In the specialized world of whitewall tires, one company stands apart with a truly revolutionary approach: Diamondback Tire. Unlike traditional manufacturers who mass-produce standard whitewall designs, Diamondback has pioneered a custom-built approach that combines classic styling with modern performance in ways previously thought impossible. For discerning vehicle enthusiasts who refuse to compromise on either appearance or capability, Diamondback offers an unparalleled solution—handcrafted whitewalls that represent the perfect marriage of timeless elegance and contemporary engineering excellence.
Founded in 1995 by a team of tire specialists and custom car enthusiasts, Diamondback emerged from a simple yet revolutionary concept: what if whitewalls weren't limited to reproduction vintage tires? What if enthusiasts could combine the distinctive style of whitewalls with the performance of modern premium tires? This visionary approach led to the development of Diamondback's proprietary process for adding precision-crafted white rubber to existing high-quality tires.
Unlike traditional whitewall manufacturers who produce complete tires from raw materials, Diamondback's innovative technique involves adding custom sidewall treatments to premium tires from leading manufacturers. This fundamentally different approach creates several significant advantages:
Performance Without Compromise: By starting with top-tier modern tires from manufacturers like Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental, Diamondback delivers whitewalls with handling, grip, and durability characteristics matching the best contemporary tire technology—something impossible with conventional reproduction whitewalls.
Unlimited Customization: The individualized production process allows for unprecedented personalization options, from precise whitewall width specifications to unique colored sidewalls, dual whitewalls, custom lettering, and decorative patterns that transform tires into distinctive design elements.
Application Versatility: Diamondback can create whitewalls for virtually any vehicle category—from classic cars to modern performance vehicles, luxury sedans, SUVs, trucks, and even motorcycles—making whitewall styling accessible to enthusiasts regardless of what they drive.
This revolutionary approach has transformed Diamondback from a specialty provider into the global leader in custom whitewall creation, with a loyal following among discriminating enthusiasts who demand both distinctive style and uncompromising performance from every aspect of their vehicles.
At the heart of Diamondback's expertise is their exclusive sidewall bonding process:
Advanced Material Science: Diamondback's engineering team has developed proprietary rubber compounds specifically formulated for sidewall applications. These specialized elastomers contain precise blends of natural and synthetic rubbers enhanced with UV stabilizers, anti-oxidants, and color-stable pigments that maintain appearance throughout the tire's service life.
Molecular Bonding Technology: Unlike surface treatments or appliqués, Diamondback's process creates a molecular bond between the added sidewall material and the original tire. This vulcanization technique essentially fuses the materials at a molecular level, creating a permanent integration rather than a superficial addition.
Computer-Controlled Precision: The application process combines traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, using computer-controlled vulcanization equipment to ensure perfect temperature, pressure, and timing parameters for each specific tire model and sidewall design. This precision guarantees consistent quality and appearance across matched sets.
Despite advanced technology, the human element remains essential to Diamondback's quality:
Skilled Artisans: Every Diamondback tire passes through the hands of experienced specialists who perform critical preparation and finishing work. These craftspeople, each with a minimum of five years' experience, apply techniques that cannot be replicated by automated processes.
Multiple Inspection Stages: Throughout production, tires undergo a series of quality control evaluations, including visual inspections under various lighting conditions, precision measurement of dimensions and uniformity, and physical testing of bond integrity. Only tires meeting Diamondback's exacting standards continue to completion.
Final Detailing: The finishing process includes hand-buffing of transition areas between materials, application of protective compounds, and a final inspection that evaluates both aesthetic perfection and structural integrity. This attention to detail ensures that each tire meets both performance and appearance standards.
Diamondback maintains rigorous standards throughout production:
Material Certification: All rubber compounds used in Diamondback's process undergo regular laboratory testing to verify proper formulation, consistency, and performance characteristics. This includes accelerated aging tests that simulate years of environmental exposure to ensure long-term durability.
