Toronado.org

Just wondered if anyone has reproduced the TFD tires. I have the spare tire from the 66 Toro I had, it's obvious from the back of the wheel that it was mounted on the car, but don't know if they rotated tires and never mounted it again after that or what. Tread depth is approximately 12/32 ", don't know how that compares to a new tire. Tire is a Firestone Deluxe Champion, 8.85-15 with the TFD on the sidewall.
Coker Tires website doesn't list anything for the Toros. In one spot it mentions that they use original Firestone molds to reproduce tires. Does anyone know if it's insufficient demand that has prevented the TFD's from being reproduced, or do the molds no longer exist. Someone told me an original tire could be used to make a new mold but don't know if that's true or not. I'll try contacting someone at Coker to find out.
Russ

I'm sure I speak for alot of people when I say... If you figure out a way to get them reproduced, let me know!

I found 3 1st-Gen Toro's in a salvage yard 'round here, I've been planning to go check and see if the spare tires are TFD's or not. But it's quite a drive, and haven't gotten around to it yet.

Graniteman wrote:Coker is who comes to mind first for me also, I'd think they would have to be the best bet.
My question would be why would you want them?
Totally correct resto?
I wouldn't want to drive on bias ply tires; they just don't compare to modern radial tires.
Please don't get the impression I'm being critical, just curious.

Well, I don't know about him, but I'm not doing a 100% correct resto... (almost) But, they are a piece of the history of the vehicle. How many other cars had tires made just for it? Not alot.

Any word on this?

I've been on Cokers website and could not find TFD tires on there.
I have near perfect TFD spare that may have been on the ground only once.
I like the way it looks in my trunk, it's nice to see what belongs there in such nice condition, along with a complete jack assy. also in fine shape.
I watched a TFD tire mounted on a chrome wheel go on e-bay once , i think the auction closed over 400 bucks.

Early original TFD tires in exceptional shape are very hard to come by, and if you do, get out your Platinum Card as they go for HUGE money! I must have 8-9 original Firestone TFD/FWD skins but wouldn't put them on a car. Also, Larado (I believe made by Goodrich) made a FWD version for Toronado and possibly Eldorado early on too, as I have a few of those as well.

The few Toros I have seen at car shows with OEM original TFD tires were ALL trailered and not ever driven on farther than the show line. That's very wise too.

Trying to find reproduced TFD/FWD tires in correct size, with thin white walls, and in a bias ply tire is not going to be easy. If Coker doesn't have them, they probably don't exist yet. That, and probably 95% of the Toronado buying public would prefer radials anyway for obvious reasons. So that might be why they aren't being made at this time.

However, I'm sure bias ply's are available without the TFD/FWD designation that would come closer to OEM correct than anything.

Sparks

Sparky wrote:Early original TFD tires in exceptional shape are very hard to come by, and if you do, get out your Platinum Card as they go for HUGE money! I must have 8-9 original Firestone TFD/FWD skins but wouldn't put them on a car. Also, Larado (I believe made by Goodrich) made a FWD version for Toronado and possibly Eldorado early on too, as I have a few of those as well.

The few Toros I have seen at car shows with OEM original TFD tires were ALL trailered and not ever driven on farther than the show line. That's very wise too.

Trying to find reproduced TFD/FWD tires in correct size, with thin white walls, and in a bias ply tire is not going to be easy. If Coker doesn't have them, they probably don't exist yet. That, and probably 95% of the Toronado buying public would prefer radials anyway for obvious reasons. So that might be why they aren't being made at this time.

However, I'm sure bias ply's are available without the TFD/FWD designation that would come closer to OEM correct than anything.

Sparks

Well, I'm not a perfectionist by any means, I'd settle for having a modern radial tire that looks like, and has the correct markings for a TFD, personally I'd like to have one original to bring to car shows and such, but that'd be about it....

Well, having a TFD/FWD molded into a modern SBR will probably not ever happen. That aside, a modern SBR will never have the same look/profile as an OEM type bias ply tire. They are simply just way too different of a design.

Most folks with REALLY nice Toros are running Michelins, BFG, Goodyear, Tiger Paws, Red Stripe, or Siberling tires. This is not an inclusive list either. Your biggest problem will NOT be the size of the tire, typically a P235-75 or P235-70 (J/L 78-15), but rather finding that size in with 1" whitewall.

I LOVE the idea of toting around an original T-FWD skin for show and tell though! But man, I would NEVER drive my Toro on them, more than a few blocks at 10 mph.

Sparks