gavanm01

Have always run the B.F. Goodrich TA radials (p225/70R15 100S M+S) on my '69 and have had excellent service from them. It's time for new rubber and I'm wondering what others out there are running on these days. I want to keep my stock rims and stock size but realize lots of new product is out there since I last re-shoed old paint. Thanks!

Alan 71

Hi g,
I'm afraid that the tire industry has pretty much forgotten about old paint and the tires he prefers.
There are really very few tires available now that fit 15" wheels and are suitable for your Corvette.
This is one of the reasons people switch to 16"-17" wheels because it widens the range of available tires.
As an 'original' guy I'd encourage you to stay with the 15s, but you'll get lots of other suggestions too.
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan

jim-81

I'll be following this as well since I will be getting new tires for my 81 next spring. I figured I would go with the BFG's.

gavanm01

I have no quarrel with the BFGs--they handle well and the mileage has been superb. However, when I did a tech search, I see the same tire is also used for--trucks? It's been 14 years since I have needed tires (winter storage helps) and sort of expected that something new and different may have come along. It's sort of like wanting to replace my Royal typewriter and finding it's still the best choice. (I guess, at my age, that ain't so bad, either).

revitup

I've also had the 225/70-15 Radial TAs on forever and need tires. Looks like the only other name brand around in that size are Coopers. Also thought about moving up in size to the 255/60s but I'm not sure I like the look of those on the stock wheels. Don't really look like they fit to me.

ddawson

Db Tires has some different options as well.

http://www.dbtires.com/tires.html

gavanm01

Thanks for the look-see. At the end of the day, it appears the affordable, reliable, and attractive choice remains the B.F. Goodrich. I had them back in 1973 with my first Vette. Guess it's good to see some things don't change much.

Alan 71

Hi rup,
The 255-60-15 tires are really nice and wide, and do a great job of filling up the wheel openings….. but are a VERY different look than the original size tires.
Regards,
Alan

VERY fat, especially in the front.

Street Rat

My car came with Cooper Cobras when purchased. I thought they were a decent tire. I purchased Mickey Thompson's street radial tires this go round. I love 'em. They have great traction and ride is quieter/softer than the Cobras.

OldCarBum

My '73 has BF Goodrich T/A's 245-60-15's all around on the stock rally wheels. It rides and handles good enough for street use. The look is great.

'75

I just bought 2 Cooper cobras for the rear to replace the same. 275 60 15 on ebay for $119 each delivered. I had checked the dates on the coopers and one was from 2001 and the other dated 2002, the new ones arrived in 2 days and have 2016 dates.

crisko

went with 255-60-15 BFG TA on my 69 bb for the 2nd time.First set had 7000 miles but were over 10 years old.Don t drive it much. Had to have white letters.Looked at the Coopers but couldn t force myself to put Cobra on my vette

croaker

Mickey Thompson has 15's I like mine

Mod75

Have Hercules HP4000, Quiet tire and pretty good in the snow

Aggitated Monkey

I have a set of BFG 255/60/15's mounted on 78 aluminum rally's that I am selling. Very few miles on them.


Corvette Aluminum Rally Wheels $500
http://wichita.craigslist.org/wto/5719536258.html

centuryoldracer

How are you getting away with 255 on front? Don't they rub?
Are you running some kind of snubber on the front suspension? I have always been terrified of running too much tire up front and damaging the body.
I like the look btw.

Alwyn678

MelWff

As others have pointed out there is no technology advancement in the 15" tire size. The BFG TA Radials from decades ago were available as H speed rated tires. All the current 15" tires from BFG and others are either S or T rated. I know most of us do not regularly drive our cars near the limits of the S and T ratings but you are missing out on substantial advancement in tire technology by not going to 17" or 18" tires/wheels. They even make the Ralley wheels in larger sizes if you want to keep the original look. I went from BFG TA in 265/50x15 to 255/45x17 BFG G-Sport Comp 2 summer only and they are far superior to the 15".

Kacyc3

I had a set of Kelly Chargers in 255/60r15, I think they were of the same compound as hockey pucks, probably not best for "spirited" driving

The13Bats

Never heard it said better and I will add while I have seen a few good looking larger diameter wheels on c3s they still take away from the classic look and feel of the c3