting "Armoral Protectant" on for tire shine.

The name of the Firestone Firehawk is the "Wide Oval".

I will try to get a picture soon.

 

[WhalePirot]

I thought Armor All pulled the natural oils from tires and caused them to crack prematurely.

Isn't bleaching for blondes? :L

I just use slightly soapy (as in very mild detergent or car wash stuff) water, but I am not a huge fan of shiny tires; just my opine.

 

[MyOtherCar]

Armor All is so last week and low tech!! Toss it and try Meguiar's Endurance brand of tire gel. Lasts long time, doesn't wash off in the rain, and won't turn your sidewalls brown.

 

[WNH]

I use "Westley's Bleche-Wite", thats' the correct spelling. I use a scrubbing brush, It cleans the tire down to the bone, squeeky clean.
Then I use Armoral, or some other dressing.

 

[EttevroC]

One word, Ajax...

Yep, the previous owner of my vette would use Ajax on the tires. He didn't believe in using the glossy protectants and such.

I have to admit, when I bought it almost a year ago, I thought he had new tires on it, only the tread depth gave away the true age of the tires.

 

[Edmond]

I was disappointed when they discontinued the SZ50's and I have to admit that I was a little bit easier on the throttle for a little bit because I love those tires. Then I said, "To heck with it, I'm driving it and if the tires go, I'll replace them with something else.":L:L:L