Pagoda SL Group
W113 Pagoda SL Group => Wanted To Buy => Topic started by: Richard 230SL on March 27, 2021, 19:14:08
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Hi Group,
Does anyone have an original Firestone Phoenix tire in decent shape that they are willing to part with? If you do, I would love to buy it. I have an early 230SL with the vertical spare tire well and would like one for my trunk. Thanks so much, - Rich
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Hi, Rich,
When I bought my '66 230SL 21 years ago it had the original spare tire in the trunk, looking unused. Since I have taken the car on some pretty long trips, I replaced it with a modern spare, and the Firestone Phoenix has been in my garage ever since. I guess I could let it go to someone who would use it (if only for show). I have no idea what one would ask for such a thing.
The tire is currently in storage, so I can't take a photo of it right now, but I could later in the week. If we make a deal, I'll send you some photos before anything is finalized.
-David
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Hi David,
That is very kind of you to offer it to me. Yes, because of the age of the tire I would only use it for car shows and not rely on it for driving. I will send you a private message with my contact information so we can talk. I love my 230SL and I am very grateful anytime someone can help me make it more factory correct; so I definitely will make it worth your time and trouble.
- Rich
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Seriously.
No offense intended.
But this is a reason why I will not put any of my vehicles in shows anymore.
If I was a judge in a drive-in show I would deduct points for a spare tire that is not safe to drive on the road. Original or not.
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Mike,
Absolutely no offense taken. Sometimes I feel the same way - but then I see something on the internet or in person and it motivates me to try to address certain aspects of my own car. Also, generally speaking, I just like old original things and am a huge history buff. It is fascinating to me to think that, in this case a tire, has been around and existed for decades. Also, it has nothing to do with monetary value. I like to show my car because, for a few hours at least, I am surrounded with like-minded people who also love vintage cars. Having a Firestone Phoenix tire in the trunk of their Pagoda may be meaningless to 99.9% of Pagoda owners, but to me it is something I would like to have. (I have attached a photo of how my trunk looks when I open it at a car show. The four tires and spare I have now are new Coker Tire Phoenix repos.)
- Rich
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I understand the desire to have an original spare tire and is a cool thing. I guess the question is this - If you were driving and had a tire blow, would you:
1) Like to be able to change the flat tire and use the spare in situ.
2) Always call a tow truck.
If it is #2, then an original spare tire would work. But if the answer is #1, better get a new spare. Just never know and the more you drive, the more likely you will have a flat on the road.
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I am into historic things also. Big time. They can always be a conversation piece and just for that, it would be nice to have. I draw lines, however, as none of my (historic) vehicles - 2 cars and 14 motorcycles - are just on display. They are being used regularly.