Suggestions re 1970 which tires are best to DRIVE on ?

[Bob B.]

OK, my 70 Convertible is just about ready, I have the original wheels and a set of very original 1970 Goodyears that are great for Flight judging (up to 10mph) BUT I am putting a set of wheel and tires to DRIVE ON, looks like radials are substantially better for driving the 70. ?? Is firestone the only way to go ? The repros, are they OK or what else is good ?
THANKS
Bob

[Joe L.]

Re: Suggestions re 1970 which tires are best to DRIVE on ?

OK, my 70 Convertible is just about ready, I have the original wheels and a set of very original 1970 Goodyears that are great for Flight judging (up to 10mph) BUT I am putting a set of wheel and tires to DRIVE ON, looks like radials are substantially better for driving the 70. ?? Is firestone the only way to go ? The repros, are they OK or what else is good ?
THANKS
Bob

Bob------


Current tire sizes equivalent to the original F-70-15 are 215-70-15 or 225-70-15. For these tire sizes there is a VERY limited selection of tires available. In the 215-70-15 tire size, the Firestone Weathermax is the only H speed rated tire available that I know of. The Goodyear Assurance is also available in this size but it's only T speed rated. If I were going to go with a 215-70-15 tire size, I'd probably go with the Firestone because of the speed rating. Of course, you don't really need the higher speed rating for normal street driving but a higher speed rated tire is also a safer tire.

For the 225-70-15 tire size, which I prefer, there is nothing but T speed rated tires available and most that I know of are "off-branded".

[Patrick B.]

Re: Suggestions re 1970 which tires are best to DRIVE on ?

245/60 BFG Radial T/A tires fit fine, drive fine and look good (black wall side out) on a 70. They are not high performance tires, but you can order them from Costco. BFG is at least trying to supply sizes for old car lovers.

[Joe L.]

Re: Suggestions re 1970 which tires are best to DRIVE on ?

245/60 BFG Radial T/A tires fit fine, drive fine and look good (black wall side out) on a 70. They are not high performance tires, but you can order them from Costco. BFG is at least trying to supply sizes for old car lovers.

Patrick-------


Yes, the 245-60-15 tire size will work very well. In fact, I used this tire size on my 1969 from the end of the "bias ply era" right to the present day. They do not appear stock, but they work well with no interference. The Radial TA's are only S speed rated, though.

[Mark E.]

Re: Suggestions re 1970 which tires are best to DRIVE on ?

Going to 17" or 18" aftermarket wheels opens up a wide variety of performance tire choices.