SI67

It IS true that the pickings are getting slimmer in 15-inch tires. Tire companies aren't putting their best technology into such sizes these days. I liked the Yokohama AVS db 205/60-15 tires I put on my BMW 318ti so much that I got a set in 215/65-15 for my '67. They had good traction wet and dry, V-rating, and a smooth, quiet ride. I don't think I can find any 215/65-15 tires that good these days, though I can find something will fit.

Steve

toddalin

I was lucky that I got the last sets of the 225/60/15 Z-rated Firehawk tires at a very deep discount on the Tire Rack. There were no other Z-rated 15's on the market even then.

sub006

Patience, grasshoppers. From 1900 through WWI, auto wheels were skinny but very tall. Then they shrank gradually to 13 inches on the early '60s USA compacts and 10 inches on Minis and other small British cars. VW Beetles stood out with their "big" 15 inch wheels.

Ever seen a copy of Australia's "Donk" magazine? That's the name of a fad down under to modify early '70s full size Chevys with custom paint and 30 inch (sometimes bigger) rims.

If cheap subcompacts come standard with shiny 20's in a few years, big wheels may lose their appeal, and smaller rims and tires may gradually return again.

SteveA922

Just ordered a set of Avon's from this place. Everyone I have spoken with swear by them because they look period correct for a race tire but ride and handle well as a modern radial should for on both the track and street. A bit spendy however.

Bowlerdude

They actually have a "V" rated tire in a 215/75-15 and a 205/70-15!

Very expensive though.

Let us know how you like them.

SteveA922

Will do but the finished project is still 3 or 4 months away.

ricks327

Looks like I should sell my 67 to some uninformed sucker before there are no 215/70/15 radials tires left. Can you imagine all the abandoned classic Corvettes sitting on the side of the road with flat tires?
Merry Christmas,
Rick
P.S. My new motto, "drive em till the tires fall off or sell them."

Easy Rhino

Since it is no longer 1970, I would EXPECT the tire companies to relegate 15" tires to the back shelf. Why would it be rational for them to go "all in" when few are sold???

However, since I will only need a set every ten years or so, and since the guys with Model T's, 1930 Cords and Packards, and VW beetles can still buy tires, I will not lose sleep over this non-problem.

On my nearly 50 year old car, any unavailability of tires is about problem #200 out of 200.

KSL '67 101234

I will consider trading my wife's entire very rare collection of Cabbage Patch dolls straight across for several sets of soon to be rare redline 205/70R/15 tires. Respectfully, no Cokers please! Alternatively, I'll consider trading the dolls straight across for a '63 SWC Fuelie with a 4-speed, AC, and power windows. I'll chance not being able to purchase 15" tires for the '63 if new tires are needed!

sub006

Was it possible to get A/C on ANY '63 through '65 fuelie?

If so, guess I learned something new! And thanks for posting the more specific "Split BACK Window" abbreviation, maybe it will spread.

sub006

Where are Avons made? I think they originally were made in Britain, historically the long-time source of some of the worst street automobiles and the best racing cars.

jimmies63

Aren't avon tires the stock tires on Rolls and Bentley's?

SteveA922

A buddy runs Avons on both his SPF GT40 and his '58 Vette. I had the chance to drive the '58 with both BF Goodrich T/S's and the Avon's on the same day. Both sets were not new but close to it. I don't like throwing money away as the BF's are way cheaper but the difference was night and day.

FastEddy

Yea man...would love to run either of those... but I'm afraid I'd have to buy a few sets a year .. and thats just not in my street car budget