1968 / 1969 tire thread.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Anderson SC
Yanno.... since I'm doing a complete suspension rebuild - I think I'll go for the 255's (in the back first) and see what happenes. I'm convinced ater reading several threads - including this one. -W
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
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From: Anderson SC
Update.. because of the deal... I ordered a set of 4 Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 tires - all 4 in 255/60/15. They had the best rating of the 3 major makers and the other two brands were on an indefinate backorder. The Firehawks will also better fit the "Pace Car" theme that my 68 will eventually be going to. So it's a done deal.
When I get done with the front suspension rebuild - I'll report on fit vs trimming.
-W
When I get done with the front suspension rebuild - I'll report on fit vs trimming.
-W
Last edited by Clams Canino; Apr 26, 2010 at 08:44 PM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 850
Likes: 36
From: Providence RI
FWIW, I'm happy enough with how my 245/60-15's fill my '71's wheelwells, but they may run on the large-size for 245/60's.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 415
Likes: 10
From: Richmond Va
I run 245/60 BFGs on all four corners of my 69. I did the same thing you are doing and ended up going with the 245 from Tire Rack. They were a few $ more than the 255, but some people commented that they rubbed. One of the member on here has a really good shot of his 69 on 245s and I liked the stance. Very happy thus far.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
You win the Lazarus award for raising the dead with this 2 year old thread. 
I don't think you'll have a problem with 235's on either rim on that car.
I used the 255's on all 4 and I had to do a small version of the '78 trim job on the front fenders. (almost not visible)
And this was with new front springs too.
From what I know now the 255's are almost certain to require a trim on a 68/69 at least.
That said, I don't regret it. They fill the wheel wells like the stock tires, (same diameter) and really stick to the pavement.
-W
I don't think you'll have a problem with 235's on either rim on that car.
I used the 255's on all 4 and I had to do a small version of the '78 trim job on the front fenders. (almost not visible)
And this was with new front springs too.
From what I know now the 255's are almost certain to require a trim on a 68/69 at least.
That said, I don't regret it. They fill the wheel wells like the stock tires, (same diameter) and really stick to the pavement.
-W
Last edited by Clams Canino; Jun 10, 2012 at 02:32 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,338
Likes: 1,590
From: Western NY
I'm surprised that nobody even mentioned that the 255s were an option beginning in '79. The only clearance issue with the 255s, as far as I've ever heard, is the "lip" at the front lower edge of the fender. Beginning with the 78s, this "trimming" or re-shaping of the lower portion of the fender is all that's required.
HOWEVER, as we all know, Corvette bodies are individually glued together, which will produce car to car variations, quality control on the C-3s wasn't all that good, which will produce car to car variations, and there have been a number of past discussions about the random fit of the body on the frame, which will affect tire clearance.
As a general rule of thumb, however, 255s will both fit with slight trimming, as well as maintain the OE 27" tire OD, thus keeping the speedometer happy.
HOWEVER, as we all know, Corvette bodies are individually glued together, which will produce car to car variations, quality control on the C-3s wasn't all that good, which will produce car to car variations, and there have been a number of past discussions about the random fit of the body on the frame, which will affect tire clearance.
As a general rule of thumb, however, 255s will both fit with slight trimming, as well as maintain the OE 27" tire OD, thus keeping the speedometer happy.
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100% on all this.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,352
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From: Westminster Maryland
Thanks for the award, it's the only one I have won all day!
I am going with 235/70 15, and I will put them on the 7" wheel(68). I want to keep the tire diameter as close as I can to original, but with a little more beef than the F70 had! I will be pretty close with the 70 series. Thanks for the info, I really want to keep the 68 rims on, and my 8" rims need sanding, priming, and paint. I have enough to do this week without all that!
I am going with 235/70 15, and I will put them on the 7" wheel(68). I want to keep the tire diameter as close as I can to original, but with a little more beef than the F70 had! I will be pretty close with the 70 series. Thanks for the info, I really want to keep the 68 rims on, and my 8" rims need sanding, priming, and paint. I have enough to do this week without all that!
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
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From: Crossville TN
I think that 235R70-15's will be larger diameter than the original wheels. With 235 width, R60's are about the right diameter. If you want to go with the R70 tire, 215 or 225 width would be about right. I have 235R60-15's all-around on mine and am happy with them.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,338
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From: Western NY
FWIW, the 235/60 is the same OD as a 215/65, which was the OE tire for the 80s Camaro/Firebirds. I upgraded my '85 Firebird to the 235's, which was wider that the 215, but kept the speedo happy. The 235, is NOT, however, anywhere near the OD of the OE tires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,352
Likes: 1
From: Westminster Maryland
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-...techspec_table
This tire spec chart from BF Goodrich says the diameter of 235-70 15 is 28 inches. The F-70 15 originally on the car was 26.9. The 60 series is 26.1. I went with the 70 since that was what was on the car when I bought it.
This tire spec chart from BF Goodrich says the diameter of 235-70 15 is 28 inches. The F-70 15 originally on the car was 26.9. The 60 series is 26.1. I went with the 70 since that was what was on the car when I bought it.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,338
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From: Western NY
http://www.bfgoodrichtires.com/tire-...techspec_table
This tire spec chart from BF Goodrich says the diameter of 235-70 15 is 28 inches. The F-70 15 originally on the car was 26.9. The 60 series is 26.1. I went with the 70 since that was what was on the car when I bought it.
This tire spec chart from BF Goodrich says the diameter of 235-70 15 is 28 inches. The F-70 15 originally on the car was 26.9. The 60 series is 26.1. I went with the 70 since that was what was on the car when I bought it.
The 255/60 is 27.1" OD.
That's why you generally run a 225/70 or a 255/60.....