Process Validation: Each production batch includes test samples that undergo destructive testing to verify bond strength, temperature resistance, and structural integrity. These tests ensure that the vulcanization process maintains consistent quality across production runs.
Performance Verification: Completed tires regularly undergo dynamic balance testing, high-speed uniformity evaluation, and road testing to verify that the modification process does not compromise the original tire's performance characteristics—a critical consideration for vehicles where handling and safety are paramount.
Diamondback offers a complete spectrum of traditional whitewall styling:
Width Spectrum: Available in precisely calibrated widths from subtle 3/8-inch pinstripes to dramatic 3-inch full whitewalls, with standard offerings at 1/2-inch, 1-inch, 1.5-inch, 2-inch, and 2.5-inch measurements. Custom widths can be specified to the 1/8-inch for exact period correctness or personal preference.
Profile Options: Choose between sharp-defined edges for a contemporary, crisp appearance or gently rounded profiles that more closely resemble vintage whitewalls from different eras. This subtle detail significantly impacts the visual integration with different vehicle styles.
Finish Variations: Available in traditional bright white, subtle pearl white, or vintage-inspired ivory tones that complement different paint colors and vehicle eras. Each finish option uses specialized compound formulations optimized for color stability and resistance to environmental aging.
Beyond traditional white, Diamondback pioneered colored sidewall options:
Standard Color Palette: Choose from over 25 standardized colors including classic red, royal blue, bright yellow, emerald green, tangerine orange, and deep purple. Each color is formulated with specialized pigments selected for UV resistance and color stability to maintain appearance throughout the tire's service life.
Custom Color Matching: Diamondback's color lab can create precisely matched custom colors to coordinate with vehicle paint, interior upholstery, or specific design themes. This service is particularly valuable for show cars, brand-specific builds, and themed custom projects.
Metallic and Special Finishes: Exclusive to Diamondback, specialty sidewall finishes include gold metallic, silver metallic, bronze, copper, and limited-edition chrome effect. These distinctive options create truly unique appearances unavailable from any other source.
For enthusiasts seeking truly distinctive options:
Dual Whitewalls: Diamondback's exclusive dual whitewall design features white bands on both the outer and inner sidewalls, creating a striking appearance particularly noticeable on vehicles with open wheel wells or custom suspensions that expose the inner tire profile.
Decorative Patterns: Specialized designs including scalloped edges, diamond patterns, ribbed textures, and custom geometric elements that transform tires into distinctive design features rather than merely functional components. These patterns can be subtle or bold depending on the desired visual impact.
Raised Letter Customization: Proprietary technology allows for personalized raised lettering on sidewalls, including custom text, logos, or designs. This exclusive option enables vehicle owners to incorporate names, dates, or brand elements directly into their tire sidewalls for the ultimate in personalization.
Diamondback's process works with virtually any premium tire category:
Ultra-High Performance: For enthusiasts unwilling to compromise handling and grip, Diamondback can add whitewalls to top-tier performance tires from manufacturers like Michelin, Pirelli, and Continental, maintaining the original performance characteristics while adding distinctive styling.
Grand Touring: Luxury vehicles benefit from whitewalls added to premium touring tires that deliver refined ride quality and road noise suppression while providing the sophisticated appearance that complements high-end automobiles.
All-Terrain: Unique to Diamondback, custom whitewalls can be added to selected light truck and SUV tires, creating a distinctive appearance for custom trucks, premium SUVs, and specialized off-road builds that combine rugged capability with unexpected styling.
Vintage Performance: For restomod builds and performance-oriented classics, Diamondback can add period-appropriate whitewalls to modern performance tires, delivering contemporary handling and safety with authentic vintage appearances—the best of both worlds for actively driven classics.
Diamondback offers unique advantages for vintage vehicle enthusiasts:
Era-Appropriate Styling: For concours-quality restorations requiring absolute period correctness, Diamondback can create whitewalls with precise widths, profiles, and finishes that exactly match factory specifications from any automotive era. Their expertise extends to rare European classics, American luxury cars, and specialty marques that often had unique original equipment specifications.
