Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Continental ExtremeContact DWS

Tuesday, May 15, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Continental ExtremeContact DWSReviewer's Overall Rating: 8.55

2002 Ford Mustang GT
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Miles driven on tires: 27,000
Location: Hampton Bays, NY
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 27,000 Miles on Tires
May 06, 2012

I was very surprised at the winter/snow performance of these tires. I drive a 2002 Mustang GT, which can be interesting with a dusting of snow but I drove through all the the snow we had the winter before last in NY. I did not have a single problem. For winter driving on a rear wheel drive car, I would suggest these tires.

Wet driving was better than expected as well.

They are not as responsive as the O.E. tires on dry conditions when cornering but do offer a slightly softer ride.

The tread life could be better but there are always trade offs for getting what you want out of a tire. I wanted to make sure I be able to drive my car in all weather conditions, which these tires accomplished nicely. Since I am not driving the Canon Ball Run to work everyday, the performance was not an issue.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Hankook Optimo H725A

Monday, April 23, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Hankook Optimo H725A Reviewer's Overall Rating: 8.5
 
 

2008 Chevrolet Malibu
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Miles driven on tires: 73,240
Location: Peoria, AZ
Driving Condition: Easy Going

Initial Review, 73,240 Miles on Tires
April 22, 2012

These tires came with the car when purchased new. OEM tire pressures are low for my liking on the Malibu and we wanted to maximise fuel economy. I adjusted presures to 42psi front and 38psi rear. For comparison only, vehicle was driven in the SF Bay area, in and around northern Cal for the first half of the tire life with the second half in Phoenix Arizona. The 08 Chevy Malibu is not a performance car and is not meant to be driven like one, niether are these tires. If you want a performance car and tires buy a Corvette, Camaro, GT500 Mustang and hit the track.
The Chevy Malibu has been operated as it has been designed along with the tires that were put on it. They handle very good in wet and dry conditions and are very pradictable with good feedback through the steering wheel. In the twisty mountain roads such as driving to Yosemite in Northern Cal or up to Jerome in Northern Arizona these tires performed very well with no issues, even in light snow conditions. At Freeway speeds from 55mph to 80mph they handled great. City mpg was at 23mpg, freeway 31mpg with these tires. Tires have been rotated every 5 to 7k miles and wheel alignment checked if a problem was noticed such as a drift or pull when driving.
If a tire shop tells you not to buy these tires because there are better ones out there, they are just trying to push what they want to sell. Not what's best for you, your car and what it was designed for.

 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H&V)

Friday, April 20, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Yokohama AVID ENVigor (H&V)Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.78

2009 Ford Mustang
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Miles driven on tires: 30,000
Location: Washington, DC
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 30,000 Miles on Tires
April 17, 2012

I've had these tires for over a year now and I LOVE THEM!!! I used to have a 95 mustang convertible that I refurbished and wish I had known about these tires then. I got these tires last year right around the time the DC/VA/MD area was hit with crazy storms and we had flooding everywhere! I drive 66 miles daily to and from work...mostly spend time on the highway and let me tell you these bad boys were awesome! No hydroplaing, skidding, etc, took everything at regular speed while everyone else left and right were hyrdoing everywhere (I felt like I was in a commercial). Anyone who drives a rear wheel drive car knows all to well how easy it can be to bust a donut just about anywhere especially if the road is slick.I really feel safe with these tires. I am one of those people who likes to hear the road beneath them so noise was not an issue. Its a great combo of preformance and touring. I highly recommend them.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Ecsta LX Platinum

Friday, March 30, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Kumho Ecsta LX PlatinumReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.3

1994 Ford Mustang GT Conv.
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Miles driven on tires: 46,000
Location: Saylorsburg, PA
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 46,000 Miles on Tires
March 27, 2012

I have driven these tires until the wear indicators were flat with the tread. I got roughly 47,000 miles out of them (rounding to the nearest 500). I drive a 1994 Mustang GT, and my driving style is very spirited. I was not gentle with these tires, I did not baby them at all and to get as many miles out of them as I did, I'm truly impressed! The only thing I will do differently with my next set of tires is rotate them at EVERY oil change (5k miles). This is most likely due to my driving style. I think I may get some additional miles out of them with the more frequent rotation.

Driving in the wet / rain was excellent in the first half of the tread life. For the second half, and just before they needed to be replaced the wet driving took a little more care. Using common sense and slowing down when water is ponding on the road was necessary as the tread life dwindled.

