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Tire recommendations 1965

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Old Apr 9, 2018 | 03:24 PM
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Default Tire recommendations 1965

so many tires
looking for radial blackwall, 225/70/15, street driven
Putting on 15x6 wheels
Street and highway driving--am sure 100mph will happen on occasion, but only short bursts (as when running through the gears then shutting back down).
thanks
g

Last edited by Corvettes by George; Apr 10, 2018 at 05:39 PM.
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Old Apr 9, 2018 | 04:09 PM
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The minimum recommended wheel width for 225/70R15 is 6", and your OE wheels are 5.5". Search 215/70R15. You might be able to find a couple with a H speed rating. That means they should have a spiral wound nylon cap belt, which is a big safety feature. If there is an internal structural failure this additional belt will usually keep the tire from disintegrating.

T-rated and below lack this feature.

The tire landscape is constantly changing, so what was around last year may not be around now, but there may be new entries. Do a general Web search for the appropriate size(s) and also search the big online retailer sites.

Yeah, it takes some time, but how often do you have to buy tires for a vintage Corvette.

Duke

Last edited by SWCDuke; Apr 9, 2018 at 04:21 PM.
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Old Apr 9, 2018 | 05:49 PM
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For what USAGE? How many miles per year are you driving? Are you driving in the wet or cold (snow?)? Are you a waxer (show only) or a driver?
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Old Apr 9, 2018 | 06:26 PM
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I use 205X75X15s on my '64s, fit well on the wheels, and in the wheel wells, no issues, and ride great. You have several choices of brands, like Goodyear and Hankook.
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Old Apr 9, 2018 | 08:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 1960fi
so many tires
looking for radial blackwall, 225/70/15, street driven
thanks
g
P205/75/R15 are stock tire size for the C2 Corvette. All depends on what size your wheels can take.
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 05:42 PM
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Amended post #1 to reflect driving needs/habits.
Having a difficult time finding H rated tires (has the speed rating system changed?)
Any thoughts on Toyo tires?
Thanks again,
G
210-748-4693 for texting
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 05:48 PM
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Uniroyal Tiger Paw AWP-II tires will fit your needs, reasonably priced, widely available, nice looking tread pattern and wear well. An occasional 100mph sprint is no problem.... Sustained triple-digit, high speeds are a different ballgame...

And Uniroyal is an OEM supplier - will even get you some judging points!

Last edited by Frankie the Fink; Apr 10, 2018 at 05:49 PM.
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 06:42 PM
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Michelin redlines on mine, I like them.
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 06:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 65 396
Michelin redlines on mine, I like them.
I sure would like to see a photo of those tires!!! Size? Where did you get them? Thanks!

Tom
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 06:58 PM
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Default Firestone FR710's 215/70R15's

I have Firestone FR710 – P215/70R15 on my 66. 5YR, 65,000 warranty. About 2000 miles on them and very satisfied. Paid just over $400 mounted and balanced.
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 07:21 PM
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If you want a black wall radial that has high speed characteristics and great handling get Avon CR6ZZ. I have a set of 205/70R15 on my SWC and am getting a set of 215/70R15 for my 67. Pricey but well worth it. Goggle them
Tim
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 09:22 PM
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You can't go wrong with Michelin Defenders. These tires are radial redlines in a 215/65R/15 from Diamondback.





Jim
In God We Trust!

Last edited by 6T5RUSH; Apr 10, 2018 at 09:24 PM.
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 10:17 PM
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Originally Posted by 6T5RUSH
You can't go wrong with Michelin Defenders. These tires are radial redlines in a 215/65R/15 from Diamondback.





Jim
In God We Trust!
I put Defender's on my car last fall 215 / 70R 15. A nice smooth riding tire. I like them.
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Old Apr 10, 2018 | 11:27 PM
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just Ordered these H rated uniroyals on amazon for my 65. $75 a piece delivered


Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring HR Radial Tire - 215/60R15 94H
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 06:53 AM
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Firestone 215/70R/15 on my 66, around 400 on car. Happy with them.

Last edited by vwtdi; Apr 11, 2018 at 07:18 AM.
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by 1960fi
Amended post #1 to reflect driving needs/habits.
Having a difficult time finding H rated tires (has the speed rating system changed?)
Any thoughts on Toyo tires?
Thanks again,
G
210-748-4693 for texting
I'm not surprised. The only change to the speed rating system is movement of the speed symbol, circa 1990, from the size to the load index that follows the size. Tire Rack has a good writeup on how to interpret the specs and data molded into the tire sidewall.

Continue searching 215/70R-15 and maybe you will find one with a H speed rating. Check tireseasy.com. They may have a H-rated 215/70, but it will probably be a brand you have never heard of. If not, search 205/75R-15. AFAIK nothing in this size has ever had a nylon cap belt or speed rating greater than T, but there are a lot of offerings.

Toyo is a top quality tire manufacturer. I have a set of their Proxes RA-1 DOT legal racing tires on my Cosworth Vega.

The Avon V-rated CR6ZZ that SWC Tim mentioned is also a DOT legal racing tire. If you are into attacking twisty canyon roads or contemplate open track events, they are the only way to go. With poly front anti-rol bar link bushings, "sport" alignment settings, and rebound adjustable shocks like Spax or QA-1 they will pull about 1g lateral versus about 0.75 for just about any other tire.

As is the case with all DOT legal racing tires the wear rating is low (80), but in normal road driving with occasional "blasts" they should last about 10K miles.

Search for the Avon Web site and Roger Kraus racing in the SF Bay Area.

Duke

Last edited by SWCDuke; Apr 11, 2018 at 11:13 AM.
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 11:09 AM
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Originally Posted by SWC Tim
If you want a black wall radial that has high speed characteristics and great handling get Avon CR6ZZ. I have a set of 205/70R15 on my SWC and am getting a set of 215/70R15 for my 67. Pricey but well worth it. Goggle them
Tim
When you get the 215/70s I'd really appreciate it if you would start a thread to compare the two with photos and actual measurements.

According to the CR6ZZ spec sheet, both have nearly the same inflated OD. As you would expect the max. section width on the same width wheel is about one-half inch wider, but the BIG difference is tread width, with he 215/70 being nearly an inch wider.

Tread width is a tricky measurement depending on the shoulder contour, but my concern is that the 215/70s may interfere with the fender well lips with OE '67 6" wheels.

Duke
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 11:19 AM
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Duke,
Will do. Just not sure when I will get the next set of Avons maybe this summer or possibly next summer. Bought the 67 in January and had it shipped to Ohio, we are in the FL Keys for the winter. So not real sure about the tires presently on it. Do plan to carefully check spacing with the fender lips before ordering. I know the CR6ZZ made a real difference on the SWC. Have not been able to break the rear loose in a corner.
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 11:33 AM
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Originally Posted by DSR
I put Defender's on my car last fall 215 / 70R 15. A nice smooth riding tire. I like them.
What wheels are those---nice!
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Old Apr 11, 2018 | 03:58 PM
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Originally Posted by 1960fi
What wheels are those---nice!
That picture is of 6T5RUSH's car. I just have knock off's on my car.
215 / 70R 15 Defender's on knock off's.
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