Radials Tires for the 66'

[Gary N.]

I'm getting ready to replace the bias belted tires on my 66' coupe with radials. Can anyone recommend a good radial of a similar size and appearance. I can't find any with a 5/8" wide white wall available. Coker has a Maax brand radial with a slightly larger white wall. Anyone have any experience with them or could make a better recommendation.

[Jim S.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

I'm getting ready to replace the bias belted tires on my 66' coupe with radials. Can anyone recommend a good radial of a similar size and appearance. I can't find any with a 5/8" wide white wall available. Coker has a Maax brand radial with a slightly larger white wall. Anyone have any experience with them or could make a better recommendation.

If you can live with a 3/4" WSW, I'd suggest the Cooper Trendsetter SE in a 205/75R15

http://www.ntb.com/tires/sku-detail/Cooper-Trendsetter-SE/P205-75R15-97S-205-75-15/sku20042.s?pageName=SLP&skuId=sku20042

[Edmund C.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Gents: I too plan to replace my 1966 tires (215/70R15) and would like to go just a bit bigger and into a redline. Can one of you folks please give me some guidance? I'm also looking for a pair of 1966 Texas tags? Saw some on EBay for $200.00 plus. Do any fellow members know where I can buy them? Many thanks. Best, EWC

[Edmund C.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Note 2: I did some due diligence on the NCRS forum and it seems you all recommend either. 205-70-15 or 215-70-15. I plan to go with the latter in a redline on my knock-offs. Please flip me a note if I'm making a mistake. If you can make a brand recommendation, please do so.Thanks fellows.

[Ed S.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

I installed a set of American Classics (205/75 R15) radials with the 1 inch white wall from Corker this past fall. I have knock-off KH after-market wheels on my '64 and have no problems at all. They look great and the improvement in handling and ride is off the chart. These tires replaced a set of original style bias ply tires that were in good condition meaning there was a lot of tread left on them. Also, I have no fender clearance issues but I doubt if there is enough room to go up a size.

[Ken R.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Gents: I too plan to replace my 1966 tires (215/70R15) and would like to go just a bit bigger and into a redline. Can one of you folks please give me some guidance? I'm also looking for a pair of 1966 Texas tags? Saw some on EBay for $200.00 plus. Do any fellow members know where I can buy them? Many thanks. Best, EWC

Google is your best friend. I found these: http://www.turnerplates.com/Texas%20...Auto%2001.html
I bought my 65 plates from guy in VA. Will look up his address.

[John H.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Gents: I too plan to replace my 1966 tires (215/70R15) and would like to go just a bit bigger and into a redline. Can one of you folks please give me some guidance?

Edmund -

I wouldn't go any bigger than 205/75-15 or 215/70-15 or you're flirting with fiberglass damage.

[John M.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Ed, Check out Diamondback Radials. They made some redlines for me many years ago using Firestone All seasons. The tires look great but the tread is a bit aggressive.

[Jim H.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

I second John's endorsement of Diamondback tires. I'm on my third set of Diamondbacks (three cars). Most recently, I purchased the Diamondback III goldline radial, 215/70/15 for my '66 427 at $234 plus $25 shipping each. It's built on a BFG Radial T/A which I've used on a bunch of classics (but never on a Corvette) and in my experience BFG's are good, reliable, reasonably priced tires. You won't win any autocrosses with them, but for cruising, long distance trips, and the occasional acceleration run-up they're fine. Low noise, good in wet conditions, and they wear well. I like that DB shaves all lettering off the outward face of the tire giving it a very smooth appearance. When I sold one of my Corvettes w/DBs, the buyer reported back that his PPI mechanic had noted the tires as "high quality replacements by knowledgeable Corvette enthusiast." So I got that going for me... which is nice.

[Edmund C.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Thanks Ed, much appreciated

[Edmund C.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Gents: I greatly appreciate the guidance on tires. I plan to proceed ahead and will let you know. The '66 I bought is Rally Red with a white top. She'd been sitting in a Texas barn under a cover for a couple of years post restoration. The white top is dirty and moldy a bit. Can one of you guys please recommend a cleaning method? Any guidance appreciated. Best, EWC

[Jim H.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Two years ago I asked the same dirty white top question on this forum and got the best $2-saves-you-$1500 advice ever - Softscrub w/bleach. Be careful to mask your interior so the bleach doesn't harm your interior. I wanted to eliminate the possibility of paint damage as well, so I used large sheets of clear plastic like painters use for masking dropcloths. After about an hour or so of rubbing the stuff into the wet top with a soft bristle brush and then rinsing, I was amazed at how my near-tan dingy lid became white again. If you check the tech archives for this subject you will find my post and the replies, as well as the before and after pix I posted which got lost in a computer meltdown. Hope your results are as good as mine.

[Leif A.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Have, also, used BonAmi with great results. Wet the top, sprinkle BonAmi in a small (18" square) area and work in with a nylon brush. Again, cover the paint and rinse EXTREMELY well when finished (there is a mild abrasive in BonAmi) but the results are fantastic.

[Edmund C.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Leif:

Thanks man. Great counsel. I will try it tomorrow. Are you based in Texas? If so, are there any upcoming venues that NCRS folks plan to attend in Texas that you are aware of? I appreciate all the assistance the NCRS Membership has provided this week. I was telling my wife last evening, what a great group of guys (and I suppose many ladies as well) are in the NCRS. It's good to be back behind the wheel of a Corvette again. Best, EWC

[Leif A.]

Re: Radials Tires for the 66'

Leif:

Thanks man. Great counsel. I will try it tomorrow. Are you based in Texas? If so, are there any upcoming venues that NCRS folks plan to attend in Texas that you are aware of? I appreciate all the assistance the NCRS Membership has provided this week. I was telling my wife last evening, what a great group of guys (and I suppose many ladies as well) are in the NCRS. It's good to be back behind the wheel of a Corvette again. Best, EWC

Edmund,
Welcome to the club!! Yes, I'm in Richardson. I have attached a copy of an email from Tim Ehlers for an upcoming event. Should be a great time.

Lone Star Corvette Classic is May 15 at the Texas Motor Speedway - Hugh Preacher (Dallas Ft. Worth Area Coordinator) will be attending the Lone Star Corvette Classic and will have an NCRS table set up at the Speedway. The Texas Chapter will NOT be judging cars at this year's classic (this year's two Chapter meets were in Houston and will be in Bee Cave this coming Saturday).

If you are attending the Classic, please notify Hugh so he knows you are entering.

He also needs help taking turns manning the table. If you can take an hour or two long shift, Hugh would appreciate it. Send a note to Hugh at: hughjpreacher@aol.com