Tires
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Stony Brook New York
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
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
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 487
Likes: 0
From: Jacksonville FL
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.
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.
CF JASOC Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 8,040
Likes: 34
From: Downtown Annapolis, MD. The Future is where we all have to live. Let's not screw it up.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11
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!
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!
Last edited by xCCTer; Jun 26, 2007 at 09:17 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
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!
Can anyone remember their first set of radials? Mine were in 76, wow what a difference!
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Stony Brook New York
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
Bill
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
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.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
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
Bill
I have Firehawk Indy 500s on my 77. Great all-condition tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,527
Likes: 1
From: St. Petersburg, Fl///Columbus, Ohio
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
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
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,892
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Illinois
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!
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.
