Hello, I wrote in a couple of months ago about my father having a red 69 stingray that hasn't run in over 20 years. The car has been garaged this entire time and has been sitting on a lift.

The first thing it needs is a good wash as there is about 3inches of accumulated dust on the body. However, since it's winter time, it's not that easy to move the other vette out from under it, the tractor, and the bikes--all into the snow.

So I figured I'd at least tackle the task of getting the tires done, since all four are flat. I was wondering what I should do.

I plan on buyng new rims for it in the future, so I don't want to get the best tires on the market. I'm not very rich either, being a college student, so I was hoping to afford something with my budget. I've worked out a 'save the vette' fund. I work between 25 to 30 hours a week and can squirrel away about 200 dollars a week. (I'm making 10/hr at a liqour store).

So I was hoping to spend my latest paycheck on tires, seeing how all four currently on the vette are flat. I don't even want to bother trying to fill them with air since I can see they're cracked and probably not safe since they've been flat for some time now.

What tires should I buy, and from where? I just want some tires that will help the vette roll off the lift and be able to drive around for a couple thousand miles once I get it running (at this rate in 5 years )

Also, as a side note, I live in the south western part of Connecticut. Is there anyone out there that knows of a reputable shop that specializes in corvettes or classic cars?

The next thing after the tires that I want to replace is the entire brake system and the gas tank that is currently leaking. I would like to buy premium parts--the best bang for buck--but better than stock. Any tips on that? When it comes to serious parts like brakes and anything aside from commonly replaced items, I'd rather be smart, save my money up, and buy a quality product once rather than buy cheapo temporary replacement parts that wear out. My goal is to hot rod this car.

 

Me, I would find a used tire store since all you want to do is get it running now. Or, if you have a Pep Boys you could get some 4 for $99 tires just to hold it off the ground. I don't see spending big bucks on new nice tires just to move it around.

 

Thanks, that's what I was saying. The car still has the stock rims on it tho, so I want to be careful that when they install the tire on the wheel they won't be gorillas and scratch the hell out of the rims. I don't know about Pep Boys, but I know I have a local AutoZone.

 

I think we might have touched base back a few months? Anyway, I run tech classes in New Haven once a month,you can be my guest if you like. I'm going over the brake system next. Best part it's free!
Let me know if I can help. I have a college kid building a vette too!
Gary

 

Yes we did, I just lost track of my id and what not. This name suits me better. We definitely did cross paths tho. I thought the classes were over! I'll gladly attend and helpout whenever I can. My father's name is Gary, which is pretty funny.

Don't tell me your kid's name is Tommy.

Please email me the address and times, or post the url if you have one. I'd love to come in and learn!

veX@saintly.com

 

Find a place that uses a mag machine for mounting and it should leave the original rims un-touched. Pep boys has auto parts, but also tires here.

 

I plan on removing 2 tires at a time since I don't have enough jack stands. The mag remover doesn't require the rims to be on the car, does it? Sorry for my ignorance. I'm 21 and this will be the first project car I've ever had. The only other experience I have with cars is installing a shifter in an LS1 Camaro and chaning plugs, wires, and oil on my buick lesabre. Although I did have help once changing the brakes, I don't remember how I did it, as it was quite a while ago when I was in Autoshop in High School.


I know the rims are 15 inches, but what are the exact spec tires I should be seeking?

 

I just PM'd you info Tommy
Gary

 

I currently restoring and modifying my ’68 roadster. I will be sticking with the stock rallies for now, modify the interior and power plant.
Dan
www.vetteworksonline.com

 

Are the tires flat because the car was sitting for so many years unattended or because they actually have holes in them? Perhaps you can just see if they will hold air so that you can move the car around. You could also look in to used tires very inexpensively. Then when the car is ready to be driven you can invest in the new set of tires and rims that you really want.

Presently my '68 has an old set of BFG TA radials. They're about 25 years old. They'll be replaced when I'm finished with my resto and I start driving the car on the street. I keep'em on just to move the car around. It's a shame to scrap'em cause they were just replaced before the car was parked. They still have the rubber nubs on them. I'm just afraid that old rubber like that isn't safe for highway speeds.

Good luck on fixing up your Vette. It deserves to have someone bring it back to life and drive it!!

 

Gary, I tried to reply to your pm but it said that you need to delete some of the messages in order to receive some. Try deleting some of the messages in your sent box and messages you no longer need in your inbox. That will free up quite a bit of space.

My question for you was how long do the classes usually last? Is it open or do you guys stay for a couple hours?

 

No, the mag machine is off the car. A "regular" tire machine has a big threaded spike that goes through the center hole of the wheel and a collar that holds it down. Then an arm keys off the spike and rubs the outer bead of the rim to remove the tire. A mag machine has 4 tabs that move out from inside the wheel on the backside to hold it in place. Then an arm to remove the tire. The arm never touches the rim.

You probably want 225/60/15, 235/60/15, or 245/50/15 or something like that. If you use a 235/70/15 it may rub the fender in front.

 

Sorry Tommy cleared out now.
We stay until noon or so, many times I'm there longer working on things.
You can call me with questions you have.
Gary

 

That's my fear as well. I'd rather not chance it. There aren't any visable holes, just cracking. It's been garaged so everything has been pretty dry. I should try putting air in them, but I doubt they'll be any good. They've been flat for a number of years. The sidewalls are probably toast.

There's also another reason why I'd like to purchase tires. To get my dad off his rear and to take notice that this car needs to be restored. He has the money to fix it himself, however he's not one for multitasking. He's the type to stop walking if he pops a piece of chewing gum in his mouth. . I got permission to purchase new tires for it and I intend on doing so. Perhaps it'll serve as a motivational piece and perhaps this can turn into a father/son project. He's been real busy trying to keep the family company afloat for the past 2 or 3 years. BUT that's no excuse for the 17 or 18 years of neglect!

 

That was the only question for now. I'm in class right now (Sacred Heart University). Business Management is a bore. I appreciate the hospitality. I'll give you a ring sometime this week. I have a few midterms to focus on for now. I just want to get the ball rolling. Thanks guys!

 

When are these classes held??

 

Ok anytime, now get back to work!

 

I hold them once a month in New Haven,CT.

 

If the car hasn't run in 20 years it will probably not run for quite a while. That being the case it will be some time before it reaches highway speeds. I would put air in the tires and see if they hold for now.

You are going to probably have to rebuild the brakes, replace the shocks and other suspension parts, then begin on the engine, transmissio etc. If you think all you need to do is change the fluids, gas it up and drive you are mistaken.

You are going to need funds to get this car running and if you are relying on $200 a week to finance the deal you are at least 10-15 weeks from driving. I suggest you wait on tires until you are ready to run and then but a set of good rubber. If you buy cheap crap now you know you will be running on them for a while and that can be dangerous. That is a high performance car and it needs the proper tires to perform as it was designed.

Good luck with your project! Make sure it is safe before you drive it.

 

Very well said! I guarantee that car's gonna need the brakes looked at at the minimum (ask me how I know ). Calipers will probably need replaced and rotors turned. The motor gone through...hopefully it will start and is not locked up and you get away with a carb rebuild and a tune up.

I think a running motor and functioning brakes will go a long way in persuading "Ol' dad" to get inspired and lend a hand. Hopefully this'll persuade him to lend some cash too. It's all in the marketing of this project. This car meant something to your dad years ago and if he sees that it means something to you I think he'd welcome the chance to help. I know I would. My son loves to lend a hand in my projects even if his role is just as a gofer.

Save the tire money until the car's rollin' on it's own then maybe dad will buy some good tires.