Need to find Firestone racing tires

[S10man]

I'm building a '63 Indy Roadster and would like to put rubber tires on it instead of the plastic ones in the kit. Anyone know of a source for these old style tires? Thanks.

[Jairus]

Sure, but your going to need to figure out the correct sizes you need before you buy.

This link: http://www.professormotor.com/tirecentral.shtml

Professor Motor specializes in realistic and replacement parts for vintage slot cars. Some of the tires they offer are not actually rubber but silicone. The sidewall/tread detailing on most of the tires is set in the mid 60's during the heyday of the slot car which is perfect for your project

Click on the HTML code in the "Other Silicones & Euro Type Tires" column.

Search for the tires you want based on the vehicle type.

I would email Professior motor for a pic and exact spec.s before buying to make sure.

Since this is a static model and not a slot car the tires don't have to be an exact tight fit... they simply have to look right! Right?

Good luck!

[S10man]

Thanks for the info Jairus. I e-mailed Professor Motor to see what they might have available. The only other option might be to get some tire tread decals for the kit tires.....any thoughts on that?

[Biscuitbuilder]

I'm building a '63 Indy Roadster and would like to put rubber tires on it instead of the plastic ones in the kit. Anyone know of a source for these old style tires? Thanks.

Firestone's 1963 racing tires were an odd breed, particularly those mounting on Halibrand 15" rims. 1963 was the last year for Firestone's "balloon tires" in racing, both in the old 18" rear, 16" front, and the 15" all around.

AMT's original-issue Willard Battery Special and Lotus Ford kits had exactly the right tires, complete with correct tread, just missing the Firestone lettering--look to Fred Cady Design for that lettering.

Biscuitbuilder

[S10man]

Firestone's 1963 racing tires were an odd breed, particularly those mounting on Halibrand 15" rims. 1963 was the last year for Firestone's "balloon tires" in racing, both in the old 18" rear, 16" front, and the 15" all around.

AMT's original-issue Willard Battery Special and Lotus Ford kits had exactly the right tires, complete with correct tread, just missing the Firestone lettering--look to Fred Cady Design for that lettering.

Biscuitbuilder

Thanks again for the info Art. I'm going to try to get one of those kits off e-bay.

[S10man]

I scored one of those original kits on e-bay tonight, so now I have some correct tires. I'm going to see if I can get someone to cast me some extras for the other roadster and the Lotus. Bill