bondoboy

Hi, it's been awhile since I've been here. Other projects going and just life in general, you know. I'm trying to find the best size tires for my '71. I have a set of 15x8.5 American daisy mags on the car with 225-70-15 which is supposed to be a replacement for the f70-15. Some guys use 245-60-15 instead. Would these fit without clearance problems? Would they look "right?" I like the old school look, not the low profile modern look. Should I just stick to the 225-70-15? It's a shame, my tires have great tread. They're just so cracked and rotten. They were on the car 8 years ago when I bought it. Hard telling how long they were on before that. I'm leaning towards the new Mickey Thompson sportsman. The current rebate just sweetens the deal. Thanks for any help.

early shark

I have the 225x70x15 tires on both my '71's. They just look correct for the 42 year old cars. I have run the 265x50x15 tires all the way around in the past on my other '71 without issues.

wheatpj

I have 245x60x15 front and 255x60x15 back. I do encounter a slight rub in left fender with wheel hard over to the left. Tires look good with stock wheels on my 71. I am considering changing front to 235X60X15 if I can find them. I am running BF Goodrich TAs

bondoboy

Thanks for the help. I am leaning toward the stock size since they seem to get pretty close when steering with my slightly wider wheels. I like how some of you put wider tires on back, but I want to keep them all the same so I can rotate the tires .

Alan 71

Hi bb,
The 245/60 tires will be slightly 'shorter' in height than the original and will thus not fill the wheel arch quite like the original.
The 255/60 tire is a tiny bit 'taller' than the original, but quite a bit fatter, so it fills up the wheel well in a way the originals didn't.
As you've found, and ES has posted, the 225/70 tire is the one which gives a good 'original' look.
The 215/70 is the comparable tire to the original, but for some reason looks a little skimpy compared to an original F70-15 tire. The originals were right around 27" tall.
Regards,
Alan

bondoboy

I believe I'll stick with the 225-70 then. Thanks a lot!

ddawson

255/60-15 fit great.

bondoboy

I appreciate the help. I actually have my unused original f70-15 spare tire and it measures right at 26" It does look a little small. Still trying to decide what size to get. I'm trying to get prices locally, but can't get anyone to call me back. Aggravating.

Alan 71

Hi bb,
Having an original unused spare is quite a nice thing. It's certainly too old/dangerous to use, but is great to see as a spare.
What side wall style is it?
Regards,
Alan

MalibuVLX

I run 245/60/15 on stock rallys on my 69. No rubbing. I'm very happy w/ the look.

ddawson

I found my spare seems original as well. Guys I should save it and order a space saver so I have a working spare.

Alan, let me know if you want any pictures from it for your catalog.

leadfoot4

My $0.02 worth.....although the 225/70 looks good, and works well with the 8" rims, I believe that they aren't "approved" for an 8.5" rim....although those wheels are the NUTS!!!

bondoboy

Thanks for all the help, guys. Thanks for the compliment leadfoot. The daisy mags are my favorite. My car is old school and they just "fit." Makes it look like a full size hot wheels car. Alan 71, I do not use the original spare. The rubber is as hard as a rock. I put a modern tire in my spare tire carrier. The original is a Firestone Wide Oval.

MalibuVLX

I don't have any pics right now w/ the rallys and the 245s, but check out the attached. Has a nice 71 with the 245s.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-you-have.html