70 tire recommendation

[Chris H.]

I'd like to put Goodyear Eagle GT IIs (RWL) on the car, but they're not made in the exact size as listed in the JG (215/70/15).

Anyone have any recommendations? Go with a different size? A different brand? I have bias-ply tires for judging, but I'd like something decent on there for driving that is in the same spirit as the originals.

Thanks, Chris

[Joe L.]

Re: 70 tire recommendation

Chris-----

You can use 225-70-15 and the GT II's are available in this size. Both the 215-70-15 and the 225-70-15 are close to the original F-70-15 tire size.

[ERIC FAIRCLOUGH]

Re: 70 tire recommendation

Chris, I have 225/70/15 on my 72 and the front rub on the frame when making a tight turn into the driveway. I heared some but not all 225's will do this. I am going to go with 215 so i don't have to deal with that anymore. My 2 cents. Eric

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 tire recommendation *TL*

Chris,
Just a guess here, but maybe you are not an NCRS member? The last two issues of The Corvette Restorer have a story about speed rated tires - mostly for C2 & C3 Corvettes - authored by none other than Duke Williams. Lots of good background information to help you make informed tire selections. The magazine comes with membership.

[Dave S.]

Re: 70 tire recommendation

Chris,
I use Goodyear Eagle GT's, 225 X 70 X 15 for street tires on my C3's. They are very close to F70 X 15's in overall diameter and have never given me any clearance problems. The look of the car will be very close to original and the speedometer will work accurately.

[Jim T.]

Re: 70 tire recommendation

Chris I have been using Goodyear Eagle's on my original owner 70 for about 20 years. I use the 255/60 15's becausee I like the appearance of them on the my 70 and will continue to buy this size. My high speed driving is pretty much limited to 70-75 on the interstates so the Goodyear Eagle type of tire has been a good choice for me. I read the articles by by Mr. Duke in the NCRS publications and I believe the 255/60 15 tire is pretty much the same size as the original tire that came on our 70's.

[Tom R.]

Re: 70 tire recommendation

Another article, in addition to DKs articles while they it goes back a few years is one written by Rolf Krueger for the Winter 96 issue of the Restorer. It's also available on the NCRS Restorer CD...another reason to hold an NCRS membership. The title of RKs article is "Replacing Tires on 68-82 Corvettes."

Krueger offers a different perspective from DKs article but equally informative. Read both and you'll understand all issues regarding purchase, installation and ride quality of today's tire options.

[Bob Simard]

70 Tire recommendations

I have 225/70-15's of the Firestone Firehawk Indy 500 type on my 70. Tires rub on tight turns. I try not to turn that tight any more.