69 Tires. Suggestions?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 43
From: Vernon CT
69 Tires. Suggestions?
Just got a new 69 and see the tires are beginning to dry rot. The tires now are 245/60 R15 GY eagle ST's. Cruising on the highway these are very loud.
I have the standard rally rims. What is a good tire for this Vette? It seems the Raised Wht Letter selection is pretty thin.
Any feedback or suggestions?
Steve
I have the standard rally rims. What is a good tire for this Vette? It seems the Raised Wht Letter selection is pretty thin.
Any feedback or suggestions?
Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,100
Likes: 12
From: Frederick Maryland
There are a number of raised white letter tires out there, but availability could be an issue.
There's the BFG Radial T/A, Firestone Firehawk, Dunlop GT Qualifier, Cooper Cobra, Futura GLE (Pep Boys version of the Cooper Cobra) and various other make tires.
For a '69, F70-15 is the proper size...the metric radial equivalent is P215/70R15.
There's the BFG Radial T/A, Firestone Firehawk, Dunlop GT Qualifier, Cooper Cobra, Futura GLE (Pep Boys version of the Cooper Cobra) and various other make tires.
For a '69, F70-15 is the proper size...the metric radial equivalent is P215/70R15.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 5,116
Likes: 5
From: Livonia MI
Sounds like "Roughs" got you covered. Another thing to consider for now, is Hot Lap tire softener gel from places like Behrents racing. Dont know much about this stuff, but may get you by for awhile.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,148
Likes: 5
From: South Dakota
I'm running the Cooper Cobra's on my '69. 245/60 R15's
That is about the widest tire you could put on that rim. I think they look great!
I really don't like the skinny look of the stock size tires.
That is about the widest tire you could put on that rim. I think they look great!
I really don't like the skinny look of the stock size tires.
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Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Murrells Inlet SC
I am pleased with my Firestone Firehawk Indy 500s. 235/60-15 on the front and 255/60-15 on the rear. These were the largest tires I could find that requires no body or suspension mods on 1968 to 1972 models. Larger tire could probably fit 1973 and up. These are mounted on the original rally rims for my '72. Your '69 may have slightly narrower rims then my '72. (8" vs. 7"). I'm not sure. '69 may have been the first year for the 8" wheels.
Last edited by MEAN72; Sep 6, 2011 at 08:41 PM. Reason: add info
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 310
Likes: 25
From: Brisbane Australia
I believe '69 had the 8" rims, and thats what the PO put on my 68. 255 60 R15 Goodyear Eagle GTIIs fit nicely all round on mine and fill the wheel wells nicely with a nice old fat muscle car tyre look. (ignore the rear riding high as there was no gas or spare wheel in the car to weigh it down). As for how quiet they are, I can't say I've ever noticed any tire noise, but that could be the exhausts fault.
Last edited by azza2u; Sep 6, 2011 at 08:50 PM.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 321
Likes: 0
From: Murrells Inlet SC
[QUOTE 255 60 R15 Goodyear Eagle GTIIs fit nicely all round on mine and fill the wheel wells nicely with a nice old fat muscle car tyre look. Quote]
I was concerned about 255-60-15 on the front hitting the fender on extreme steering position.
I was concerned about 255-60-15 on the front hitting the fender on extreme steering position.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 310
Likes: 25
From: Brisbane Australia
I haven't noticed any rubbing within the fender yet and I have to do a couple of hard lock turns to get it out of my shed. Although as with all 68's, sizing and clearances may differ from later models. 
Pro
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 581
Likes: 0
From: Southeast WI
I went with BFG Radial T/A's. 255/60/R15 on the back. 245/60/R15 on the front. No problems.
BTW... no offense to anyone out there, but I never thought he stock rally rims looked good. Even when I was a kid and watched those Vettes run down the street. Something never seemed right about those rims. They're boring and they don't match the feeling from the rest of body design. Just my two cents.
BTW... no offense to anyone out there, but I never thought he stock rally rims looked good. Even when I was a kid and watched those Vettes run down the street. Something never seemed right about those rims. They're boring and they don't match the feeling from the rest of body design. Just my two cents.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
There are basically 3-4 tires available with RWL.
B.F.Goodrich - Good luck finding them in stock. Looks like Coker is going to be provider in future.
Firestone Indy 500 - Best reviews on Tirerack. The letters seem okay to me but some have said they are pretty ugly.
Mickey Thompson Sportsman - Made by Cooper. Not many reviews
Cooper - You either like em or you don't.
Dunlop GT Qualifiers are long gone. All 15" Goodyear Tires discontinued.
Bill
B.F.Goodrich - Good luck finding them in stock. Looks like Coker is going to be provider in future.
Firestone Indy 500 - Best reviews on Tirerack. The letters seem okay to me but some have said they are pretty ugly.
Mickey Thompson Sportsman - Made by Cooper. Not many reviews
Cooper - You either like em or you don't.
Dunlop GT Qualifiers are long gone. All 15" Goodyear Tires discontinued.
Bill