Enhanced Performance: For classics that are actively driven, Diamondback enables owners to combine authentic appearance with modern tire technology, significantly improving handling, wet-weather safety, and reliability compared to conventional reproduction tires. This is particularly valuable for touring events, rallies, and regular recreational use.
Obsolete Size Solutions: For vehicles with unusual or discontinued tire sizes, Diamondback can often add appropriate whitewalls to specially sourced modern tires with equivalent dimensions, solving difficult fitment challenges while maintaining correct appearance and proper function.
The custom car community has embraced Diamondback's unlimited creative potential:
Hot Rod Aesthetics: Traditional hot rods and customs benefit from Diamondback's ability to create distinctive wide whitewalls on modern tire sizes, allowing builders to maintain period-correct styling while using contemporary wheel diameters and widths that improve handling and brake clearance.
Lowrider Specialties: The lowrider community particularly values Diamondback's colored sidewall options and custom pattern capabilities, which enable the creation of truly distinctive rolling stock that complements elaborate paint schemes and customized suspensions.
Restomod Integration: Vehicles that blend vintage styling with modern performance components can achieve visual cohesiveness with Diamondback tires that complement period aesthetics while delivering contemporary performance suitable for upgraded suspensions, brakes, and powertrains.
Modern premium vehicles gain distinctive character through Diamondback customization:
Luxury Sedans: High-end vehicles from manufacturers like Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Bentley acquire unique sophistication with subtle whitewalls that reference automotive heritage while maintaining appropriate performance for sophisticated modern suspensions and electronic stability systems.
Premium SUVs: Distinctive whitewalls or colored sidewalls create unexpected visual distinction for luxury SUVs, transforming production vehicles into personalized expressions that stand apart from standard offerings while maintaining manufacturer-appropriate performance characteristics.
Exotic Accents: Even exotic sports cars and limited-production vehicles can benefit from Diamondback's subtle customization options, with narrow pinstripe whitewalls or color-matched sidewalls that complement special paint finishes and create truly one-of-a-kind presentations.
Diamondback extends their expertise to two-wheeled enthusiasts:
Cruiser Enhancement: Traditional American cruisers from Harley-Davidson, Indian, and similar manufacturers gain period-authentic styling with precise whitewall reproductions that complement classic design elements while providing modern grip and durability.
Custom Bike Distinction: One-off custom motorcycles benefit from Diamondback's ability to create unique sidewall treatments that coordinate with custom paint, unique design themes, and specialized aesthetic directions that define award-winning builds.
Vintage Motorcycle Authenticity: Classic motorcycles requiring period-correct appearances can receive properly sized and styled whitewalls that maintain historical accuracy while providing improved performance compared to increasingly scarce original-specification tires.
The Diamondback experience begins with detailed planning:
Initial Consultation: Work directly with Diamondback's experienced technical advisors who provide guidance on optimal tire selection, appropriate whitewall dimensions, and design options suitable for your specific vehicle and intended use. This consultation can occur via phone, email, or scheduled video conference for complex projects.
Base Tire Selection: Choose from premium tire models from leading manufacturers, with Diamondback providing recommendations based on your vehicle specifications, performance requirements, and driving patterns. For specialized applications, they can work with customer-supplied tires from preferred sources.
Design Specification: Develop detailed specifications for your custom whitewalls, including precise width measurements, profile characteristics, color selections if applicable, and any special design elements. For custom colors, Diamondback can work from paint chips, color codes, or physical samples to ensure accurate matching.
Once specifications are finalized, Diamondback's production sequence begins:
Order Confirmation: Receive detailed documentation of your specifications for review and approval before production begins. This ensures complete understanding of the final product and provides an opportunity to refine details before the manufacturing process starts.
Production Timeline: Standard production requires approximately 2-3 weeks from order confirmation, with complex custom designs potentially requiring additional time. Diamondback provides regular updates during the production process, particularly for specialized or unusual applications.
