Tires
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 634
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Tires
My 69 has Bias-Ply tires and I am thinking of replacing them with Radials. I picked up the car a few weeks ago and really have not driven it much as it's in the shop getting some needed repairs. Most of my driving is local with an occasional highway run. Given the type of driving that I do, would Radials make a big difference? I eventually plan to finish a frame off restoration that was started a number of years ago and would store the Bias-Ply tires. If I do switch tires, what would be the best way to store and preserve the existing tires. Thanks to all for taking the time to read and answer.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Cleran and then Armorall the original tires (heavily) inside and out, and store then individually bagged in a cool dry place. Worked for me anyway.
Yes... a set of radials really helps the handling on the old cars, I switched from BF Goodrich Belted T/A's in the 70's to Radial T/A's in the 80's and noticed a big difference.
-W
Yes... a set of radials really helps the handling on the old cars, I switched from BF Goodrich Belted T/A's in the 70's to Radial T/A's in the 80's and noticed a big difference.
-W
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
Radials make a big difference. My '69 came with F70-15's on it. I put radials on it and noticed a huge difference...ride and handling. Plus...I'm less likely to suffer a blowout than with 2-ply bias-ply.
The correct size for a radial on a '69 is P215/70R15.
The correct size for a radial on a '69 is P215/70R15.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 634
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Thanks guys. Even with the limited driving that I do I think I am going to put the radials on. Had not thought about the blow out scenario but it does make sense.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Armor-all on tires is about the worst thing you can do for them. Release most of the air pressure and wrap them in heavy, moisture resistant paper. Then keep them out of the sunlight (which is a tire's worst enemy....after Armor-all.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
While I'm sure you're right *on paper*. I have two 26 year old Belted T/A's (one is spare) that might beg to differ with you. And I have 4 thirteen year old Radial T/A's on the wheels that also want thier say in the matter. 
I'm sure there's much better stuff on the market today, but all us 70's muscle car types have been using Armor-all for decades. Same goes for that old Whiltewall Cleaner stuff. (Bleech White?)
-W
I'm sure there's much better stuff on the market today, but all us 70's muscle car types have been using Armor-all for decades. Same goes for that old Whiltewall Cleaner stuff. (Bleech White?)
-W
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 2,211
Likes: 634
From: Port St Lucie Florida
2025 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2021 C6 of the Year Finalist - Modified
To Armor All or not to Armor All....that seems to be the question. Whether it is noble......ah screw Shakespeare..... I will put the radials on and hope for the best with my "antique" tires when I store them. My thanks to all.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,116
From: Crossville TN
Wesley's Bleach White is fine to clean the tires with...it doesn't seep into the rubber and will wash off with water. Years of putting petroleum-based 'protectant' on rubber (or storing them that way for a long period of time) just helps break down the rubber.
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