Old Tires and Rubber Parts

[OldZ28Owner]

In the Mecom auction this past weekend, there were several cars that were listed as "Original with all original parts, unrestored." One even talked about the owner locating and buying for $40,000 an original battery and tires made in that period, not reproductions. I can understand the battery if it was never charged, but how could the tires not be dry rotted? And hoses, belts?
I tried to post this earlier but forgot the title, so sorry if it showed - I couldn't find it.

[njsteve]

If stored properly the tires can last quite a long time without dry rotting but I would not recommend driving on them at any high speed.

Storing them in a cool dry place is a good start but they can't be left near any electrical equipment as the ozone that these electro-mechanical devices emit destroys rubber products. That's the problem most people run into when they store them in their basements...right next to the ventilation fans and heater/AC equipment.

[camarojoe]

Anyone paying 40 grand for a battery and set of tires for a car is likely just rolling it in and out of a box anyhow, so the concern of if the tires are "roadworthy" probably doesn't matter much.

A few years ago when I showed Steve Sandlin's 15k mile 69 RS/COPO, it had its 4 original "born with" Tiger Paws, all original GM belts and hoses from 1969. I drove the car around a little for a couple photo shoots, etc. Sometimes up to 35 or 40 mph and everything worked fine, but I don't think I'd have felt comfortable setting out on a 500 mile highway trip without swapping some of the 40 year old rubber parts.

Bottom line is that cars with ultra low milage and all original stuff don't see "regular" use like that anyhow...and probably never did.

[Charley Lillard]

The tires on my 1100 mile Z28 show no cracking at all.

[ORIGLS6]

And the hoses on my 39 year old, 32000 mile Chevelle are still in great condition.

[beater68427]

The front tires for beater look new 30+ old, the slicks look great but show some very mild cracking around cords, side walls very thin on them, the part that is amazing the trunk weatherstrip looks new, its the oe stuff kida skinned looking foam.

[Sportyworty]

I run G60-14 Goodyear Polyglas and they are at least 40 years old. I do keep a close eye on them though.