Tires for a '71?

[wanew]

I have 8" rallys on my 71 coupe. I want a muscley looking tire, yet not so big where they rub up front. My tire guy suggested 225/60/15. Anyone have another suggestion?

 

[rainman]

If you are getting a 225, I would stick with the 225/70. I have 235/60 on my 71 and their height is too small IMO. Some people have run 255/60s, but they may rub in the front.

 

[Red69]

225-60's would look too small on your car. If you are sticking with stock 15 inch wheels your options are basically the stock 225-70's or jumping up to the 255-60-15 that were put on newer cars. An old magazine I read claimed their tire size of choice was the 245-60-15, but it is no longer available. The 255-60 may require you to shave the inside lip on front fenders to allow for tire clearance when turning, because of their width. Take a stroll into a large tire store and look at the difference in sizes and don't forget to bring a tape measure. The 225-70's are the same diameter as the 255-60's just not as wide.

 

[72Mako]

Running 245x60x15 B.F.Goodrich T/A's on my '72. Looked at a number of '70-'72's at Bloomington Gold and Funfest over the years and most that were running 255x60x15 showed rub marks on the frame rails up front. So I dropped down one size and front frame rail rubbing or for that matter outer wheelwell lip interference is not an issue on my '72. Charles

 

[corvetjerryd]

I agree ...

I have 255x60 15's on my 73 and they did rub a little on the front fenderwell...I just readjusted the stop on the steering to keep it from hitting....I kinda wish I had went with the 70 series instead.. the taller tire would help fill up the opening better..But it would also change the final gear ratio and the speedometer reading...so you need to consider all aspects for whats best for you....good luck

 

[BlueL36]

I'll argue for the stock size. I went through the same thought process when I needed to replace the tires on my '68. I thought about going bigger but did not want the wandering, rubbing, clearance or speedometer error issues I've read about with oversized tires. I went with the stock size for 1968- 215x70. They do not look small. What you might do, if you can wait, is to go to some cruise-ins or shows and just check the sizes of tires other C3's have mounted to give you a better idea of the look. And ask the owner if they have any of the issues I listed above. Good luck with your decision.

 

[MidShark]

I went with 235/70's on my '71 and I'm quite pleased with the look. I had 255/60's on a '72 a couple of years ago and they did rub. I tried a 245/60 and it still rubbed on one side. That can be hit or miss. No problems with the 235/70's, and I think the beefier look compared to a 225 is just enough more tire.


Dick

 

[Chesh]

Running 245-60-15's on the front and 275-60-15's on the back. No tire rub anywhere. Previous owner claimed he liked the "fill up the wheel well look" that is why he chose the tires. Doesn't look bad.