Midyears: What tires are you using?

[Jump150]

Well here is a picture of my 64 Coupe on 205/65 15 fronts and 255/60 15s in the rear..

and here is a pic of it now on 225/60 15's all the way around. There are BF Goodrich TA's

 

[Vettewine]

Andy, here are my answers (for my '65 roadster):

1. What size, brand and model are your tires? Cooper Cobra 225/60R-15 and they are about the largest I could install with no rubbing.

2. Do you like them? Why or why not? Love them and have toured 4000 miles to the Route 66 Fun Run in Arizona on them with no problem. Hot temps (118 degrees) and fast pace (over 100 mph at times) and terrific handling on the Coast Hwy 1 coming back (to WA).

3. Would you replace them with the same or get something different? If the latter, what would you get? Would probably get the same or as equivalent as possible. Cooper tires have been used by a lot of state police departments across the country for years so that's why I like 'em!

 

[Lucy64]

I just ordered new Cragar SS 6/15 wheels with the Cragar spinner caps and BFG/TA's from www.newstalgiawheel.com . I decided to go with what I had on the car, 215/70-15, because I know that it works. I considered other sizes but then I just decided that the current tires fill the wheelwell nicely and it isn't a race car so I can live with only that much tire. I am looking forward to my Monday delivery of the new stuff...I have been tracking the shipment and isn't that a great thing.

 

[paul67]

I have Pirelli P4000 SuperTouring tires on my 1967. The size is 215-ZR70/15. This is a very robust and well-performing tire.

 

[65panhead]

My 65 vert has P225/60R16's mounted on Am.Racing TT's, good fit and ride..BTW this is my first post and must say this is a very informative vette forum, thanks to everyone for sharing a wealth of info..

 

[Islander]

My 65 vert has P225/60R16's mounted on Am.Racing TT's, good fit and ride..BTW this is my first post and must say this is a very informative vette forum, thanks to everyone for sharing a wealth of info..

65panhead,

Those TTs 7" or 8" wide rims??? What is the offset on them? I assume no flares on your car. Please post pics if and when you can.

BTW, welcome aboard!

 

[Grizzly]

I have 225/70/15 Goodyear GT+4 on stock rims that have been converted to red lines by Back Diamond. They are close and you can rub them on the inner fender well if you turn too short but they sure fill the wheel well and have an appropriate aspect for a C2. I wouldn't buy these new again if I could, sidewalls to stiff. I have used M40 and SP 8000 Dunlops and found them to be good tires on other cars.

By the way a friend who had a 65 coupe from new that did a lot of autocrossing said the hot setup for mid years way back then was the 1968 7 inch raylles. I don't remember the size tire.

 

[Vettewine]

I have 225/70/15 Goodyear GT+4 on stock rims that have been converted to red lines by Back Diamond. They are close and you can rub them on the inner fender well if you turn too short but they sure fill the wheel well and have an appropriate aspect for a C2. I wouldn't buy these new again if I could, sidewalls to stiff. I have used M40 and SP 8000 Dunlops and found them to be good tires on other cars.

By the way a friend who had a 65 coupe from new that did a lot of autocrossing said the hot setup for mid years way back then was the 1968 7 inch raylles. I don't remember the size tire.

Grizzly...

Your friend is right as there were lots of the '68 and later rallye wheels available back then as everybody was going to the aftermarket wheels. I believe the '69 and later were 8" as that's what I have on my '65. They let you put a larger tire on without rubbing and no worries about the offset/backset measurement. It also lets a wide tire conform to its correct profile without ballooning as would happen with a wide tire mounted on a narrower rim (we've all seen them...!). As I said in an earlier post I've got Cooper Cobra P225/60R15 front and rear (makes 'em easier to rotate) and there is just enough clearance without rubbing anywhere. It handles great and I'm in the process of renewing all the suspension parts and replacing the front antisway with a larger one and adding one in the rear. This should make it handle even better on these twisty roads in our Cascades!!

 

[Diamondback Classics]

Modern radial replacements for the 7.75x15's are 205/75R15 and 215/70R15. This will keep the ride height and speedometer correct. Also, there are no clearance problems with either of these sizes. I do recommend 205's if you have a big-block car. To clear any confusion, the redline tires with no writing on the outside of the tire or Firestone Supreme Si's are products of Diamondback Classic Tires. We take ANY modern-day radial tire, (Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone ect) in any size up to 20", and vulcanize solid colored rubber (red, gold, blue, white) to the sidewall. Our process is guaranteed. We also do blackwall smoothies. I hope this helps. Good luck and welcome.
Ron

 

[Vettewine]

Modern radial replacements for the 7.75x15's are 205/75R15 and 215/70R15. This will keep the ride height and speedometer correct. Also, there are no clearance problems with either of these sizes. I do recommend 205's if you have a big-block car. To clear any confusion, the redline tires with no writing on the outside of the tire or Firestone Supreme Si's are products of Diamondback Classic Tires. We take ANY modern-day radial tire, (Goodyear, Michelin, Firestone ect) in any size up to 20", and vulcanize solid colored rubber (red, gold, blue, white) to the sidewall. Our process is guaranteed. We also do blackwall smoothies. I hope this helps. Good luck and welcome.
Ron

The effective radius from axle centerline to ground of my P225/70R15 tires (mounted on 8" rallye wheels) is almost identical to the effective radius of the original tires that came on the car. My speedometer is more accurate than most older vehicles as I have had it checked (this with no modifications to the speedometer gearing). What is most misunderstood is the "effective" wording above as the actual radius from the axle centerline is affected by the width of the rim the tire is mounted on, the air pressure and the flexibility of the sidewall (which is greater on the newer radial tires). I took all of this into consideration when calculating my maximum tire size without interference for my C2. I could have gone to a "taller" tire without rubbing but then the "effective" radius would be greater thus throwing the speedometer off! Cooper Tires website had a great deal of information on the effect of rim width, inflation pressure and load on the calculation of the correct tire size to achieve a certain effective diameter/radius. Hope this helps some of you that are trying to keep their speedometers close to being right on while maximizing your rubber on the road! :confused

 

[fredd65]

My 65 vert has P225/60R16's mounted on Am.Racing TT's, good fit and ride..BTW this is my first post and must say this is a very informative vette forum, thanks to everyone for sharing a wealth of info..

hi...i have a 65 convertible i'd like to put the 16' torq thrust II's on...do you know the model wheel that you have?...the offset, backspacing, etc.? fronts and back the same?...no flared fenders or offset trailing arms?...this forum is great, you'll enjoy it....thanks for any info and pictures
fred

 

[fredd65]

65panhead,

Those TTs 7" or 8" wide rims??? What is the offset on them? I assume no flares on your car. Please post pics if and when you can.

BTW, welcome aboard!

i bought a set of 15x8 torq thrust II's for my '65 that a guy had on a '66, he claimed no rubbing but they're too tight for my comfort...i'd like to get 16" too but not sure of the sizing...if i find out i'll let you know and would appreciate if you'd do the same...thanks
ps know anyone that would want 4 flawless 15x8's with bf goodrich radial t/a's?