Quality Verification: Before shipping, each completed tire undergoes comprehensive inspection and testing to verify appearance, structural integrity, and performance characteristics. High-resolution images of the finished product can be provided for customer approval prior to shipment if requested.
Diamondback's commitment extends beyond production:
Installation Guidance: Receive detailed mounting and balancing recommendations specific to your tire design, including suggested techniques for handling custom sidewalls during installation. For complex or unusual designs, Diamondback can communicate directly with your preferred tire installer to ensure proper handling.
Maintenance Kit: Each set of Diamondback tires includes a customized care package with appropriate cleaning products, protection compounds, and detailed maintenance instructions specific to your sidewall design and color selection.
Ongoing Support: Diamondback maintains detailed records of every custom order, allowing for future matching if individual tire replacement becomes necessary. Their technical support team remains available to address questions about care, maintenance, or performance throughout your ownership experience.
Maintaining the appearance of custom sidewalls requires appropriate techniques:
Diamondback Clean System: This pH-balanced cleaner is specifically formulated for custom rubber compounds, effectively removing road grime, brake dust, and environmental contaminants without harming the specialized materials. Different formulations are provided for traditional whitewalls versus colored sidewall applications.
Proper Application Technique: Apply cleaner with Diamondback's microfiber applicator or a soft-bristled brush, using gentle circular motions rather than aggressive scrubbing. Allow the product to dwell briefly before rinsing thoroughly with clean water. For stubborn stains, a second gentle application is preferable to using stronger chemicals or mechanical abrasion.
Cleaning Frequency: Under normal conditions, clean custom sidewalls every 2-3 weeks or whenever visible soiling occurs. More frequent gentle cleaning is preferable to occasional aggressive cleaning, which can damage the surface structure and accelerate aging.
Proactive care significantly extends the appearance and longevity of custom sidewalls:
UV Shield Application: Diamondback's specialized UV Shield creates an invisible barrier against ultraviolet radiation and environmental contaminants. Apply quarterly to clean, dry tires following the specific directions for your sidewall type. Different formulations are provided for white versus colored applications to optimize protection without affecting appearance.
Contamination Prevention: Be particularly vigilant about substances that can cause permanent staining, including petroleum products, silicone-based tire dressings, and automatic car wash chemicals. If exposure occurs, clean immediately with Diamondback Clean to prevent compound penetration.
Environmental Considerations: When possible, park vehicles to minimize direct sunlight exposure on the tires, particularly during peak UV hours. For vehicles stored or displayed outdoors, consider Diamondback's Custom Tire Shields, which provide protection while allowing appropriate ventilation.
For vehicles stored seasonally or displayed for extended periods:
Storage Preparation: Before extended storage, thoroughly clean sidewalls with Diamondback Clean, allow to dry completely, then apply a fresh coat of UV Shield. This creates a protective barrier that prevents oxidation and contamination during inactive periods.
Pressure Maintenance: Maintain proper inflation during storage periods, checking pressure monthly even for vehicles not in use. Underinflation during storage can cause permanent sidewall distortion that affects both appearance and structural integrity.
Periodic Inspection: For vehicles stored long-term, conduct quarterly inspections of tire condition, looking for early signs of environmental damage, pressure loss, or compound deterioration. Early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into permanent damage.
Diamondback's technical advantages deliver measurable benefits:
Structural Integrity: Independent testing confirms that Diamondback's vulcanization process maintains the original tire's structural characteristics, with no measurable change in load capacity, speed rating, or durability compared to the unmodified base tire. This contrasts with some competing methods that can compromise sidewall flexibility or heat dissipation.
Performance Preservation: Dynamic testing demonstrates that Diamondback custom tires maintain the handling characteristics, wet grip, and braking performance of the original premium tires used as their foundation. This allows enthusiasts to select specific performance characteristics based on driving style rather than accepting compromise for the sake of appearance.
