Whitewall Tires for 2020? Can we still find them?

[PreferVintage]

Hi Guys...does anyone know what the market is like these days for whitewall tires for classic Mercedes? I need to buy a set for my 280SL and my 280SE...I know Coker bought dies for many of these, but not sure if these are good or safe...any good Japanese makes out there anyone has tried? Every year we go, it's getting harder to find whitewalls! Appreciate any ideas...thanks!

[BWhitmore]

Try Lucas Tires in Long Beach, California.

[124Coupe]

I just went through this. My research left me with:

Hankook Optimo H724
Uniroyal Tiger Paw AWP II
Coker Phoenix 185-14
MileStar MS775

After reading various reviews and talking to specialists, I chose the Hankooks.

[t walgamuth]

I bought the hancooks for my 65 Bonneville. Reasonable price and looked age appropriate.

[Tomguy]

Out of all of those choices, I would also pick the Hankooks - but not because they're good, just because they're the best of those listed.

From what I understand, white-letter tires (also getting harder to find) can be made into whitewalls, because the whole surface underneath the white lettering is actually white. It's a thin rubber coat that goes over the sections to not remain white. Not that I've seen it personally, just know it can be done.

[party]

Originally Posted by Tomguy

From what I understand, white-letter tires (also getting harder to find) can be made into whitewalls, because the whole surface underneath the white lettering is actually white. It's a thin rubber coat that goes over the sections to not remain white. Not that I've seen it personally, just know it can be done.

That's called buffing whitewalls. It's one way to get a wider stripe without paying for Cokers, but I think it will void any warranty.



When I was shopping for whitewalls I went with the Hankooks because they were the best value. Decent tire with long mileage warranty and cheap.

[PreferVintage]

Hi all...I just picked up and mounted the Uniroyals with white walls...I bought these;
UNIROYAL
TIGER PAW AWP II
SIZE: 195/75R14S
The tires have a wider bite on the road, but don't feel as nimble as my earlier tire...ride is OK but not as compliant...they look OK though...attached is a pic...

[PreferVintage]

I forgot to mention, these were $89 per tire, at a chain in the northeast called "Town Fair Tire"...

[tyl604]

Beautiful. Just great. I miss the whitewall tires. Used to use a special spray (think it was in a blue can with a push sprayer on top), let it sit for one or maybe two minutes per directions, and then spray and wipe off. Would leave a beautiful white whitewall.

The first time I ever saw blackwalls on anything other than a police car was in a film which (I think) was named Le Mans and the race car had blackwalls. Maybe 1965?

[PreferVintage]

The whitewall cleaner I use that works great is "Bleche White"...available at Pep Boys and some NAPA stores....I'll post other tire sizes that work...there is a list from several W113 SL forums....

[Tomas7]

Originally Posted by PreferVintage

Hi all...I just picked up and mounted the Uniroyals with white walls...I bought these;
UNIROYAL
TIGER PAW AWP II
SIZE: 195/75R14S
The tires have a wider bite on the road, but don't feel as nimble as my earlier tire...ride is OK but not as compliant...they look OK though...attached is a pic...

!

Gorgeous car with perfect whitewalls

[party]

Originally Posted by PreferVintage

The whitewall cleaner I use that works great is "Bleche White"...available at Pep Boys and some NAPA stores....I'll post other tire sizes that work...there is a list from several W113 SL forums....

Bleche White works great on black sidewall tires too. Removes the brown crap that releases.

[CTD]

I use MAXXIS tires on my old Fintail. They are available in the 185/80R13 size with a whitewall. I think they are also available to fit the later 14 inch wheels.

[Todd Miller]

Nice to see there are still some options. I still have a set of 195/75-14 Goodyear Invicta GA "double whites" on mine and will be sad when it's time to see them go.