Tire Size
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Tire Size
Good Evening Everyone,
I'm getting ready to switch the bias-ply tires on my 69 for radials. I would greatly appreciate your collective opinions on brands, as well as sizes. Someone here locally suggested BF Goodrich TA's. Not sure what the best size would be. Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Javaman
I'm getting ready to switch the bias-ply tires on my 69 for radials. I would greatly appreciate your collective opinions on brands, as well as sizes. Someone here locally suggested BF Goodrich TA's. Not sure what the best size would be. Your thoughts?
Thanks,
Javaman
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,737
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From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2018 C3 of Year Finalist
I ran the BF Goodrich Radial T/A's for years and was very happy with them. I like the classic look of the white letters. Mine were in size
P245/60/15 on the factory 8" rim and on my '72 the P255/60/15 would have rubbed slightly so I went with the P245's. Some can run the P255 but I was not able to.
Recently I switched to 17" to get the speed rated rubber.
P245/60/15 on the factory 8" rim and on my '72 the P255/60/15 would have rubbed slightly so I went with the P245's. Some can run the P255 but I was not able to.
Recently I switched to 17" to get the speed rated rubber.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 12,639
Likes: 3,102
From: Shamong, NJ
The OEM tires on your 69 were F70x15's. The modern equivalent to the F70x15 is a P215/70R15.
F70x15 was the only size offered by GM in 69, but it could be had in 4 different sidewall treatments. Blackwalls were standard on all 69's, with red pinstripe, white pinstripe and white lettered as options.
As a blackwall, P215/70's are available from a number of makers. White Lettered P215/70 radials are available from BFGoodrich (Radial TA's) and Firestone (the Firehawk 500). Personally I prefer the BFG's, but both tires have the "classic" solid white lettered look. BFG & Firestone also offer the P215/70 in a white stripe radial. A red stripe P215/70R15, made by BFG, is available from Coker Tires, www.cokertire.com.
F70x15 was the only size offered by GM in 69, but it could be had in 4 different sidewall treatments. Blackwalls were standard on all 69's, with red pinstripe, white pinstripe and white lettered as options.
As a blackwall, P215/70's are available from a number of makers. White Lettered P215/70 radials are available from BFGoodrich (Radial TA's) and Firestone (the Firehawk 500). Personally I prefer the BFG's, but both tires have the "classic" solid white lettered look. BFG & Firestone also offer the P215/70 in a white stripe radial. A red stripe P215/70R15, made by BFG, is available from Coker Tires, www.cokertire.com.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
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From: Frederick Maryland
Over time and on several cars, I've had the BFG Radial T/A's, Dunlop and Cooper Cobra. I thought all were excellent tires. Availability on many tires that fit C3's can be spotty as they're more or less obsolete now. Not all manufacturers make continual production runs, so you need to decide alternates if you can't find any one in stock.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Sherman CT
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2019 C3 of Year Finalist (stock)
St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
Hey there Javaman, I'm right across the border from you in CT.
I put 225/70 R15 on mine and the spare fit nicely in the tire tub.
Regards
Roy
I put 225/70 R15 on mine and the spare fit nicely in the tire tub.
Regards
Roy
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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My thanks to everyone for making the time to answer. No question, I am going with the TA's. Now my only problem is size. I would like the wider tire but definetly am concerned about rubbing. How do I know if a 255 will cause a problem?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
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From: Gulf of America
2023 C7 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Sherman CT
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
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St. Jude Donor '24-'25-'26
Looking at Mako's picture reminds me that 1970 thru 1972 had the redesigned lower fender flares that 1968 and 1969 models did not have. If you install too wide a tire you will have all sorts of road debris flinging up on the side of the car. Good luck with your choice.
Regards
Roy
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Thanks again everybody and Roy, I'll keep my eyes peeled the next time I cross the border. TA's it is and I'll play it safe with the 245's.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 164
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From: Groton MA
Just to let you know BFG has a $50 rebate at Tire Rack in effect through midnight 4/16. I just ordered a set of 255 60 15 for $378 including delivery and the rebate. I believe the 245s were about $25-30 less and both are in stock.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Man, I'm more confused then ever! Just got off the phone with Tire Rack and they said the correct tire size for my 69 is 215/70-15 and that other sizes could rub. Not sure which way to go now....
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Looking back at your post Roy, I do see that you went with 225/70's.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
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From: Algonac Michigan
I have 255/60/15 Goodyear GT II's on my '69 with no rubbing issues at all.
I have all stock parts in the front and all stock but a fiberglas spring and 10" bolts in the back.
This is with 15x8" rally wheels.
Only issue I have is with the effort it takes to turn the wheel at a stop with manual steering. Other than that...No Problems!
I have all stock parts in the front and all stock but a fiberglas spring and 10" bolts in the back.
This is with 15x8" rally wheels.
Only issue I have is with the effort it takes to turn the wheel at a stop with manual steering. Other than that...No Problems!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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From: Port St Lucie Florida
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Understood, but I will raise this question. What is the difference between 255/60/15 and 215-225/70/15.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2009
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2024 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
I'm running P235/60/15 Goodyear GT IIs on my stock 8" rims and no rubbing issues. They look and ride just fine. Only problem is...traction. I can break them loose without popping the clutch...probably that damn 500 ft-lbs of torque. 
Great tire...heard they are no longer available.
Great tire...heard they are no longer available.