Aging Resistance: Accelerated environmental testing shows Diamondback's proprietary compounds typically maintain appearance 30-40% longer than conventional white rubber formulations when subjected to identical UV exposure, ozone levels, and temperature cycling—a critical advantage for vehicles stored outdoors or in regions with extreme climate conditions.
The visual durability of Diamondback custom sidewalls sets them apart:
Color Stability: Specialized pigmentation technology and UV-resistant formulations maintain color vibrancy significantly longer than conventional colored rubber compounds. This is particularly evident in challenging environments like coastal regions with high UV exposure or urban areas with elevated pollution levels.
Stain Resistance: The molecular structure of Diamondback's surface compounds creates natural resistance to common staining agents, including brake dust, road tar, and rubber preservatives that often cause permanent discoloration in traditional whitewalls. This reduces maintenance requirements and helps maintain appearance throughout the tire's service life.
Cracking Resistance: The advanced anti-oxidant package in Diamondback's compounds significantly delays the onset of age-related checking and cracking, preserving both appearance and structural integrity under challenging conditions. This is particularly valuable for show vehicles that may experience extended static display periods.
Despite premium pricing, Diamondback delivers exceptional return on investment:
Extended Aesthetic Lifespan: The superior resistance to environmental degradation typically allows Diamondback sidewalls to maintain their appearance for the full service life of the underlying tire—often 40,000-50,000 miles under normal conditions. This eliminates the premature replacement often necessary with conventional whitewalls that discolor or deteriorate while the tread remains serviceable.
Performance Advantages: By combining custom styling with premium tire technology, Diamondback eliminates the performance compromise traditionally associated with whitewall tires. The resulting improvements in handling, wet traction, ride comfort, and tread life deliver tangible benefits beyond mere appearance.
Resale Enhancement: Vehicles equipped with Diamondback custom tires often command higher resale values in the enthusiast market, where distinctive appearance and quality components significantly influence perceived value. For show vehicles and premium restorations, the investment frequently returns multiples of the initial cost difference versus conventional options.
The distinctive qualities of Diamondback custom tires have earned passionate loyalty among diverse enthusiast communities:
Concours Competitors: Participants in prestigious judged events report that Diamondback's ability to create precisely correct whitewalls on modern, reliable tire structures provides a competitive advantage in shows where both authenticity and overall condition are critically evaluated. The elimination of age-related sidewall issues common with NOS or conventional reproduction tires helps maintain peak presentation quality throughout the show season.
Custom Builders: Professional builders creating award-winning custom vehicles consistently praise Diamondback's ability to transform tires into distinctive design elements that complement overall vehicle themes. The unlimited color options and custom pattern capabilities enable seamless integration with elaborate paint schemes, interior treatments, and specialized aesthetic directions.
Driving Enthusiasts: Owners who actively drive their specialty vehicles appreciate the ability to combine distinctive styling with contemporary performance characteristics appropriate for modern driving conditions. The improved wet traction, predictable handling, and resistance to road hazards provide confidence during extended drives and touring events that would be challenging with conventional whitewall options.
Collection Curators: Managers of significant vehicle collections value Diamondback's combination of authentic appearance and modern durability, which reduces maintenance requirements and extends service intervals for vehicles that must maintain peak presentation quality with minimal attention. The resistance to environmental aging is particularly beneficial for vehicles displayed in varied museum environments.
Diamondback whitewall tires are unique because they're custom-built to order using a proprietary vulcanization process that adds white rubber to existing premium tires. Unlike mass-produced whitewalls, each Diamondback tire is individually crafted, allowing for unprecedented customization options including various whitewall widths, colored sidewalls, dual whitewalls, custom lettering, and decorative patterns. This approach enables customers to combine classic whitewall styling with modern high-performance tire technology that would otherwise be unavailable with traditional whitewall designs.
Diamondback can add whitewalls to most quality modern tires, including high-performance, all-season, touring, and even some specialty tires like off-road models. Their process works with tires from premium manufacturers like Michelin, Pirelli, Continental, Goodyear, and many others. However, they recommend starting with new, unused tires for best results. Some limitations apply to certain ultra-high-performance tires with specialized sidewall construction or tires with existing raised lettering that might interfere with the whitewall application process.
