Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

[J W.]

I talked to a salesman at big classic tire vendor, read the previous threads on the forum about radial tire size, and was prepared to purchase radial 215-70R15 tires for my 1972 with 15x8" wheels, in order to get the period-correct look. When I called the vendor back, I got a different salesman who told me the 215-70R15 tire is too narrow, will look "trapezoidal" and is not recommended for an 8" wheel. He said I need 225-70R15 tires.

What gives? Does anyone have 215-70R15 tires on a C3 with 15x8" wheels and have you had problems with them? Do they look like period-correct F70-15 bias ply tires?

[Gene M.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

I went with a 60 series tire on my 68. And it is only a 7" wide rim. None of the current tires will look like the old bias ply tires. The sidewall on the bias ply was much stiffer and more straight sided. Maybe Coker or Kesler will have something special made to look closer to the old stuff in a radial. But regular tire stores line of tires is not like bias plies at all. Smooth side wall radials is not the current trend in tires.

[Duke W.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

The F70-15s are more square-shouldered than typical 215/70R-15s. Both have the same 775 revs/mile spec, so most cross charts will show 215/70s as the "equivalent" radial to a F70. If you look up specs on typical 215/70R-15s the recommended wheel width is 5.5 to 7.5".

Size 225/70R-15, which are 760 revs/mile will actually make your speedometer more accurate since the gearing going back to the fifties was set up for 6.70-15s, which are the same revs/mile, and the recommended wheel width for 225/70R-15s is usually 6-8".

I always recommend H or above rated tires due to their considerably safer construction features, particularly the spiral wound nylon cap belts. Tire availability is continually changing, so you should search the Web for both sizes, come up with some candidates based on whatever criteria you are using, and make your choice.

I would recommend a H-rated 215/70 over a lesser speed rated 225/70.

A couple of years ago I found a set of out-of-production V-rated 225/70R-15 102V Firestone Firehawk PV41 "police pursuit tires", but they are not for sale.

Duke

[Alan S.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Hi JM,
You're right, the 215/70 is the modern equivalent size for the original F-70 tire.
Since the modern 215 radial tire has considerably 'rounder' shoulders than the F-70 nylon cord tire, some people feel the 215 radial looks a bit 'skimpy' in the wheel well.
A 225/70 radial tire helps that situation to a degree. It still has the deeper sidewall profile the 70 series tires have, and the additional width helps to make up for that skimpy look.
I believe many people do feel the 225/70 radial tire looks as period correct as one can find without going to the reproduction F70 tires that look 'right' but are pretty miserable tires to drive on.
Regards,
Alan

[Patrick H.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

I have 215s on my 72 (see photos via link below) as that's what the prior owner installed after reading the JG. I installed 225s on the other 72 I work on as well as my Dad's 72. While there is nothing wrong with the 215s I personally now prefer the 225s. As a note, you'll have a problem finding "good" tires in either size. All I can find anymore in major brands is the S and T speed rating, and the majority of those are listed as truck tires. There are some really "off" brand tires with an H speed rating but I'm not sure I would trust them.

[Don L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Hi Mike. Hope you are well. Is this for the green car? I have a set of F70/15 bias ply tires and I have a set of 215R70/15 RWL BFG's too. I looked in an attempt to post a pic of the radials but it appears I don't have any photos of the car with them on it - just the bias plies which you've seen on mine and you already have on your other cars. My car is out (some finish paint work) right now, but once it's back in a week or so, you are welcome to stop by the house and see how the 215's look for yourself. Personally, I favor the narrower tire. As has been said here already, different people have different preferences. Give me a shout if you want to see the 215 tire installed.

[J W.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Thanks all. Don, yes they would be for the green car.

it doesn't sound as though anyone is aware of a safety issue putting 215 tires on an 8" wheel, correct?

[Roy V.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

I have been using 225/70R15 for awhile with no rubbing issues, also fits nicely in the spare tire tub.


Regards
Roy

[Keith M.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

A few years ago Goodyear (Eagle GT series) and Firestone (Firehawk) were still making the 225/70R15's but it appears they have stopped. Where are people getting these tires nowadays? Thanks.

