1969 Tire Recommendations

[Driftwood]

Last week I bought a 69 L46 convertible and got some good feedback on spark plugs and fluids. The car's engine, frame, and body are in great condition, but the brakes are original, master cylinder leaks, 3 of 4 calipers leak, etc. So right now I'm getting a total new brake system installed with DOT 5 fluid. Anyway, while that is happening I'm looking into getting new tires. Right now it's got red line 2 plies. I want to get some radials to hopefully improve the ride and handling. I'm curious if anyone has recommendations of tire types and sizes. It actually looks like the existing tires are slightly rubbing on the inside wheel wells during turning so I'm wondering if they are even the right size. Thanks.

 

[Mike Carter]

Driftwood.

You'll get a lot of tire opinions, I run BFG 235/60/15 no problems.

Mike

 

[Driftwood]

Tires

Thanks for the input. According to the original window sticker, the car originally came with the optional raised white letter tires, so I'm interested in any recommendations for just black wall tires and ones with white lettering. I saw a poll on this site where many people like the white lettered tires for this style of vette. Thanks.

 

[Mike Carter]

Yea, saw the same poll, seems like a lotta folks run the BFG, I like them on my car, not a white letter fan, but they look good on my Targa blue, makes the car look low and flat.

mike

 

[Driftwood]

Mike-
I looked up the BFG 235/60/15 and it looks like it only comes with the white raised letters. You prefer the black sidewall look-- do you turn your tires around, or am I wrong about the availability?

 

[Cortez69er]

You just turn the tires the other way around if you dont want raised white letters. I had 255/60-15 on the back of mine and 235/60-15 on the front with no problems. If I could do it again I would go with 245/60-15 all the way around on my 69.
Everyone around here seems to like the BFG's, but I would go with either the Yokohama's or the Dunlops. They offer more performance than the competition, just check out the tire rack and their rating system.

 

[Driftwood]

Tires widths on wheel

This might be a dumb question-- but will a tire width of 235 or 245 still fit on the original wheel?

 

[Mike Carter]

yep

 

[714Speed]

Hey, there. I just posted on red line tires. I'm looking for a set for my 71. What brand are they? Are they worn out or old? Any interest in selling them? Correct me if I'm wrong, but the 69's had smaller diameter wheels than the 70's cars? What are your problems with the 2 ply's? Thanks. Neil Hegwood

 

[Driftwood]

Red Line Tires

They are Firestone Red Line 2 plys that are in good condition. I just purchased this vehicle a few weeks ago, so I cannot attest to the actual age of the tires, but thee tread is in good condition. I just prefer the look and ride of a raised white letter radial over a red line 2 ply. Plus the original option on my vehicle was raised white letter tires, not red lines. I don't have the car with me right now, but the tires are mounted on the original 15" rally wheels. I can probably get the sizing off the tires next weekend if necessary. I am definitely interested in selling them if anyone is interested. Email me at driftwood91@hotmail.com.

 

[jr9170]

I run 255/60/15 tires on my 70 454 ttop.I also ran the same size tires on my 75,69,and the other 70 that i had and i loved the way they ran and looked.It gave the car a wider and lower stance......JERRY