Diamondback whitewalls are exceptionally durable due to their advanced vulcanization process that molecularly bonds the white rubber to the tire sidewall. This creates a permanent integration rather than a surface application. Their proprietary rubber compounds include UV inhibitors and anti-oxidants that resist yellowing, cracking, and staining. When properly maintained, Diamondback whitewalls maintain their appearance for the full service life of the tire, typically lasting 40,000-50,000 miles under normal driving conditions, comparable to the underlying tire's expected lifespan.
Diamondback offers unmatched customization options, including: adjustable whitewall widths from narrow 3/8-inch pinstripes to bold 3-inch classic bands; colored sidewalls in over 25 different hues including red, blue, yellow, green, and custom-matched colors; dual whitewalls (white bands on both sides of the tire); decorative patterns like scalloped edges or diamond designs; raised letter customization allowing for personalized text or logos; and specialty finishes including gold and silver metallic sidewalls. This level of personalization makes Diamondback the premier choice for custom car builders, show vehicles, and enthusiasts seeking truly unique automotive styling.
Diamondback recommends cleaning their whitewalls with their specially formulated DB Clean solution, which effectively removes road grime without damaging the rubber compounds. Apply with a soft brush using gentle circular motions, then rinse thoroughly. For protection, apply Diamondback's UV Shield quarterly to prevent ultraviolet damage and oxidation. Avoid petroleum-based cleaners, silicone tire dressings, and automatic car wash chemicals that can cause staining. For colored sidewalls, Diamondback provides color-specific care products designed to maintain the vibrancy of each particular pigment formulation.
Ordering Diamondback custom whitewalls begins with a consultation with their technical advisors to determine your specific requirements and preferences. You can either purchase new tires directly from Diamondback (they maintain inventory of popular premium models) or arrange to send your own new tires for customization. After finalizing specifications for width, color, and design details, production typically takes 2-3 weeks. Diamondback ships worldwide and can coordinate with professional installers in your area to ensure proper mounting and balancing of your custom tires.
When properly specified and installed, Diamondback custom tires maintain the performance characteristics of the premium tires used as their foundation. Their proprietary process does not compromise structural integrity, load capacity, or speed rating. Independent testing confirms that handling dynamics, wet traction, and braking performance remain consistent with the original tire specifications. In fact, many enthusiasts experience improved overall performance compared to conventional whitewalls, as Diamondback allows the use of modern tire technology that would otherwise be unavailable with traditional whitewall styling.
Diamondback whitewall tires represent a revolutionary approach to combining classic styling with contemporary performance—a true "best of both worlds" solution for discerning vehicle enthusiasts. Their proprietary process transforms ordinary tires into extraordinary custom creations that deliver distinctive appearance without compromising the engineering excellence of modern premium tires. See the Full Line up of Whitewall Tires.
For classic car owners seeking improved reliability, custom builders creating unique visual statements, or modern vehicle enthusiasts desiring unexpected sophistication, Diamondback offers unmatched customization options and exceptional quality that transcend conventional limitations. Their handcrafted approach ensures that each tire receives individual attention and meets exacting standards for both appearance and performance.
While premium pricing reflects their custom-built nature and specialized production techniques, Diamondback tires deliver corresponding value through unparalleled personalization options, superior environmental durability, and the elimination of performance compromises typically associated with traditional whitewalls. For the serious enthusiast who views every component as an opportunity for distinction, Diamondback represents the ultimate expression of individualized automotive style. See the Whitewall Tires Guide for all whitewall tires offerings.
Whether showcasing a meticulously restored classic, creating an award-winning custom build, or adding unexpected elegance to a contemporary luxury vehicle, Diamondback custom whitewalls provide that perfect finishing touch—where innovative technology meets timeless style in a truly unique automotive art form.
