69 tires

[Jeffrey S.]

The last time I had my '69 judged , at the Novi Regional, I received a 3 point deduction (10% standard deduction?) for Firestone "Sup-R-Belt) F70-15 redlines. The comment was "S/B 9 ribs". At Carlisle I found a set of 4 Uniroyal tires that would be correct for my car. The tread is almost 100% and the black on the sidewall is perfect. The only downside is the white stripe area which shows some cracking due to age and some fading of the white (these tires will NEVER be driven on. They are just for judging at the National next summer). Does anyone know of a good way to repair the imperfections in the stripe and recommend a tire paint to freshen the white? I'm guessing that the way they are I would probably receive a point deduction per tire for condition which would yield a bigger deduction than if I left the Sup-R-Belts on. A real smart move right? Well, what's done is done. As always, thanks for your help.
Jeff

[Mark D.]

Re: 69 tires

Jeff,

I believe the set of Tiger Paws you looked at had, at least, one tire that wouldn't hold air without a tube. I believe the problem in the white stripe is dry rot.

There are better tires out there.

Regards,

Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: 69 tires

The last time I had my '69 judged , at the Novi Regional, I received a 3 point deduction (10% standard deduction?) for Firestone "Sup-R-Belt) F70-15 redlines. The comment was "S/B 9 ribs". At Carlisle I found a set of 4 Uniroyal tires that would be correct for my car. The tread is almost 100% and the black on the sidewall is perfect. The only downside is the white stripe area which shows some cracking due to age and some fading of the white (these tires will NEVER be driven on. They are just for judging at the National next summer). Does anyone know of a good way to repair the imperfections in the stripe and recommend a tire paint to freshen the white? I'm guessing that the way they are I would probably receive a point deduction per tire for condition which would yield a bigger deduction than if I left the Sup-R-Belts on. A real smart move right? Well, what's done is done. As always, thanks for your help.
Jeff

Jeff------


A much better plan would be to buy a set of the Kelsey reproductions of the Goodyear Speedway Wide Tread. These are the most accurate reproduction out there and might not result in any point deduction. Plus, if you do happen to drive on them, you can do so without risking your life.

The Firestone tires you have are either Coker reproductions or original tires from a non Corvette application. No 1968-72 Corvette ever originally used a belted tire but other cars of the period did. That is the tire that Coker reproduces. The tread rib count of these tires, the belted design (with Sup-R-Belt embossment), and other features are correct for the non-Corvette applications but not correct for Corvette.

By the way, I don't know of any way to repair the damage to the tires you described.

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 69 tires

Mark & Joe:
Thanks for the replies. Mark- I'm surprised you know that fact about the tires since these were not out for sale in the swap area but a pre-arranged sale. I did get them at a very good price so I was willing to take a gamble. Joe- the tires on my car were manufactured by the McCreary tire company and I knew going in that they were not originally for Corvette. They do have 7 treads not 9 as original.
Jeff

[Mark D.]

Re: 69 tires

Jeff,
I may be all wet. The set of four I'm thinking about were, I believe, out of NY. Good tread but significant cracking.
Take care,
Mark

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: 69 tires

Mark,
These tires came from NJ and were on eBay for a long time. I contacted him and asked if he was going to Carlisle with them so I could see them. He said he was going but didn't have a swap spot but would bring them in his truck. He wanted a lot for them and I said that I would pass and he said just make an offer so I did and to my surprise (maybe I should say to my chagrin) he accepted so now they are mine. Oh well- love and learn.
Jeff