These were "modern" tires (this was 2000 when these incidents occurred.) I
don't have the specifics, but at least some of the tires involved were
PASSENGER tires, not Light Truck tires. And some were on larger rims than
the Vanagons use.
Kim
---------------------- Clip ---------------------------
The problem was that the "Modern" wasn't so modern.
When network news reporters started looking at the manufacturers codes on
new Ford Explorer tires on New Explorers in Dealer Stocks, they found than
many tires were NEW but manufactured over ten years ago.
Since most tire companies recommend replacing tires that are over 6 years
old that makes Firestone and Ford responsible.
The Agilis 61 185R14C R tires on my Westy showed very little wear after
50,000 miles and they were more than six years old.
Catch 22?

Stan Wilder
Engine Ceramics
214-352-4931
www.engineceramics.com
----- Original Message -----
From: "Kim Brennan" <kimbrennan@MAC.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, October 03, 2005 11:01 AM
Subject: Re: Vanagon Tire Guidelines Report

> >About the blowouts, did you mean Ford
>  > Explorer/ Firestone or was there a Bronco/Bridgestone fracas that I
> somehow
>  >missed? Seeya, Jake
>
>
> It was all part of the same problem Bridgestone-Firestone is the same
> company now (and when the tire blowout issues first came to light).
> While Ford Explorers were the first reported, they were not the only
> vehicle involved. Rangers, Broncos, F-150's Toyotas, Isuzus also
> experienced blowouts.
>
> These were "modern" tires (this was 2000 when these incidents
> occurred.) I don't have the specifics, but at least some of the tires
> involved were PASSENGER tires, not Light Truck tires. And some were on
> larger rims than the Vanagons use.
>
> Get the RIGHT tires. Catastrophic blowouts are to be expected if you
> use a Passenger tire on a Vanagon. The fact that it has not happened
> yet, is not a guarantee that it can't or won't happen in the future. As
> Ron said, get the peach of mind and use the right tires.
>
>
> Kim Brennan
> 86 Syncro. 91 Westy Syncro. 90 Tristar
> Vienna VA. Sugar Grove WV.