Coker vs Diamondback radials


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By Mark R - 15 Years Ago
I hope this hasn't been talked to death here to the point I will be branded for asking.

I have never seen Diamondback radials in person so was hoping maybe someone can describe what the 'applied' www actually looks like. Can you tell the difference compared to Cokers? I am in the market for a set of 205 75 R14 www radials for a 57 bird.

Thanks

Mark, Alaska

55, 57 Birds

By rgrove - 15 Years Ago
Havent seen the diamondbacks, but went through an ordeal with coker last year.  Tires were coker classics, had been on the car a few years, and were out of round/balance.  After much back and forth, they warrantied them out.  Replaced them with American Classics from coker.  Tech on the phone said they done sell the coker classics anymore - many problems with them being out of round/unable to balance.

First thinkg I noticed is that the american classics were MUCH lighter than the coker classics.  They balanced out much more easily and so far have been great....Just my 2 cents re: cokers.

At this point, I wouldnt hesitate to recommend the american classics

By speedpro56 - 15 Years Ago
I've used both and will not use cokers again. Diamond backs seem to do much better because name brand tires are used. Another brand that's made in USA ( North Carolina ) is the GoodYear custom super cushion radials wide white walls. Seems to be a real good tire and looks good too. Their ph: 1-800-325-0091 ( Kelsey Tire Inc.) They may be the only ones made in the USA.
By kevink1955 - 15 Years Ago
I had problems with my 2 year old Coker Clasics about 8 years ago, they cracked around sidewall at the bead . After some back and forth they replaced them, did not want to replace the spare as it did not show any problems (never been on the road)

I had to pay the shipping of the bad tires to them and they paid the shipping of the replacments to me.

No problems with the replacments after 8 years so I guess they fixed whatever was wrong in the manfacturing process 10 years ago.

In the end they stood behind the product and did also replace the spare as it was in the same date code range as the others.

By Noob - 15 Years Ago
I had problems with Coker's 8-10 years ago with shape/buldging and balance, but have not had any problems on either of the two sets purchased in recent years.  No experience with the Diamondbacks, but have heard others are mostly satisfied.

Are you planning to run skirts on you 57 bird, and do you have the wheels already.  The reason I ask is that I have a 2 year old set of spokes and Cokers with less than 100 miles on them that are now extras... they need a good home if interested.

Brian

By DANIEL TINDER - 15 Years Ago
Mark R (5/13/2010)
I hope this hasn't been talked to death here to the point I will be branded for asking.



I have never seen Diamondback radials in person so was hoping maybe someone can describe what the 'applied' www actually looks like. Can you tell the difference compared to Cokers? I am in the market for a set of 205 75 R14 www radials fora 57 bird.



Thanks



Mark, Alaska



55, 57 Birds




Mark,



Can't comment on the 14"s, but I just installed a set of custom ordered Diamond Back (Michelin) 205/75/R15s. Replaced a 7 yr. old set of standard Dayton Diamond Backs (no longer available) with 40K mi. (much tread left, but would no longer balance). The Michelins were 1/4" wider, so had to grind down the skirt levers to clear.

If you can get over the slightly "port-o-wall" look of the vulcanized whitewall, they can't be beat in my opinion. Proven quality base tire, and super-easy clean-up.

New Cokers may be better, but the grief the originals cost me removed their company from any future consideration.
By Gordie T - 15 Years Ago
Noob...



Do you still have the 14" tires and wheels for sale...and where abouts are you?



Gt



Sorry about this being in Technical...did a search and just posted question..



Just got home after driving backroads to get home from up north for 5 hours trip that should take 3....Broadway Classic left front shifted a belt or 6....couldn't go faster than 45 or else the steering wheel would shake my hands off. Darn...do I trust the other 3 now or just replace all four...