Bias Tires ?

[Ralph B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Well I for one remember how bad those old nylon bias ply tires were in the early-mid '60s. I usually could only afford recaps too, so they were awful, but you could smoke them easily. My brother ran a Goodyear tire store in the later '60s, when they came out with polyester and then the belted Polyglas, I got a discount and those both were worlds better than the older nylon bias ply tires. The progression has been continuos and many don't notice, but the polyester/nylon and polyester cord tires are hugely better than the 100% nylon, especially in flat spotting and handling. I have some new repop bias plies, and the polyester doesn't flat spot, the nylon does, same as the old days.

Michael,
You may ??? have answered why some people with bias tires are experiencing little or no problems and why others report "horror stories". Unfortunately the tire I was considering (the Power Cushion) from Kelsey Goodyear is nylon; however, he does carry many other styles and sizes for C3 Corvettes that are made from polyester, but none for a 66.
Thank you!

[Patrick B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Nylon is correct for Corvettes. Even after the polyester cord tires became the norm for bias ply, Corvettes still used a special version of bias ply tires with nylon cord because nylon was considered better for high speed. However, polyester cord is much better from the standpoint of flatspotting.

[Michael J.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Nylon is correct for Corvettes. Even after the polyester cord tires became the norm for bias ply, Corvettes still used a special version of bias ply tires with nylon cord because nylon was considered better for high speed. However, polyester cord is much better from the standpoint of flatspotting.

True, the ones before Polyglas were standard on Corvettes are all nylon and all you have to choose from, unless you want to lose some more points on the standard deduct. If you don't care about that and can handle a few more deducts, then polyester versions are the way to go, and of course if you really care only about driving safety and handling and comfort and not flight judging, then get a speed rated radial....

[John H.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Interestingly this tire requires 44 PSI which I'm not crazy about

Ralph -

No, it doesn't. The 44 psi molded into the side of the tire is the maximum inflation pressure permitted while mounting the tire on the rim, to avoid damaging the tire. For driving, run them at 32 psi and adjust from there based on wear patterns.

[Ralph B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Ralph -

No, it doesn't. The 44 psi molded into the side of the tire is the maximum inflation pressure permitted while mounting the tire on the rim, to avoid damaging the tire. For driving, run them at 32 psi and adjust from there based on wear patterns.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

I'm all for the use of bias ply tires for judging, but over the years I've learned they aren't too safe. Before I was set to ship my 63 down to our new home in Florida, I took it out for a "redline" run on my good looking 4 year old Goodyear 670x15 bias ply white walls. When I returned home I did my usual walk around inspection and found 2 tires had thrown off chunks of tread. I was lucky I didn't lose a fender. I checked with my local Goodyear store and ordered in a set of P205x75R tires they had available, and had their part time Chevy mechanic do a computer alignment to later C-3 specs with radials - and have never looked back. When I see a C-1 or C-2 on the road with those "bicycle tires", I really think they do not look right - certainly not for a performance car. They remind me of an old English MG!

Stu Fox

[Jim R.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Being that these Reproduction (baloney skins) bias ply tires from coker or kelsey need to be DOT certified wouldn't that make them somewhat safe for the road, just a thought?

[Patrick B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Being that these Reproduction (baloney skins) bias ply tires from coker or kelsey need to be DOT certified wouldn't that make them somewhat safe for the road, just a thought?

Yes. They would have to pass today's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards which are more stringent than the voluntary industry standards of the 1960's. If they are properly inflated you should have no tread chunking or blow-out worries when you buy them. However, they may deteriorate with age because they probably won't wear out very soon with the limited use of collector cars. In the 60's, tires wore out in 10,000 to 15,000 miles and aging wasn't a consideration.

[Jim L.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

I'm all for the use of bias ply tires for judging, but over the years I've learned they aren't too safe. Before I was set to ship my 63 down to our new home in Florida, I took it out for a "redline" run on my good looking 4 year old Goodyear 670x15 bias ply white walls. When I returned home I did my usual walk around inspection and found 2 tires had thrown off chunks of tread.

The chunking is an issue related to manufacturing quality, not a trait for which bias ply tires are known.

[Glen C.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Ralph, Please do report back on the tire pressure. I purchased a set of Diamond back Michelin X P205/75R15 97S tires with the 3/8" raised gold line for my 66 BB, last summer. At the time Toyo or Michelin X were the two choices they offered me in that size. I do not remember them recommending the 42-44 psi tire pressure. I run these tires at 32 psi, and am not noticing any tire wear or handling issues. I previously had a set or 775-15 B F Goodrich bias ply with the 3/8" recessed gold line. The Michelin X Diamond backs are far superior to my old bias ply B F G's. The Diamondback III you mentioned wasn't an option for my 66 when I ordered, and looking at their online catalog, they don't show B F Goodrich T/A in the P205/75R15 size, but as you mentioned, the Michelin X radials are still listed in the P205/75R15. When you call, I would ask to speak to the old man I think his name is Richard.

[Ralph B.]

[Michael J.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

I have had Diamond Back Xs redlines for three years now as my "driver" tire set, they are great, they make my '67 handle, steer, and ride like a new car. Highly recommended.

[Gary B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

... Seems to me the Diamond Back X is the way to go!
Ralph

Ralph,

What's the per tire cost for the Diamond Back X (Michelin MX) tire?

Gary

[Ralph B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Ralph,

What's the per tire cost for the Diamond Back X (Michelin MX) tire?

Gary

Gary,
Not inexpensive by no means; I believe around $240.00 EA for 205-75-15 which should be a good look & fit for a C2 @ 6.20" thread X 8.0" section X 26.8" Dia. Note: Diamond Back also told me that If I want to see what the tire looks like to ask to see the Michelin "Defender" at any tire store that carries Michelin Tires which is identical to the Diamond Back MX only WITH the graphics and script which is not on the Diamond Back.
Ralph

[Gary B.]

Re: Bias Tires ?

Ralph,

Thanks for the cost info. If you go to Goggle images and type in "Michelin Defender Tires" you can see lots of good images of that tire.

Gary