I also had the opportunity to drive in light snow with this tire. This is obviously NOT a snow tire, but it did get me home before the snow storm was too much to handle.

All in all this is a FANTASTIC tire. I am on my second set for this car and recommend these to my fellow mustang owners. The cornering / handling in dry weather was outstanding. Definitely a perfect match for my driving style. I would like to note that I have 2003 mustang Mach 1 wheels on the car (17x8 rim). The tire size mounted is 235 50 17 which gives slightly more side wall. This did NOT impair performance but it did fill out the wheel well more since the car is not lowered. I also have a set of these tires on a 2005 mustnag v6 with 18x8.5 2008 GT wheels on it and they work perfectly.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500

Tuesday, March 27, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Firestone Firehawk Wide Oval Indy 500Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.75

2006 Ford Mustang Coupe
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Miles driven on tires: 5,000
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 5,000 Miles on Tires
March 13, 2012

I have a 2006 Mustang V6 with the GT wheels, I purchased the Firehawks because I liked the style of the tire and the other reviews based on the tire. I have also checked out the Firestone Website about this tire. I'm very happy with the performance on dry and wet roads with this tire, cornering is amazing and from a stop the tires just GRIP! I have complete confidence in these tires. THe only other tire I was considering where the Pirelli's but I don't think I will ever change to them with the way these tires have performed. Extremely Happy with these tires. I will buy them again and again.

Hurst Stunner for Mustangs

Monday, February 20, 2012 by Ben Rooney

The Hurst name has been synonymous with American muscle cars and performance for years. Tire Rack is pleased to offer a modern take on classic performance with the Hurst Stunner wheel. 
 

This modern classic has a machined aluminum finish with anthracite (dark gray) accents in the recessed pocket of each spoke.  
 

These wheels are currently produced in 20x9 for the front or all four corners, with an option to go 20x10 on the rear. View these wheels in detail and check current pricing and availability by searching by vehicle
 

The Hurst Stunner is also available for the Mustang's archrival, the Chevy Camaro. 

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

Monday, February 20, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.


Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3Reviewer's Overall Rating: 9.12

2009 Ford Mustang GT
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Miles driven on tires: 20,000
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 20,000 Miles on Tires
February 16, 2012

Very nice tire! 110 mph in downpooring rain without any problems. I could feel the wheels shed water as I went through spots of pooling water. Very interesting ride quality. These tires do not like cold weather though. I don't recommend them in anything below 45 degrees (F). I get lots of compliments on there looks.

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the General Altimax Arctic

Wednesday, February 15, 2012 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

General Altimax Arctic Reviewer's Overall Rating: 7.36
 
 

2001 Ford Mustang
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Miles driven on tires: 500
Location: LONG VALLEY, NJ
Driving Condition: Average

Initial Review, 500 Miles on Tires
February 03, 2012

This rear wheel drive car was essentially un-drivable in snow with the all season tires we had on it. Only had one small snow storm since putting these tires on - but clearly vast improvement. Tested on very steep & curving road and made it with no problem - just some very slight spinning - on very steep section - but kept going. Would not have made it up said road at all with prior tires. Have same tires on my Mazda Speed3 and they are even better on that front wheel drive car - will pull thru snow even when touching front bumper & dragging bottom of chassis. Dry weather performance on the Mustang was no worse than the prior all season tires. Obviously not as good as high performance summer tires I use on Speed3 - but that is the nature & trade-off of dedicated snow tires.

Winter Wheel Fitment for Brembo-Equipped Ford Mustang GTs and GT500s

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 by Marshall Wisler
Sport Edition F10 Silver PaintedRecently, a wheel has been added to our fitment arsenal that allows for additional winter options on Brembo-equipped 2011-12 Ford Mustang GTs and 2007+ GT500s. These cars, equipped with 14" front brakes and four-piston calipers have until now been very difficult to cost-effectively outfit for the winter.

Having a design that focuses on spoke clearance as well as carefully selected offset, the Sport Edition F10 provides the necessary clearance to avoid brake interference. In addition, it's offered in 18" fitments that allows for more tire selections and additional tire sidewall height that many drivers look for to cushion harsh blows on rough winter roads. 

While this wheel was crafted to clear factory big brake kits, it will also fit on any 2005+ Mustang.

Driving a powerful, RWD, solid axle car through winter conditions can be challenging enough with any equipment. While you'll still need to be attentive and aware of the vehicle's capabilities, a proper Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package can turn your summer sports car into a year-round, all-weather warrior.

Start enjoying winter driving in your vehicle and build your Winter / Snow Tire & Wheel Package today!

