P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

[Anton S.]

Does anyone have any experience as to handling of the 62 with these tires??

[Jimmy G.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

Not on a 62 but a 60. I have driven my 60 coast to coast twice and driven a total of 50 K + miles on 205-75 x 15 Drives like a dream compared to bias ply. Almost handles like a new car or at least one with a 1949 truck front suspension

[Terry D.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

Anton
I run 215x70x15 on 7 inch rally wheels on my 62. Have put over 50k on it with no problems. The trick to keeping it driving like a new car with 49 suspension is keeping it greased. I grease mine before long trip, about 3 times a year. Hope this helps!

Terry

[Anton S.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

Thank you Terry and Jimmy. What brand tires are you running? I heard that Coker and Cooper tires are not that great.
Any experiences by other members would be appreciated.

[Carmen R.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

I heard Diamond Back are very good. A lot of members seem to be happy with them. I'll try them next when I'm ready for my next set of tires.

[Michael J.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

The problem is that the 205X75X15 tires are very unusual size these days and your selection is limited, they are typically trailer tires these days to most tire stores. I have DiamondBacks (red lines) for my '64 that started life as Michelin X radials and they are great, love the sidewall and tread pattern. It would be best to get as high a speed rated tire as you can, but I think "T" is about the best that is available, I see some Kumho tires at Tire Rack that may be OK, if you like the sidewall and tread.

[Jimmy G.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

I had a set of Goodyears Replaced them with age not mileage Bought a very expensive set of Michelins --- did not like them Put them on a C2 and loved them Front end dynamics I guess is the reason

Went back to Goodyears Love them Walmart $60 each as they will be replaced again by age versus miles at 7 years or so.

I run blackwalls and there are many choices still available -- you have to look a little harder to find them today however.

[Terry D.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

Anton
I run Goodrich radial TA's cause I like the look and the soft ride
Terry

[John H.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

The problem is that the 205X75X15 tires are very unusual size these days and your selection is limited, they are typically trailer tires these days to most tire stores.

Michael -

There are plenty of non-trailer passenger car applications still out there for 205/75-15 radials - there just aren't any 15-inch "performance" tires tires left. I had 205/75-15 radials on both of my 57's, and put thousands of happy miles on them. Just don't buy Coker Classic radials.


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[Michael J.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

I agree John, you just have to make clear to the tire guy you want the tire for a car, not a trailer, as they usually have trailer tires on the floor display for that size, at least at Discount Tire near me. Great looking '57, reminds me of Ed Hoffman's Duntov winner from a few years back.

[Christopher R.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

I have 205/75R15 tires on my '62. They handle just fine. 205/75R15 tires are now low performance. But that's only because tires have improved. They are a lot better than the 6.70-15 bias ply tires that originally came on the car. The 205/75R15 tires are the closest in size to your originals, so your speedometer will read correctly and they will look right. They will probably match the spare you have in the well. And they are probably the only size in which you can find a thin whitewall, which is also correct for a '62.

[Anton S.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

Thanks Chris,
What brand and model are you running. I am having a difficult time finding 1 inch white walls.
I am staying away from Coker and Cooper tires due to a lot of reported problems.

[Tom P.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

I have 225-75/15 on the 56---------------plus the fast steering adapter.
The front are on 15x6 and the rear are on 15x7 painted steel wheels. Steering is kind of stiff when stopped or moving VERY slow. But otherwise, I really like them.

[Christopher R.]

Re: P205/75R15 tires on a 62 Vette

Thanks Chris,
What brand and model are you running. I am having a difficult time finding 1 inch white walls.
I am staying away from Coker and Cooper tires due to a lot of reported problems.

I'm running an older set of Firestones. But Firestone doesn't sell these anymore. I think (but not sure) that Hancook has them. Did you try Diamondback? I don't know their reputation.