Nylon tires were generally viewed as superior in strength and
impact and heat resistance as well as being less susceptible to
aging and moisture degradation in the case of punctures or minor
cuts exposing rayon cord to environmental conditions.
The major drawback of Nylon tires was cold weather thump. The
Nylon tires developed flat spots sitting overnight. Until they
warmed up they produced a noticeable thump. This generated extreme
complaints particularly in Northern areas with colder weather -
and car manufacturers obviously wanted to avoid such complaints.
Rayon tires were the answer (and were slightly cheaper than corresponding grades of Nylon tires - something not insignificant to auto manufacturers). As far as I can recall, the major auto manufactures never used anything except Rayon / Tyrex thru the 1950s / 1960s. Tyrex was a later "improved" incarnation of Rayon.
The blue streak tires on the 300's were an exception in that they used Nylon tires which were viewed as superior to the rayon equivalents with respect to speed and temperature.
And just an aside as to Original Equipment tires in the 50s and
60s - and up until the introduction of the polyglas tires as OE
circa late 1969 / early 1970, OE tires were generally considered
as "junk" by many. They were designed for cost and rayon was
cheaper.
It was not uncommon as a tire dealer in Louisiana in 60s to have a new car buyer come in and upgrade the OE Rayon / Tyrex tires to a set of Nylon tires. We only stocked a few Rayon tires for adjustments of OE defects, but for resale both higher and lower grades were almost exclusively Nylon in the 60's. Tire manufacturers actually published recommended trade prices for a set of 4. The dealer would then sell the set as "Take-Offs" at a deep discount.
--One the images that Marshall shared is a label in his trunk for Tyrex cord. I did some research on this and it is interesting. This label is for rayon cords in tires. The Goodyear Blue Streak tires came with nylon cords.
Seems there was a battle going on between makers of rayon cords versus those making nylon ones. Goodyear used both kings but the nylon corded tires were their premium offering over rayon.
Here's an article from 1961 covering this battle. https://content.time.com/time/subscriber/article/0,33009,894541,00.html
I could not find any tire manufacturer ad mentioning Tyrex but there are lots of standalone Tyrex ads with several implying that nylon cords were actually unsafe.
A mystery why his car has this label in the trunk. Anyone else have one?
Nick
--On Sat, Jan 14, 2023 at 8:59 AM Marshall Larson <granitledge@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
More information on Captive Air tires.
I have two sets of these tires. This is how they compare:
All are Good YearAll are 900/14.All have the reference on the back about inflation procedure.
From there differences appear:
One set is labeled Blue Streak, the other Double EagleTread pattern is dramatically different.Whitewall dimensions and style are different.Overall tire dimensions are different.
Blue Streak Double EagleStanding height 29" 27.5"Cross section 10" 9"Whitewall at wheel 2.125"W .5" off wheel & 1.625"W
Six of these tires are still mounted. No liners in the unmounted.I have made no attempt to find liners in those still mounted.
I have no placards or labels for their warranty or use.
Both E & F have all trunk tools and jacking instructions in place.F has an additional small label indicating the tires have Tyrex Cord.
E Owners Guide explains inflation procedure for Captive Air tires.1960 Chrysler manual shows Captive Air tires are available on wagons.F supplement manual shows:"Your Chrysler 300F is equipped with Special Good Year Blue Streak racing type tires."
Photos enclosed.
For archives go to http://www.forwardlook.net/300-archive/search.htm#querylang
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