Lowering Your Ford Mustang

Thursday, January 5, 2012 by Logan Woodworth
The late model Ford Mustang is fast becoming an extremely popular vehicle for both customizers and enthusiasts. This is partly due to the volume of aftermarket parts available and the demand from consumers to set their Mustang apart from the crowd and show off their personal style.

In addition to custom paint jobs and aftermarket wheels (rims), many Mustang owners are opting to lower their cars for more aggressive handling and appearance. Due to the flexibility of the late model Mustang chassis, there are several ride height and stiffness options available.

Depending on the version of Mustang, there are several options for lowering from standard non-adjustable springs to fully adjustable coil-over kits. Coil-over kits offer the height and dampening adjustability that is not possible with a spring-only application.
Eibach Multi-Pro Coil-Over R2 Kit for 2011 Mustang GT
It's important to note that when changing a vehicle's ride height, alignment adjustments will be needed for your vehicle. For lowering, this typically includes reduction in camber to counter the camber increase caused by shorter springs. For the newer Mustang, a set of camber bolts will do the trick for the front and an adjustable panhard bar or trailing arm for the rear.

When you're looking for Mustang shocks, springs, coil-over kits or other suspension parts for your ride, be sure to shop by vehicle to find the parts that are a great fit.

New Wheel from Hurst

Thursday, December 29, 2011 by Logan Woodworth
Tire RHurst Stunner (Machined w/Anthracite Accent)ack is excited to offer Hurst wheels for the new Chevy Camaro and Ford Mustang.

The Stunner is a new custom wheel (rim) that is exclusively engineered for the late model Ford Mustang and Chevrolet Camaro. The wheel is available in a 20" diameter for either staggered or non-staggered applications.

Designed with a durable, machined/clear-coat finish to protect the wheel from corrosive elements, this new wheel is the perfect complement to your Mustang or Camaro tires.

Shop by vehicle to see if the the new Stunner is a fit for your vehicle.


Tire Rack Consumer Review of the BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDWS

Wednesday, December 28, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

BFGoodrich g-Force T/A KDWSReviewer's Overall Rating: 8.11

2008 Ford Mustang Bullitt
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Miles driven on tires: 23000
Location: Salt Lake City, Ut
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 23000 Miles on Tires
December 24, 2011

I have a 2008 Mustang Bullitt that came equipped with these tires. Honestly, for a top-of-the-line (excluding the Shelby) performance car, Ford should have considered a different tire size and category for this car in the first place. An all season tire on a rear wheel drive with 315 hp? Ridiculous. In any case, in contrast to the previous Bullitt owner's review, I only got 23k miles out of the original set and I do not do any burn outs. There is virtually no way to improve traction in a rear wheel drive sports car in the snow except by putting on a set of bonafide snow tires and swapping them out for a set of ultra high performace summer tires for dry traction. Thats my strategy for managing Utah weather. Cheers!

Tire Rack Consumer Review of the Kumho Ecsta ASX

Friday, December 16, 2011 by Tire Rack Consumer Reviews

The following post was created from content submitted via Tire Rack's consumer surveys. Information shown is the opinion of the consumer and meant to be used for comparison shopping purposes.

Kumho Ecsta ASXReviewer's Overall Rating: 7.73

2005 Ford Mustang GT Coupe
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Miles driven on tires: 30000
Location: Niantic, CT
Driving Condition: Spirited

Initial Review, 30000 Miles on Tires
December 09, 2011

Bought these in the 255/50-17 size replacing the stock 235/55-17 Pirelli P Zero Nero. This size fits the stock 17 x 8 wheels and is the same diameter so no speedo correction necessary. First off, the wider tire looks much better on this car than the relatively narrow stock tires. The sidewalls bulge slightly with the 8" wheel, but this rim width is well within the tire manufacturer's specifications.

As far as performance, these tires may not be as soft and sticky as the OEM Pirellis, but the extra width provides just about the same overall grip and maybe more. My car is a daily driver, but I have also taken it to 4 road course race tracks for HPDE track days. These Kumhos have been on the track at Watkins Glen now twice, for 2-1/2 hour sessions each, roughly 100 hard laps around the 3.5 mile track. Ideally for track use you want to use ultra performance summer tires, but even being all-season tires the Kumhos performed predictably and solidly. See lap here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzxOGIeYuqQ

After 30,000 miles these tires are about ready for replacement. The original Pirellis lasted 37,000 and I have no doubt the Kumhos would have gone that long too, if not for the abuse at the race tracks (probably the equivalent of 5,000 normal miles). For a high performance tire like this, that is an excellent life span! I'm planning on buying another set.

