1981 tire codes
Thank You Bill






...they probably are the original tires. The tire pressure sticker on the door will say what size the originally installed tires from the factory were.
Interesting...don't see many of those around. The TPC spec.1033 is a code for a tire made for a car manufacturer per their specficiations and suggests this tire was installed at the factory.
The other code is the TIN, tire identification number and all tires had one since about 1971. Some time in the 81-82 period, Good Year added a second stencil plate for the tire date code...it should follow the TIN.
I'm including a link to a tire techie article that describes TINs and that late 70's = 80's period and the changes made with use of stencil plates (or gangs).
Corvette Tire Safety
If they are blackwalls, they are the base tire but a white letter tire was available as RPO QGR. This next link shows a nice RPO table of tires available during this period and a photo of the QGR.
Kelsey P255 Tires
Post or send photos of the TIN and date code if not sure...hope this helps
Last edited by hunt4cleanair; Apr 6, 2012 at 04:03 AM. Reason: edit whitewall






Interesting...don't see many of those around. The TPC spec.1033 is a code for a tire made for a car manufacturer per their specficiations and suggests this tire was installed at the factory.
The other code is the TIN, tire identification number and all tires had one since about 1971. Some time in the 81-82 period, Good Year added a second stencil plate for the tire date code...it should follow the TIN.
I'm including a link to a tire techie article that describes TINs and that late 70's = 80's period and the changes made with use of stencil plates (or gangs).
Corvette Tire Safety
If they are blackwalls, they are the base tire but a whitewall was available as RPO QGR. This next link shows a nice RPO table of tires available during this period and a photo of the QGR.
Kelsey P255 Tires
Post or send photos of the TIN and date code if not sure...hope this helps
Tom, I think the last year for whitewalls as an option was 1976.








