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Improve the Goodyear Billboards
For the last several months I have been in touch with Greg Stucker the head of marketing and sales for Goodyears race tire division. I have discussed with him if its possible to "improve" the Billboards. Issues such as leaking air, flat spotting, cracking, tram lining, etc. He seemed open to the idea. Previous to this I had spoken to Chris Maletti who is no longer with Goodyear. He was very enthusiastic and said Goodyear had a new compound that would be perfect. I have also discussed this issue with Roger Kraus and the folks at Shelby. Both felt the billboards should/could be completely redesigned so as to better compete with the Avon's. They even want it to be DOT legal! Shelby stated that the were willing to buy several thousand tires if Goodyear would do this but they were pessimistic. Last I spoke to Greg he said Goodyear was revamping there vintage line. He said he would see he could do.
Since then I have not heard from him. I feel if enough people call then it will move him/Goodyear to act. The billboards look GREAT but lets face it, they have issues. If Goodyear can fix these issues it will be a win/win for everyone... Call Greg at 330-796-4422 or email greg_stucker@goodyear.com |
I for one would like to see an additional size made in the Billboards so they could be used on 289 bodied cars. The sizing similar in all aspects to that of the G7 600 x 15 & 700 X 15 Blue Streak Sportscar Specials would fill a large void that Goodyear is missing in the current market place. I believe that the number of tires used by all the Cobra owners with 15" wheels that would actualluy use them is a small percentage in terms of tire volume HOWEVER from a marketing standpoint the fact that they would be on a high profile car such as a Cobra would be a plus. I think given a choice, a large percentage of us would gravitate towards Goodyear, providing the tire was DOT approved. Since that's what came on the cars, it's what they are and were raced with AND the fact that Shelby was always a Goodyear Race Tire distributor. They belong on a Cobra!
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Rick
Tbh we never discussed new sizes. Just improving the quality if the tire. BUT that's certainly something you can ask him. I think we should use this opportunity to encourage them to improve the tire. I would encourage anyone who has a cobra to teach out to him. |
If they could improve market share with an additional size, perhaps from their standpoint it may be worth it. There has been a large increase in demand for small block versions of the Cobra. They would be well advised to be aware of it.
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I agree. Again I would encourage as many Cobra owners as possible, no matter what brand, to contact Greg and voice their views. Lets take a page out of modern day politics and make this a "grass roots effort".
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It would be great to see them also think about different rim sizes other than just 15". With my brakes I cant run anything smaller than 16" rims.
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tcrist,
This is a vintage tire. I doubt they are going to go that route. Bear in mind, the idea is to work with what we have. Which is not much. If we hit them with too many varied demands it wont work. The choices for 16,17,18 inch tires is much greater than 15 inch. Lets stay focused. |
It may be too much for a number of us to contact him individually. Maybe an alternate approach would be for each of us to write our view on this thread, and then send him the thread.
I would love to get a set of Billboards (for a 15" 427) that are DOT legal - even if the design is similar to the current ones and they are bias ply. But it would be even better to have a radial version. I may go with the Avon's, but I don't think you can match the look of the Goodyears and I would prefer to use Billboards if at all possible. |
Cobrafan1,
OK, I'll just keep my suggestions to my phucken self. I guess if it not YOUR suggestion then there is no suggestion. Fine with me. I'm out. |
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Billboards would get my money over Avons if they were DOT legal. I'd even be open to them naming it differently ie: "Street Billboards" or "Billboards_V.2" I'm looking for the Billboard look (Belly in the sidewall, with the GoodYear logo painted in). Any other improvement would be a bonus. |
I agree with Lippy
Would be great to have a radial version billboard Think they would sell like hot cakes |
Carmine, Lippy, Dimis,
Agreed. Maybe take a multi pronged approach. Phone calls, emails, etc. In my business, when I get enough requests for something, I pay attention. The squeaky wheel gets greased. I like the idea of a DOT legal radial billboard. From what I've been told, a simple compound change would go a long way toward alleviate the issues with the Billboards. A DOT radial billboard would more involved BUT would be light years ahead of where we are now...And yes, I agree they could charge a premium for it and get it! |
Dot Billboards? Heck yeah! Been waiting what? 10yrs???
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*13*
Whoa, this is FAR from a done deal. This will only work if EVERYONE tries to contact Greg Stucker. Chances are, he won't pick up the phone or even call back if you leave a message. BUT if enough people email him and express that they want this done, then maybe, just maybe they will move on this. I've been told this is the best opportunity in years to get this done but bear in mind Goodyear is a BIG corporation. We are dealing with corporate types hear. You have to be pc the way you word things. It can fell like your pushing on a string....I'm not the best at wording things; But something to the effect that you are strongly in favor of improving the design of the Cobra Billboard tires to remedy their deficencies such as flat spotting, air loss, tram lining etc. and if possible make it a radial and DOT legal..... |
And of course we want to maintain the look....
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And of course not cost as much as Avons! But then they wouldn't be like Billboards either which would be a good thing. Why don't you provide contact info for the guy at Goodyear, it might encourage some to make the effort.
John |
John,
I did provide the contact info. See my opening post. Its at the very bottom... |
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I measured the tread depth of the old tires and compared them to the new tires. I had only worn 2mm of tread off the old ones. Hurt me a bit to throw the old ones out! David |
David,
Thats exactly what I mean!! Lets be honest with ourselves. Compared to the Avons the quality of the Billboards is awful! The ONLY thing they have going for them are the looks...I think if enough people complain (loudly) then we have a shot. Again, its not often that we have a window of opportunity here like this. AND if they were DOT legal like the Avons the whole legal issue would be lifted off our heads! I don't think this gets the attention it deserves....In speaking to Roger Kraus getting tires certified DOT legal is alot less expensive than one would think. I mean cmon, if the the Brits (Avon) can do it, why can't an American company like Goodyear? |
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