Boss 302S Wheels Available for Your 2005+ Ford Mustang

Wednesday, November 30, 2011 by Marshall Wisler
Ford Racing Boss 302S If you're looking to spice up your Mustang with a little bit of factory induced flair, take a look at the new Boss 302S wheel from Ford Racing.

The new Boss 302 has been heralded by many as the baddest Mustang ever built. With 444 horsepower on tap, a track-tuned suspension, aggressive Mustang rims (wheels) and tires and monstrous brakes, it's hard to find fault with these claims. Unfortunately, while the new Boss 302 may turn blazing fast lap times and turn heads while doing it, the cost for such pleasure is a staggering $45,000. No doubt still a tremendous performance bargain, but this price tag sadly puts it out of range for the large majority of buyers considering the purchase of America's iconic pony car.

Fear not, as parts exist to freshen up the pony already in your stable. Whether you own a 2005-2010 4.0L V6, 2005-2010 4.6L V8, 2011+ 3.7L V6 or a 2011+ 5.0, the new Boss 302S wheels are designed to fit all members of the S197 chassis team. Designed for use with Brembo brakes, these wheels will even fit the 2011+ 5.0L GTs equipped with the optional Brembo package and any 2007+ GT500. This truly is a versatile wheel that can be used with a large range of applications. What's more is these wheels can be used in a 19x9 at all four corners or with a 19x9 front and 19x10 rear stagger. 

So if you're in need of new Mustang wheels, search by vehicle to find the set that works best with this American legend. 

Introducing New Wheels from Advanti Racing

Monday, September 12, 2011 by Logan Woodworth
Tire Rack is excited to offer a new custom wheel (rim) line from Advanti Racing.

Established in the mid-1990's, Advanti Racing custom wheels offer wheel options for a variety of tastes. Advanti wheels are available in diameters ranging from 15"- 22" and in several finishes including silver, gunmetal, black and hyper black.

Advanti Racing wheels are available in 11 styles ranging from classic 5-spoke to more modern 20-spoke designs. These wheels are aggressively priced from $103.00* each for 15" wheels to $270.00* each for 22".

Some popular vehicle fitments include: Chevrolet Malibu, MAZDA 6, Ford Mustang and Pontiac Grand Prix.

Advanti Racing 15 Anniversary
Advanti Racing 15 Anniversary
Advanti Racing A2 Traktion
Advanti Racing A2 Traktion
Advanti Racing A9 Costola
Advanti Racing A9 Costola

To find out if there is an Advanti Racing custom wheel for your car, contact one of our knowledgeable sales specialists.

*Prices subject to change

Ford Racing Wheels Available at Tire Rack

Wednesday, July 20, 2011 by Marshall Wisler
Ford Racing WheelsAs a Ford Mustang owner and blue oval enthusiast, I often get calls from customers regarding wheels for their Ford vehicle. When Ford saw the need to investigate niche market opportunities, they created the Motorsport's SVT division back in 1991. Tire Rack offers the wheels to upgrade your Mustang, Contour or F150 to the SVT style. 

With sixteen different wheel options available, we are pleased to offer Ford Racing wheels at an attractive price. Regardless of whether you drive a Ford Focus, GT500 or a F150, we have wheels from Ford Racing to fit your application. Check availability and create a Tire & Wheel Package that is a perfect match for your Ford. 

View all Ford Racing options we carry and shop by vehicle.

The Necessity of Aftermarket Shocks / Struts

Wednesday, May 25, 2011 by Marshall Wisler
Since their inception into the market, the 2011 Mustang GT and the 5th Generation 2010+ Camaro have attracted much attention, and I must note I too fell prey to their new designs.

In February, I took ownership of a 2011 Mustang GT 5.0 6-speed. The only options on my car were the Brembo performance brake and wheel package and the 3.73 rear gears. I wanted the fastest base Mustang GT I could buy, but yet even that was not without room for improvement.

My first step toward correcting the lackluster steering response and turn-in feel was to replace the spring and strut / shock assemblies. My components of choice were the off-the-shelf 2011 Mustang GT Eibach Pro-Kit Spring Set and a set of 2010 Mustang GT model Bilstein struts and shocks. Although Bilstein does not yet have a 2011 Mustang GT specific fitment at this time, the use of 2005-2010 Ford Racing strut mounts and the 2010 model Bilstein struts allowed me to successfully use the components. For a more plug and play application and a user friendly guaranteed fitment, consumers can purchase the matching Eibach Pro-Damper Kit which is specifically tuned for Eibach springs on the 2011 models and bolts up without any modification to the strut mount units.

