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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 05:11 AM
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Default Tires

Hello,
Does anybody know what tires originally came on the 1973 corvette? I need new tires and I think I would like to replace them with the originals, if still available.
Thanks,
Bill
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 08:22 AM
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A good guest would be either the goodyear eagle st radial 225/70/15 or b.f.goodrich t/a radial 225/70/15
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 08:25 AM
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they were GR70x15.

nobody mass produces these any more. i have seen them at Ecklers for show cars, but they are quite expensive. not something you would want on a daily driver.

i run BFG 255/60x15 on my 73.

i had to change the speedometer driven gear down on the transmission in order to get the speedo to read right, but that was a very easy job.

hope this helps,

Mike.
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 09:37 AM
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I still have the original spare for my 73. It is a Firestone radial. I believe it is called a "Wide Oval" GR7015 but will check tonight and repost.
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Old Jun 25, 2007 | 11:27 AM
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Firestone Wide Ovals are not radial tires. They are the old style bias ply type. They look great and you can still get them from Coker Tire and others. For my '71 they are F7014s.

http://store.coker.com/manufacturers...nufacturerid=2

Firestone® Wide Ovals
The Firestone® Wide Oval Sup-R-Belt tread design changed the shape of tires for good in the late 1960s. That same famous tread and authentic 2+2 polyester/fiberglass construction can be found on every Wide Oval produced today. These popular tires are made in the original Firestone® molds utilizing today’s modern technology assuring you quality and authenticity. Muscle car experts and car show judges agree that the Firestone® Wide Oval is the “correct” original equipment tire for muscle cars built between 1967 through 1973. Round out your restoration with original Firestone® Wide Ovals!
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Last edited by xCCTer; Jun 26, 2007 at 09:17 AM.
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Old Jun 26, 2007 | 08:21 AM
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I checked my spare this morning and found it is a Firestone 500, steel radial GR7015. According to the book I read last night, 73 was the first year for the radial tire.

Can anyone remember their first set of radials? Mine were in 76, wow what a difference!
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Old Jun 26, 2007 | 06:24 PM
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Thanks for the info guys, I guess I will go with the BF Goodrich. As I recall Firestone has had several problems with tires over the years and I don’t know if I trust them for a safe ride. Has any body tried the Dunlop G/T Qualifiers? I would like to get an opinion on them.
Bill
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Old Jun 26, 2007 | 06:26 PM
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Hopefully Firestone's problems are behind them. A lot of guys here run Firestone Firehawk's and love them. The Dunlop's have a good name also. From personal experience I can recommend the BFG Radial T/A and the Cooper Cobra.
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Old Jun 26, 2007 | 08:27 PM
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Originally Posted by wirebill
Thanks for the info guys, I guess I will go with the BF Goodrich. As I recall Firestone has had several problems with tires over the years and I don’t know if I trust them for a safe ride. Has any body tried the Dunlop G/T Qualifiers? I would like to get an opinion on them.
Bill
Firestone had a big problem with the 500s, but that was solved with a recall in (I believe) 1976. The more recent problems were confined to the light truck radial line ONLY. They never had a problem with car tires.

I have Firehawk Indy 500s on my 77. Great all-condition tires.
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Old Jun 27, 2007 | 11:09 PM
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Cooper Cobra 255/60/15 here
After 2+ years Of HARD street driving I'm shocked how much tread is left
Hooks up solid off the line... as well as my old Firehawk 500's
Cornering could be better.... But then the tread wouldn't last so long
next set of tires will be the Goodyear Eagle GTII's
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Old Jun 28, 2007 | 12:06 AM
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I would recommend the P255/60/15 Goodyear Eagle GT II... Good tire with very good dry traction and decent traction in the rain... Its a very durable tire... My dad has had his on his vette for about 10 years and shows no signs of dry rot! Still feels like a brand new tire!

Not to mention GoodYear is the only tire company to my knowledge now a days that is american owned!

Last edited by FRSTR90; Jun 28, 2007 at 12:14 AM.
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