Ferdi

Well, still can't figure out what tires will replace my original Goodyear 255x50x16. It seems that all that are available are BF Goodrich g-Force in that size. BUT all the tire companies show them on backorder with no estimated time of arrival. I think they are out of production. Gotta say I would rather stay stock. So what's left? If I go to 17" rims exactly what will fit on all four wheels? Can these be from a later model corvette? Second question, what tire size will I need? Thanks is advance. Ferdi

jon0108

275/40/17

mcm95403

I just bought a set of T/A's in July, no problems at all with availability.

Check with Discount Tires (www.discounttires.com) since they have local stores - that's where I got mine. Otherwise, yeah, you're in for a wheel purchase.

corvetteronw

Do an Ebay search. Lots of choices out there. I bought a set of 17" tires and wheels with the correct backspacing for my 87 vert a few years ago and was very happy with them. I was even able to go with 315s for the rear.

jon0108

255/50/16 G force sport $108 each discounttire.com

usmc_butler

Your color combo's on the Vertable look greatand your wheels and tires fit perfect

corvetteronw

I no longer own the car. Sold it to a college student who lavishes care on her.
I kinda miss it sometimes.

Procrastination Racing

Unfortunately, most tire store web sites make you either search by car, which only gives you the 255/60-16 or search one size at a time when searching sizes.

They don't let you search say, all 16 inch diameter in 40 series or all 255 x 16 in all series.

And they don't retain the parameters. Each time you change a width, you have to reset the ratio and the diameter.

Once upon a time, you could have found 16s in various sizes and varies ratios and various brands. Now you are lucky to fine one tire in any particular size.

I put Yokos on my Camaro but they were 245/50-16 and I don't see them listed as a 255.

Aurora40

http://www.discounttiredirect.com/di...w=false&cs=255

They don't seem to show the BFG or the Falken's on backorder.

That is pretty slim pickings though, two tires to choose between...

Ferdi

Thanks for the leads. I tried Discount Tire (and others) but when you go to order, the tires show up on backorder. So I called Discount Tire and two others, only to find out that all do not actually have the tires, and none could supply a delivery/availability date. Oh well. Still Ecklers sells more than 1/2 dozen types of original 16" rims, (different finishes) for the Vette. Wonder what kind of tires they think the buyer are going to put on them? I will start calling BF Goodrich on Monday until I reach someone at the company than can tell me if they are producing, going to produce again, or can locate a set of the g-Force radials in 16". Not ready yet to incur a phenominal tire replacement charge, by being forced to buy rims as well. Will keep everyone posted as I progress.

JackDidley

UPS guy had General 255 50 16s on his delivery truck today. Do you have a local General dealer ?

Aurora40

Were they old? General doesn't show any 255/50-16 tires on their website (which annoyingly doesn't have a "select by size").

There isn't even anything good on eBay other than drag radials. Maybe it's time to look for some cheap take-off 17's? Even if those 16's weren't on backorder, it's a pretty crummy selection of tires. It doesn't have to be a phenomenal cost. You can get used C4 17's for around $2-400 for a set. You might even be able to find some with usable tires for that.

I see stuff like this all the time on C/L around here: http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/m...116883297.html

It's a steal with the LTPWS and tires and such, but the thing is no one wants them. Practically everyone I know with a C4 has a set of sawblades with tires sitting around in the garage, attic, basement, etc. They are perfectly good, but no one wants them.

MotorCity_87_C4

I put the 275-40 17" on my 87, got the 38mm backspacing rims and put 9" on all four corners. There are a lot more choices in 17" tires. Got all of it at Discount but had to wait a week for them to be shipped in from out of state. Bought them in 2008.

jhammons01

The oddball size of 255/50/16 becoming expensive and limited is one reason I changed wheels altogether.....Like the poster above, you can get great deals on Craigslist. You can find take-off wheels from a C5, C6 or ??? that has wheels and tires...ready to go

You will have to space it properly, I'll not lie....but I'd rather get away from that crazy size tire and upgrade the looks of my ride at the same time all for around $400-$600

jhammons01

just for fun

DarkBlue88

with everyone who said go 17", there's like 30+ tires to choose from.

CopperCorvette

I picked up a full set OEM sized tires for my '87 at Firestone about six months ago and they were $89 each. Copper

Ferdi

Just got off the phone with BF Goodrich corporate and they have not officially discontinued the 255x50x16 g-Force, but it is not currently in production, and they have no idea if, or when, it will be produced again. "Check back every 2 months."

General Tire corporate does not have any 255x50x16 tires in their current product lines.

With the comments I have seen, it appears that going to 17" is my only viable option. And that the tire size which will fit with the least amount of issues is 275x40x17. Also mentioned were saw blade wheels. I'm going to have to check out what those specifically are. Maybe someone can help me on this.

My other options are to park the car for another 15 years (like I did before) and let someone else worry about it in 2025. (It is a 99.9% original, survivor, with only a battery and heater blower motor that is not original). Or go to a 98 C-5 which I really like. H-m-m-m those Nissan 350Z's look pretty good...

JackDidley

I have had these before. They dont last a long time but they are not bad.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/4-NEW...item2c59c13bd9

j3studio

Probably won't be long now until the resto Gatorbacks show up ...