Strut Rod Diameter
Although the Eibach springs are not the stiffest available, their progressive rate is far beyond the factory rate of 150lbs/in. For that reason, it is important to increase the compression and rebound rates of the shock assemblies, not only to increase the life of the shock, but also to increase performance while cornering, and reduce unfavorable motion on transitions and rough surfaces.

At left is a picture of the factory 2011 Mustang GT front strut and its Bilstein rival. The differences in shaft size should be obvious. Upon installing this aftermarket suspension package, my 2011 GT feels like an entirely new car. It doesn't exhibit the floating feeling associated with the stock pieces, and generally feels firmer and more responsive. The steering inputs are met with crisp turn-in and the car behaves very neutral at the limit, which left me quite surprised.

For questions on suspension and more, contact one of our sales specialists.

Ford Wheels

Thursday, March 10, 2011 by Chad Hocker
FoFord Racing Wheelsrd Racing wheels are available at Tire Rack through the Special Vehicle Team division at Ford.

Listed below are a few options for the Fiesta, Mustang and F-150:
Ford Racing SVT Fiesta 15 Spoke (Light Grey Painted) Ford Racing SVT Mustang GT Track Package (Black Painted)
Ford Racing SVT Fiesta 15 Spoke
(Light Grey Painted)
Ford Racing SVT Mustang GT Track Package
(Black Painted)
Ford Racing SVT Raptor (Black w/Machined Lip) Ford Racing SVT 2010 Mustang GT (Machined w/Anthracite Accent)
Ford Racing SVT Raptor
(Black w/Machined Lip)
Ford Racing SVT 2010 Mustang GT
(Machined w/Anthracite Accent)

Enhance your Ford's look with a Tire & Wheel Package available at Tire Rack.

Self-Adjusting Suspension: the Best of Both Worlds

Tuesday, January 18, 2011 by Logan Woodworth

Koni FSD Damper Set Want a sportier ride from your car's suspension system without giving up ride comfort?

Or better handling to go along with your new custom wheels and tires?

KONI offers a unique and affordable solution. The KONI FSD (Frequency Selective Damping) is available for many Euorpean, domestic, and Asian vehicles such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mini, Audi, Mazda, Corvette, and Mustang among others.

The concept of the KONI FSD Damper Set is that it self-adjusts based on the vehicle's body and suspension movement.

Find out more and see if it's availalbe for your vehicle!

HELP! Doing a RESTOMOD and need modern wheels and tires!

Thursday, January 6, 2011 by Mac McNabb
You just finished the bodywork on your '67 Ford and don't want the 14x5.5 wheels, you want the 17x8 chrome wheels to finish off the look!

Here is a road map to matching a custom wheel and tire combo to your classic car or restomod.

OffsetBolt Pattern1. Bolt pattern. You can’t just say, “It’s a Ford or Chevy.” You need to know the EXACT bolt pattern.  Often the Galaxy versus the Mustang for example had a different bolt spread due to different load ratings. 

2. Offset. You need to know your current offset. This can be calculated if you have the backspacing.  In order to calculate though, you need backspacing and wheel width and we can help from there. Even if you are going to make a dramatic change, your previous offset can be a good reference point!

3. Check your clearance. Jack up your car and lower it down onto jack stands so that your vehicle’s suspension is compressed. Turn the wheel left and right and see what type of clearance you have. Make sure you have the measurements on your baseline wheels to give us a starting point and we can go from there. With your baseline plus the clearances at the fully turned points, we can start to paint a picture of what your vehicle will be able to handle. 
 
4.  If you want to take it a step further, lower the vehicle onto about 4 inches of 1X6 stacked up on one corner. Then jack from the opposite corner slowly, with a spotter of course to handle the jack while you are observing. This simulates compressing your suspension, so you can get an accurate indication of how much travel you have and how that affects the wheel tire clearance in the wheel well.

5. Know your car! Find out what outside diameter maximums your tires can handle or what others have run on similar cars. If your car is fully custom, then mock something up with cardboard and work out the dimensions yourself. Always check forums and other fans of your car. If you have a Ford Galaxy, join the Galaxy Club of America and glean some info from other members!

With this wheel and tire information, along with your clearance info, we can help! Get in touch and we will get that classic Ford out of the garage in time for the spring car shows!