Abstract: Tread stock is partially cured by irradiation before assembly in the tire, so as to shorten the curing time of the tire in the mold and thereby create substantial savings.Tires are retreaded by applying ribbons of tread stock over the carcass prepared in any conventional manner, and then completing the cure without the use of a mold.Curing or partial curing may be effected by electron irradiation or other irradiation which changes the molecular structure of the rubber. Progressive irradiation is disclosed by which an object is repeatedly irradiated to attain a desired cure. Shielding of one or more portions of a green tire or tire element is disclosed to prevent the irradiation from curing the shielded rubber. Other methods of curing may be preferable in some operations.Curing (1) a portion of the area of tread stock and (2) curing a portion of the thickness of tread stock are disclosed herein.