Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

[Peter G.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

George this new format on the TDB is a bit different from before so I will try and figure out how to post some photos of the new tires on the Corvette. I took some pictures last week at the NCRS Chapter Judging Meet.

[Patrick B.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

I guess checking for date codes on tires on the insides of tires on the ground would not be uncommon on C1s and C2s. On early C3s which is what we are talking about for this new radial tire....the Firestone Radial 500 was used for almost half of the years in the 70s and you just don't see cars presented on the Judging Field with original tires (and there were no repoduction tires) to compare by checking date codes that often. Most early C3s are brought with "Service Replacement" in the P-metric sizing and just receive the "Standard Deduct" on tires. Now things will be different with a repo tire now available. I don't know the number percentages, but from my experience with the Corvette tires from the early 70's..the Goodyear Steelgard was installed maybe 1 in 4. They were mostly Firestones with the exception of 1974. This is just my observation back then til now. If anyone knows the numbers I would be very interested in it.


Also another question comes to mind with that: Why did Mr. Kelsey and Kelsey Tire decided to reproduce the Goodyear instead of the Firestone?

To give you a example of my thinking....C2 Redlines..you see both original and repo tires so you I would agree on the need to determin new or old?

I have a set of 1975 Firestone 500 (raised white letters) tires and wheels taken off a car with 8000 miles if anyone would like to look at them. I live in the Washington, DC area.

[Peter G.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Okay..some pics of the new Goodyear Steelgard tires mounted purchased from Kelsey Tire. I am taking the Corvette to a outside "Peoples Choice Car Show" on Saturday and I will try and get some more pics out in the bright sunshine.NCRS Chapter Meet 2012 006.jpgNCRS Chapter Meet 2012 007.jpg

[George W.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Thanks for the pictures. I have a set of the Kelsey tires for my 73, but have not finished the wheels. Wanted to see what they looked like installed. Glad they turned out so well. We have needed a tire for the 73 for a long long time.

George

[Peter G.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Here are some more pictures of the Goodyear Steelgards from Kelsey Tire taken out in the bright sunlight today.
Goodyear Steelgard Repos 003.jpgGoodyear Steelgard Repos 005.jpgGoodyear Steelgard Repos 006.jpgGoodyear Steelgard Repos 007.jpg

[William M.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Also another question comes to mind with that: Why did Mr. Kelsey and Kelsey Tire decided to reproduce the Goodyear instead of the Firestone?

Firestone is not interested in resurrecting the past of the infamous 500 that was recalled for doing this...





That's what happened just sitting in my tire tub. Imagine if it was on the car!

[Oliver B.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

...which is just TOO bad! I'd LOVE to put reproduced Firestone Steel Radial 500's back on my car........

[Timothy K.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Peter,
Thanks for the pictures as well. Additionally you answered my question about 'driveability'. The '73 L-82 already recieved the Duntov Award several years back and I no longer show it but my concern was the ride and handling characteristics. However I still want it to be up to the NCRS standard. In fact I'm running an ad in the next Driveline looking for the correct date coded Goodyear Steelgard W/W for a spare. John Kelsey did offer me a wholesale price since I work for an automobile manufacturer.
BTW - You car looks great !
Thanks again,
Tim

[Eric P.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Peter,
Can you contact me at pattyfour@aol.com or 419-583-9944

My name is Eric Patty NCRS #8355. I would like to talk with you about the Goodyear GR70x15 tires.
Thanks, Eric

[Dave S.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

Not sure how to private message you but I am interested in these tires for a 74 that I just bought. How do I go about saving some money? You can email me at dave.smits@live.com if you prefer to keep it out of this forum.

[Roger C.]

Re: Goodyear Steelgard Reproductions

I purchased a new 73 coupe in November 1972

Went through the Firestone nightmare.

Courious, did GM use both Goodyear and Firestone tires concurrently during the 73 production year, or did they change manufactures after Firestone had the belt separation isues?