C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

[Christopher R.]

I've decided on 205/75-15 tires for my 1962. I don't need to revisit that decision. So, seeing that I'm stuck with a low performance tire, which one to buy?

The best 205/75 seems to be the Michelin. This week, Sears has the Michelin "Weatherwise" on sale. They advertise it as, "Made alongside the famous Michelin RainForce MX4." My natural inclination is to buy the best. But why? The claim to fame for this tire seems to be its ability in the rain and its long wear. Neither of which my 1962 will much see.

So, why don't I buy the cheapest, seeing that it's low performance anyway? I don't care about tread life. The things will rot before the tread wears out. I don't care about its ability in rain, snow, and mud. And I know it's not a performance tire. So, why not buy the $25 apiece ones? Both the Michelins and the cheapest are "S" speed rated, which is about the best you can get in this size.

I'd probably spend over $200/tire if I could get a high performance "H" or higher rated. I'm sitting on the fence, and looking for some definitive reason to go one way or the other.

[Bill Clupper]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

There is in interesting tire rating guide at "www.tirerack.com". you might want to look at tghe ratings for noise, traction, etc before buying that "cheap" tire. Especially if you plan on doing any road touring or other long-distance travel.

[Mark S. Lovejoy]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

Chris,

I went through this too, I finally decided to go with Firestone tires. The were relatively inexpensive, decent white wall dimensions and look pretty good. One of the reasons I went with the Firestone tire is they were a original manufacturer, closest thing I could get in a radial.

[Jack layton #896]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

You forgot ride quality. Though you may not put many miles on those tires you at least should have a nice smooth ride with great handling when you do drive it. And that C1 needs ALL the help it can get to improve it's inherent buck board ride. That is my decision for my purchase of my 205/75x15 Michelin tires. Do you really want to drive a Corvette on Pep Boys 4 for $99 specials? Personal choice.

[Duke W.]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

Michelin has spent zillions developing their brand name, and their products are premium priced. At a fundamental level, one "S" rated 205/75 is about the same as another if their UTQG ratings are in the same ballpark.

I agree with Mark that going with a '62 OEM brand like Firestone is a good idea if you are trying to retain an original look. There are lots of 205/75s out there. Many are listed at the Tire Rack, but you should also check manufacturer's web sites.

Bottom line is that you should make the decision on the basis of appearance and price - probably in that order. An average 205/75 should provide good performance if you just use your car for normal cruising, but it probably won't provide the level of cornering and braking performance of a typical all-season performance tire in the 215/70R-15 or 225/70R-15 size group. Of course, if you aren't in the habit of pushing your car to the limit, then it's a moot point.

Duke

[Joe Pennington]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

I have Goodyear Integrity 205/70-15's on my 64 and it's a great looking tire plus it rides very good with very low road noise. I'm putting 205/75 Integrity's on my 56 this spring. I purchased mine from Kmart Penske(sp) auto center (buy 3 get the 4th free) for $248 total, mounted and balanced, two years ago. I haven't checked the current price. Check out www.goodyear.com

[Dale Pearman]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

Yokohama AVS Intermediate 225/65 x 15. Best tire I've ever had on my driver and I've tried most of them. $92.50 each!

Dale.

[Duke W.]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

Dale - Those AVS Intermediates are 225/60s, not 65s, and they will work best on a wheel at least 7" wide. Their revs per mile spec is 809 revs per mile so they will effectively shorten the gearing by about 6.4 percent - almost the same as installing the next shorter gear. You can conpensate for this by installing the speedo gear for the next numerically higher axle ratio. Your speedo/odo might end up a bit low, but it will be close.

The AVS Intermediates are oldies but goodies - excellent summer high performance tires. Unfortunately they will be phased out beginning this spring with a new model, and it's not clear if this size will be replaced.

Watch for Tire Rack closeout specials and stock up!

Duke

[Dale Pearman]

Re: C1 Tire Decision - Need Convincing

Yeah an they STICK LIKE GLUE! And when they're UN stuck they're a pleasure drift!

Dale