Firestone 721s/ Dimension IV's

["Wm. R. Ulman" <twolaneblacktop@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Paul

When I was shopping several years ago for tires for the, at that time
(1997), recently road ready '60 Convertible, I shopped around for tires,
and found the Dimension IV tires at Evans Tire Center on 15th NW in
Ballard, just down the road from Larry at Gilmour Automotive.  The tire
looked great, but I had never heard of Dimension IV, and did not trust
the mouth breather tire buster who showed it to me since I had never
heard of that brand before.  I thought it was some cheapie tire, and
went on my way shopping.  Les Schwab tires has/had the Broadway Classic
wide white, not quite as wide as the Dimension IV/721 but good tires
anyway.  I had bought a set back in '94 for my '63 Custom 4dr and they
were fine, but I wanted a wider white wall if I could find one at that
time.  When I stopped at my local Firestone shop, and was shown the 721
by a very knowledgeable salesman; I balked at the "721" name as I
remembered the 721 series of the late '70's that would blow apart on
people.  There was a huge lawsuit over them back in the day I believe.
Anyway, they were charging $70.00 each tire, including
mounting/balancing.  I mentioned seeing the Dimension IV tires at Evans,
and to my surprise, he knew all about them and told me they were made by
Yokohama, and that they were a fine tire too.  When I had been to Evans
earlier that day they were having a tire sale, and so I went back and
bought a set.  I got them for $45 each, including mounting & balancing.

Long story short, Dimension IV tires are made by Yokohama.

Bill Ulman

-----Original Message-----
From: mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
[mailto:mailing-list-owner@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
RandalPark@xxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, December 20, 2003 9:37 AM
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: Firestone 721s/ Dimension IV's


I purchased my last set of Firestone 721's in 1997 and put them on my
1980 Lincoln Bill Blass Mark VI. Shortly after that I needed one
replacement tire and was told that they were no longer available. The
Goodyear Arriva went away in 1992. 

I have found an equivelent tire called a Dimension IV which I believe is
made by Bridgestone/Firestone or possibly B.F. Goodrich. I have two sets
of them on two of my more modern cars, the '81 and '84 Buick Park
Avenues, and have worn out a set on the '81. The tires have the same
white wall as the Firestone 721, and seem to be as good or better in
quality.  The set that I wore out lasted for 61,000 miles with out any
trouble.

When I replaced that set in September 2002, the tire store told me that
they were GOING to be discontuned, but I have run into some guys with
older cars that have purchased them since then, so they may still be
avalable.

Once the Dimension IV is gone, I am not sure where I will turn. I was
told that Yokohama makes an equivilent tire, but I haven't been sold on
their quality. More to come I am sure!

Paul

In a message dated 12/20/2004 11:49:25 AM Eastern Standard Time,
imperial67@xxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:

> 
> 
> Bad news, everyone. Firestone has discontinued the 721. I have spoken 
> to my contacts at Bridgestone-Firestone corporate and there are none 
> in inventory to be found, unless your local Firestone store has some 
> stashed in the back.
> 
> Looks like one of our favorite modern-day products for our old cars 
> has become another thing of the past...
> 
> Both my IML-related cars have them now, but the set on my Imp is 
> approaching ten years old and I was hoping to find one more set... Oh,

> well.
> 
> Chris in LA
> 78 NYB Salon (originally equipped with 721s)
> 67 Crown
> 
> RandalPark@xxxxxxx (RandalPark@xxxxxxx) wrote:
> 
> > Bill, Firestone 721 whitewalls are great for '66.
> 
> 
>