Topic: Firestone Deluxe Champion Tires

[vacreeper]

Newbie here with a question on tires. I purchased parts from an estate which included four Firestone whitewall tires. All are 6.95X14 and all are pre-68 as they do not have any DOT markings. Two have, 1/2 inch whitewalls, one has a 5/8 whitewall and one has a 1 inch whitewall. My question is which ones are correct for Mustangs. Thanks, Steve

[C5ZZKGT]

I think its the 5/8"

[64rustang]

My understanding is a 5/8" whitewall is correct for 66, and 7/8" for 65.

[Dave Stribling]

Newbie here with a question on tires. I purchased parts from an estate which included four Firestone whitewall tires. All are 6.95X14 and all are pre-68 as they do not have any DOT markings. Two have, 1/2 inch whitewalls, one has a 5/8 whitewall and one has a 1 inch whitewall. My question is which ones are correct for Mustangs. Thanks, Steve

The very early Mustang through 65 got the "Cookie Cutter" or "serrated" style tire like below:



This tire has the 7/8 inch wide whitewall and you can see it in several of the Ford promo shots in Don Farr's  Mustang Recognition Guide.  In 1966 the Deluxe Champion lost the serrations and looked like the Goodyear Power Cushion, which was introduced in 66. The non serrated units were also used through 67. In 68 they began using the letter system (G78-14 e.g.).

Take a look at the date codes on the tires.  The last three digits on date code denote the manufacture date.  The tire in the photo above is dated 000223, which means 22nd week of 1963.  Take a look at the dates - I might be interested in your tires! - Dave

[mgmradio]

All 66 Unrestored Mustangs that I have seen with there original Firestones had the early pie crust edges. The change probably took place in late 66 as I haven't seen the pie crust edges on 67's.