[Joe L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

A few years ago Goodyear (Eagle GT series) and Firestone (Firehawk) were still making the 225/70R15's but it appears they have stopped. Where are people getting these tires nowadays? Thanks.

Keith------


There are still several tires manufactured in both 215 and 225 70 15 size. The B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A is available in either size.

However, all available tires in either size are either "S" or "T" speed rated. I don't think you'll find any tire in a higher speed rating.

With respect to these sizes, things are only going to get worse. With the major tire manufacturers, what keeps a certain size tire in production is SALES VOLUME. When that drops below a certain level, the tire is gone.

[Bill L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Keith------


There are still several tires manufactured in both 215 and 225 70 15 size. The B.F. Goodrich Radial T/A is available in either size.

However, all available tires in either size are either "S" or "T" speed rated. I don't think you'll find any tire in a higher speed rating.

With respect to these sizes, things are only going to get worse. With the major tire manufacturers, what keeps a certain size tire in production is SALES VOLUME. When that drops below a certain level, the tire is gone.

Sooo true. Then the folks at reproduction tires houses will have some reasonable facsimiles available at $200 or more a piece. The reproduction Eagle GTs are VERY expensive. I understand why but that does not change the frustration.

While expensive, the best solution might be the repro bias ply tires for judging and 17" tires for driving. At least BFGs are still out there despite their speed rating.

Bill

[Don L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Has anyone taken the plunge and bought the Kelsey Tire Goodyear "Polysteel" radial reproduction?
They look nice to me, having the small, OEM brand sidewall letter and a "pedestrian-style" tread, however, before I spent $350 + shipping + mounting and balancing PER TIRE, I'd have to be hearing some good things about them. Looks like they come in 225/70 R15 only. The speed rating doesn't make much difference to me as I drive < speed limit and very few miles per year.

See photo from Kelsey's web site:

P225-70-R-15Goodyear-Polysteel-Radial-RWL-SL.jpg

[Joe L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Has anyone taken the plunge and bought the Kelsey Tire Goodyear "Polysteel" radial reproduction?
They look nice to me, having the small, OEM brand sidewall letter and a "pedestrian-style" tread, however, before I spent $350 + shipping + mounting and balancing PER TIRE, I'd have to be hearing some good things about them. Looks like they come in 225/70 R15 only. The speed rating doesn't make much difference to me as I drive < speed limit and very few miles per year.

See photo from Kelsey's web site:

[ATTACH=CONFIG]51921[/ATTACH]

Don------


A higher speed rating tire is not all about going faster. A higher speed rating tire will perform and handle better at all speeds. It's also a safer tire with much less tendency to blow out. I rarely go over the speed rating of an "S" rated tire but I still seek out higher speed rating tires. I much prefer "H" or above.

[Don L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Right Joe, thanks.

I didn't see any reference to a speed rating for this tire on Kelsey's site. As for me and my use, I see ANY radial as a step change vs the nylon bias ply Kelsey's I have for judging. Again, others' needs may demand a high rating but my use is very mild and what looks to be a "S" rating on my BFG's is good enough for me. What's the selection look like for tires carrying a higher speed rating than "S"? Are there any RWL or WSW?

[Joe L.]

Re: Radial 215 vs 225 tire for 1972

Right Joe, thanks.

I didn't see any reference to a speed rating for this tire on Kelsey's site. As for me and my use, I see ANY radial as a step change vs the nylon bias ply Kelsey's I have for judging. Again, others' needs may demand a high rating but my use is very mild and what looks to be a "S" rating on my BFG's is good enough for me. What's the selection look like for tires carrying a higher speed rating than "S"? Are there any RWL or WSW?

Don------


In these sizes I don't know of any tire with a speed rating higher than "T" or "S". The BFG T/A's I mentioned have raised white letter. I don't know of any in whitewall except, perhaps, Diamondback Radials.

I believe the Kelsey reproduction radials are only "S" rated.