1973 tires

[Douglas C.]

Would the Goodyear Steelguard GR70-15 be close to the original 73 tires. Anyone know if this is also a quality tire for normal use
Tks. Doug

[Curt S.]

Re: 1973 tires

I still own a 73 Coupe that I ordered from my local dealer. After a bunch of waiting and correspondence with the zone office, it finally was produced and shipped to the dealer on May 23 1973 after ordering it in October of 1972. The holdups were from (1) the optional aluminum wheels which I never received, and (2) the L-82 engine quantity restaint. At that time , a friend also received a new coupe with raised white letter tires. They were firestone 500 's.My car was also shipped with firestone's but whitewalls. I believe that the Goodyears you refer to were maybe a 1974 production tire , but definitely a 1975 produced tire but would serve as period correct for your car in my opinion. Hope this helps .

[Curt S.]

Re: 1973 tires

I still own a 73 Coupe that I ordered from my local dealer. After a bunch of waiting and correspondence with the zone office, it finally was produced and shipped to the dealer on May 23 1973 after ordering it in October of 1972. The holdups were from (1) the optional aluminum wheels which I never received, and (2) the L-82 engine quantity restaint. At that time , a friend also received a new coupe with raised white letter tires. They were firestone 500 's.My car was also shipped with firestone's but whitewalls. I believe that the Goodyears you refer to were maybe a 1974 production tire , but definitely a 1975 produced tire but would serve as period correct for your car in my opinion. Hope this helps .

[Duke W.]

Re: 1973 tires

That was he original radial tire size used on Corvettes beginning in 1973, and it was replaced by 225/70R-15 as OE in '78. So those tires must be at least 40 years old.

Early radials manufactured in the USA were poor quality and subject to tread separations. I would only use those tires for "show", but not drive them over about 35 MPH.

Corvette didn't get decent OE tires until the new C4 in 1984.

You can probably find low speed rated, rock hard compound 225/70R-15 "van tires", and high speed rated tires with the safety of a spiral wrapped nylon cap belt that will keep the tire from disintegrating in the event of an internal structural failure like the Avon CR6ZZ and Vredestein Sprint Classic are available in size 215/70R-15 V and W speed rated.

Duke

[Douglas C.]

Re: 1973 tires

Good points. Current tires are Goodyear Eagle GT II, but dated year 2000. So not safe, I'll research and hope to find a period looking radial tire. The Goodyears I refer to are made by Kelsey Tires. Thanks. Doug

[Eric P.]

Re: 1973 tires

Doug,
I have a 1973, and bought a new set of GOODYEAR STEELGARD tires from Kelsey Tire about 4 years ago. They are a bit pricey, but they have been a good tire from my viewpoint. I only drive the '73 occasionally, but they have been good from both a driving standpoint, and they have judged well at NCRS meets. This is especially favorable in my opinion because I don't have to change tires and wheels from driving to judging; one set for me meets both of my needs.

Eric Patty

[Douglas C.]

Re: 1973 tires

Doug,
I have a 1973, and bought a new set of GOODYEAR STEELGARD tires from Kelsey Tire about 4 years ago. They are a bit pricey, but they have been a good tire from my viewpoint. I only drive the '73 occasionally, but they have been good from both a driving standpoint, and they have judged well at NCRS meets. This is especially favorable in my opinion because I don't have to change tires and wheels from driving to judging; one set for me meets both of my needs.

Eric Patty

Thanks Eric. I plan on putting on highway miles. I am hoping for a safe quality tire with a decent ride. I may also have judging but mostly actually enjoying the driving and taking care of it. Doug