1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

[David C.]

I have a 1973 convertible for which I need to retire the ancient (1982) Uniroyal raised white letter radials which came on the car when I bought it 2 years ago.

I like the look of the whitewalls with the rally wheels, as well as with P02 wheel covers (YJ8 alum wheels probably look best with BSW tires).

My thought is to get a set of Diamondback tires with the thin whitewalls. Although I really like the authenticity of the Kelsey Goodyears (they make a WSW Steelgard), I cannot justify the price for a tire which will be a driving tire.

With that in mind, can anyone tell me what is the width of the whitewall stripe on the Goodyear Steelgards and the Firestone Steel Radial 500 tires available in 1973? I cannot approximate from pictures though it does appear the Goodyear stripe is wider than the Firestone stripe. I'd like to get an authentic "look" using the correct width stripe on the Diamondbacks. These would be 225/70 15 radials.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

Firestones were 3/8 inch wide. Goodyears were very close to the same but I'm not sure as I don't have any original GYs

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

Thank you Russ, appreciate it!

Am hoping someone will respond on the Goodyears.

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

I can't find any evidence that goodyear steelgards were available in white stripe. Am I missing something?

[Curt S.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

Hi David. I am the original owner of a 73 coupe that was produced in early May of 73. I ordered it with whitewall tires and the PO2 option. They are 3/8 inch firestone 500 tires. A good friend of mine received an April produced 73 coupe and ordered RWL tires. His tires were firestone 500 RWL not goodyear. In my opinion, the goodyear steelgard RWl tires were shipped on 75 production and later and maybe 74 but not 73. Hope this helps Curt

[Jimmy P.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

Hi Guys,
First off Curt, I believe you're correct in your assumption that no 73's had the steelguard tires in any form. From everything I've researched the Firestones were only used originally from the factory. Even though the 73-74 JG says that both were used during this time frame. I'm thinking the steelguards started being used sometime in 74. I've never seen an original 73 with Steelguards on it with either blackwall, RWL, or whitewall tires. I do think (Like you Curt) the Steelguards came out later in 74 and were used on later models. Russ, that's probably why you haven't seen any with whitewalls. I couldn't find any either. David, I was in contact with Kelsey Tire and as you state they do have a SteelGuard in both RWL and whitewalls. Speaking with John from there we both pretty much came to the same conclusion that they weren't used on the 73. He did email a photo of their Steelguard whitewall because it wasn't on their site. I've included it below, it is a very nice looking repro of the original. Kelsey emailed me and said that it is made to the exact specifications of the original. The width of the whitewall is 7/16 inches. I'd like to add that those guys from Kelsey Tire were very helpful and informative.
Hope this was helpful,
Regards,

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

Thanks much for the information and follow up gentlemen! Really appreciate it.

It's interesting that there is still some question about precisely which tires were offered as OE for the 1973 model year.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

David,
Here's another way to look at this that may or may not be of interest to you but I will throw it out there anyway. I purchased a set of Diamondbacks for my '69 last year. I wanted a redline and I found a new Firestone tire that they agreed to put the redline on without removing the Firestone logo, etc. I happen to think the tires look more "authentic" with the manufacturer's info on them. In addition, if I decide to ever have the car judged again, I believe that since they are an OEM brand used in '69 I would qualify for a standard deduction of less than 100% (60%?) and therefore be eligible for condition points. Maybe this is stupid but I love the look of these tires (215-70's) and I'm happy with my decision.
Jeff

[David C.]

Re: 1973 Radial Tire Whitewall Width

Jeff,
That's an interesting approach which I would be willing to try. The challenge is that there are no suitable new Firestone (or Goodyear) radial tires available in 225/70 R15 which would work well as the basis for a Diamondback whitewall. They either have raised white outline brand lettering, ribbed sidewall treatment, or an unsuitable tread pattern (e.g. all terrain). If I've missed a good candidate, please let me know.
Dave