C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

[Gary S.]

I have a neighbor who is looking at the Diamondback radial tires for his 1967 convertible but he is wavering on tire size. In the start of our conversation he was asking about reproduction bias belted tires made by Coker. When I searched here I saw several negative comments about them and then the post about Diamondback tires came up with some nice reviews. My friend was wondering if you have photos of the 215 and 205 sized tires installed on your C2? His current tires are ancient, perhaps as much as 20 years old he thinks. I told him that he was on thin ice here based on posts from many of you about tire age.

Thank you in advance. Btw, I searched here for that comparison but my searching may not have had the best search words.

[Keith B.]

Re: C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

depends on how much you like your fenders. each car can be a little bit different and what works for you might not work for others

[Leif A.]

Re: C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

215/70R15 or 205/75R15 are about the same height as the original 7.75/15 tires. 205/75 are about the same width, 215/70 is a bit wider. Either one will fit with no issues if your suspension is set up per factory specs. Pictures of 215/70R15 Diamondback redline radials on my '67.

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

I have a neighbor who is looking at the Diamondback radial tires for his 1967 convertible but he is wavering on tire size.

Why limit the search to Diamond back. For one they are NOT a tire manufacturer, but they do have a "house brand" that's probably made in Asia... low speed rated, rock hard compound without the safety of a spiral wound nylon cap belt. They also specialize if putting very expensive "sidewall treatments" on said cheaply manufactured tires.

The 215/70R-15 size is okay for '67s with OE wheels as long as they don't have major body dimension over tolerance like from a accident repairs.

Do a Web search on the above size, and search this size at www.tirerack.com. The Vredestein Sprint Classic (made in The Netherlands) carries a W speed rating and has the safety of a spiral wound nylon cap belt. They're only available as blackwalls, but ,blackwalls were standard on all C1/2 Corvettes. Whitewalls were an American sedan thing, like two-tone paint jobs.

I've never see a fifties or sixties vintage Porsche or Ferrari with whitewalls.

Duke

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

Leif, thank you for the photos. THey are a great help and I will forward them to my friend.

Duke, your comments are always appreciated buy my friend's quest is the look and not the ride. His annual mileage is under 1000 and he rarely exceeds 70 mph - his comments, not mine. He does have a Porsche 911 for any twisty thrills around the area. I don't think at his age (mid-70s) that he is interested in high speed stuff or cornering capability. Btw, his car is bone stock with regard to suspension and other ride parameters.

Thank you all.

[Tom M.]

Re: C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

If you are interested in the country of origin, the Diamondback Touring in 205/215-70-15 is an H rated Uniroyal. The specs and manufacturing info is available online.

[Gary S.]

Re: C2 comparison of 215, 225 sized tires

Tom,
Thank you.