C2 67 tires

[Jimmy B.]

I have seen Michelin redline tires on some C2's and for the life of me I can't find them listed anywhere. My 67 currently has an old set of these that are starting to "dry rot" in the sidewall area. Anyone know who is selling these?


Duke,

My research shows that you recommend the Pirelli P4000 Super Touring radial in the 215/70ZR15 size. Are you still keeping with this recommendation? For what it is worth I found these listed on TireRack @ $122.00 ea and DiscountTires has them @ $89.59 ea, all prices before shipping.

Thanks.

Jim

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Yes, for general driving I still recommend the 215/70ZR-15 Pirelli P4000 Super Touring.

I think it is Diamondback Tire that can buff the rather ugly sidewall lettering off and apply any type of sidewall treatment you want for extra bucks.

If you want maximum grip Avon offers a V-rated 215/70R-15 DOT legal racing tire in the C6RZZ line. You can find it on the Avon Web site.

With proper suspension tuning this tire should provide 1g+ cornering, and in normal road driving it will probably yield 5-10K miles depending on how hard and how often you push it.

If you have the driving skills, a base suspension small block with hard urethane bushings on the front anti-roll bar links, -1 degree camber at each corner and dialed in adjustable shocks you will not have to take a back seat to any modern sports car or sports sedan on OE tires.

Duke

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Jim,

I loved those Michelin X's. In 1969, I put a set of Michelin X's on my 67 thrashing the original bias ply tires. Came across country NY to CA with them in 69. Actually did 135 mph in them in 70.

In about 1974, I bought a second set of Michelin X's, I think 195X15's. In those years, the car more or less set in the garage as my second car for many years. By 2002, I had less then 10,000 miles on the tires, but still had the 50,000 mile guarantee. The thread on the tires was good but the sides were cracked (and probably dangerous).

So I brought the car back to the same tire dealer with my guarantee book and original invoice (I think it was the son of the owner).

They actually laughed at the 28 year old tires. But they framed the invoice, and made me a good deal on Coker 205/75R15's claiming it was the same mold as the Michelin's

Don't drive as aggressively as before, but these redlines just suit me fine now. Here they are on the car:

http://img238.imageshack.us/img238/9835/luggageracksmalllc5.jpg

Still looks like it is going when it is standing still.

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 67 tires

I followed your recommendation, along with several others on the board, and have a set of P4000 Super Touring sitting in the garage on a new set of Torque Thrusts. I can't wait to get them on the car and on the road. It should be a great improvement over the 12 year old Walmart specials that came off of the car.

Cheers
Mike

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Jerry,
That's an interesting two tone look you have going with the hardtop. Was that an option in 67?

Cheers
Mike

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Mike,

The white vinyl on the hard top was a 1970's add-on. Still looks good but it cost me 85 points on color presentation at flight judging. But I still made Top Flight:

http://img456.imageshack.us/img456/959/backhomesm9vb.jpg

The luggage rack was put on in 69 for the trip west. That's the same Samsonite luggage I brought with me. It now carries my car cover and a little vino on trips.

[David D.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Jim,
I've been googling but fail to find DiscountTires having them @ $89.59 ea, all prices before shipping.
Could you share the link via a PM to me....

NEVER MIND....Found it.

Thanks,
David

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Duke,
Do you know if the P4000's will fit in the spare tire tub with the long front bolts (10 1/4")? I will carry an old 205/75 R15 spare but would need to put the P4000 in the tub in the unfortunate circumstance of a flat.

Thanks
Mike

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Gerry,
We all have had experience with loosing a few points for decisions made in the 70's. And I'm not talking about Corvettes!

Congrats on the Top Flight. Great car with a great story. I plan to do the California or bust run in June.... if I can get the car back together in time.

Cheers

[Duke W.]

Re: C2 67 tires

I don't think the P4000 will fit in the tub if air pressure is normal, but it might, flat. You'll have to check.

I recall about 15 years ago a story was going around Monterey during Historics weekend that a guy in a Testa Rossa had a rear go flat, and his girlfriend had it in her lap for the rest of the drive.

Duke

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Duke,
The tub is on the floor and the new wheels and tires are in the garage. I think I'll experiment with it tonight. If I find something of interest I'll let you know. If all else fails, my son will have to do his best impersonation of a Testa Rossa girlfriend... at least as far as carrying a spare tire is concerned!

Cheers

[Michael A.]

C2 Tire Follow Up

I've had the opportunity to drive the car with the new Pirelli P4000 Super Touring tires. What an improvement! It's like a different car. It is much smoother riding and really feels good. The 215/70 R15s fit great and I don't see any signs of rubbing. I'm really happy to have more rubber on the road.

Great suggestion and I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a good tire for their C2.

Cheers

[Gerard F.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Mike,

Does one of the P4000 fit in the tire tub?

Just wondering.

[Michael A.]

Re: C2 67 tires

Jerry
Diameter is fine but the width is not. I have the tub out of the car for the moment and laid a P4000 into it. When placing the tub cover on top, it sits at least an inch above the lip of the tub. I've not tried it in the car yet but I'm pretty certain the front bolts I have would not be long enough. I've looked at the longer ones from suppliers but I'm not sure that the extra inch of length in the long bolts is sufficient to do the trick. I'll be experimenting some more before I take off on my trip and will try and post what I find. If all else fails I'll use one of my 205/75s as a spare and let my son carry the P4000 to whereever we need to go for a repair.

Cheers