PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Shiny is Good! => General Pinto Talk => Topic started by: Wittsend on October 19, 2013, 09:29:15 PM

Title: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: Wittsend on October 19, 2013, 09:29:15 PM
I've been in a conundrum regarding wheels/tires for my Pinto.  Not driven daily I can't justify the cost of new tires.  I never was very fond of the Alloys and 225-60-15" tires in my signature picture. And, they have annoying flat spots too.  I put on a set of 13" Mustang II Ralleye wheels, but one of the tires that came with them let go. And..., the others aren't that good either.  So, on the rear I now have 215-60-14" tires on chrome wheels.

Well, I'm cheap, no getting around that. So whatever I was going to do it would mean minimal spending.  I could replace the 15" on the alloys, find a matching set for the 14" chrome wheels on the rear or find tires for the Ralleye wheels. Or???

  I was trolling Craigslist the other day. I saw tires of interest, but sort of blew by them because at 175 they were marginally lacking in the width I desired (185-205).  I had second thoughts a few days later but assumed they were gone. By happenstance I came across the 5 day old posting and figured, "why not (call)."  Some kid answered and said to come on Saturday at 11AM.

Well, the tires are Sumitumo 175-70-13" HTR 200's.  He only had three, but they were NEW! The date code was March 17th, 2010.  The ink printing from the factory was still on the tread. While somewhat stubby the molding nubs were still on the tread.  At best these were mounted, but probably only used to roll a car around the garage.  The best part was I got all three for $35.  Yea, I would have preferred a wider tire, but at $35 I wasn't going to pass up three new tires.

To continue my cheapness I dismounted and then installed the Sumitumo's using "manual labor."  Tomorrow I'm going to give my bubble balancer a whirl and see if I can balance them adequately. Oh, and the need for a fourth tire? Well..., that is all part of the "quest of cheapness" still waiting to be accomplished.

Tom
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: dga57 on October 19, 2013, 10:11:59 PM
Sounds like deal to me!  Congratulation s!!!
 
Dwayne :)
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: ETPinto on October 20, 2013, 01:38:04 AM
LOL you cheapass scoundrel :) I love it! May the winds of thrift fill your sails and carry you to fortunate adventures!
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: 74 PintoWagon on October 20, 2013, 07:31:12 AM
Congrats, wish I could find deals like that,lol..
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: Pinto5.0 on October 20, 2013, 05:21:09 PM
Cheap is always good. I scored 3 Firestone 185/75/13's with 1000 miles on them for $50 off Craigs last month. There are deals out there
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: PintoMan1 on October 20, 2013, 07:44:28 PM
great tires! I just wish they didn't have gone and discontinue that series tire. I have a set of 14" & 15" on my car.
don't know what I am going to do when they ware out. I don't drive mine everyday either!
but awesome score!
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: Wittsend on October 20, 2013, 10:52:03 PM
Yea, ironic I have a '73 Datsun 510 (215-50-13") and a '73 Plymouth Valiant (215-60-15").  Both have Sumitumo HTR 200's. Soon the Pinto will too.  For me they were such a decent tire for the price.

  I think the HTR 200's are still available, but only in limited sizes.  I know for sure I'll never get 215-50-13" ever again.  Sad too because the Datsun has period correct American Libre wheels.
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: dianne on October 25, 2013, 09:19:44 PM
WOW, impressed :D
Title: Re: Great tire deal off Craigslist (The quest of cheapness)
Post by: flash041 on October 25, 2013, 10:35:13 PM
witt I know where there are a pair of brand new  50 series 13 inch tires. A customer or mine has them. Not sure of the with. I will check Tuesday when I stop by his shop. If I recall they were pretty wide.