73 Vette Tires ????
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 161
Likes: 0
From: Phila. Pennsylvania
73 Vette Tires ????
My 73 has the original firestone tires gr70-15 in poor condition, it also has the original spare never mounted. I want to know if i should continue looking for NOS? I was told Goodyear steelguards were also used but i have never seen anything stating that. Any ideas or information.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
I think if you found true NOS they'd be dangerous to drive on because of their age. I would look for a newly manufactured tire that was as much like the originals as possible. Coker and Kelsey come to mind.
Regards,
Alan
Regards,
Alan
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 84
Likes: 1
From: Jupiter, Florida
The original Firestone Steel Radial 500's were the subject of a recall. Firestone exchanged the 500's for 721's. I believe the problem was that the seams sparated. I doubt that you will find a set.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 5,236
Likes: 898
From: Myrtle Beach SC
My 73 has the original firestone tires gr70-15 in poor condition, it also has the original spare never mounted. I want to know if i should continue looking for NOS? I was told Goodyear steelguards were also used but i have never seen anything stating that. Any ideas or information.
Corvette Tire Safety
It'a all about your driving habits but I'm sure you enjoy driving the car which dictates new tires. And the manufacturers that make the reproductions use new materials yet you get the look of the 70's. Get new and drive safe.
But the spare is gold...hang onto it. In fact I would love to get a photo of the date code on the back side...or the TIN (tire identification number) on the backside as shown in the article.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 1,259
Likes: 2
From: MS
I agree with the others. The original NOS tires look cool but are ONLY for show, meaning off the trailer and onto the field or parking lot. If you are going to be doing ANY street driving, forget the NOS idea. I remember one year at Bloomington back in the 90's, there was a guy with a low-mile 74 or 75 still on original tires, and he blew one out on the road tour and it took half the 1/4 panel with it. The guy just had to be sick about this as the car was otherwise perfect.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
I have a set to 721's that were on the car when I bought it and the spare is a 500. I feel obligated to keep them, but it looks like thay will be just taking up space in the garage.
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Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 24,499
Likes: 312
From: Scottsdale AZ
My 73 has the original firestone tires gr70-15 in poor condition, it also has the original spare never mounted. I want to know if i should continue looking for NOS? I was told Goodyear steelguards were also used but i have never seen anything stating that. Any ideas or information.
Thanks
Thanks
I think Coker Tire and a few of the others have licensed the OWEM designs with today's safer tire technology if you're concerned about NCRS . . . .if you simply want the 'old school' look, most guys I knew back in the day ran BFG TA's and they have the same appearance today as they did in the 70's.
Good luck - -
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,140
Likes: 7
From: Ohio
In 73 they went to radial tires and Coker or Kesley has never made a radial for a 73 and newer. They do make a radial for older vettes that never had a radial but the demand was their to pay for the high cost to tool up for radials.
