Topic: 69 Tires
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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I want to replace my 8" rims with new radial tires.What size tire do I replace the F70 15. Do you get 205 x70x15 or 205x75x15? Do any of the after market tire makers produce a redline radial replacement?
|EM| |/EM|
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Forget the redline, with that engine package go for the modern radials (BF Goodrich T/A's), you won't be disappointed.
Bias ply are great for show but if you are going to drive it go for radials!!!

Bias ply are great for show but if you are going to drive it go for radials!!!

'69 350/350 conv.
Former Member
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Frederick, MD - USA
Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398
Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Questions about tires sizes for these cars has been kicked around off and on for some time. What replaces the F70-15 seems to be dependent on the individual car.
On my '69 L71 I fitted a set of P215/70R-15 Cooper tires and have been extremely satisfied. The P215's fill the wheel wells nicely and anything bigger may not clear. Some have reported problems with P225's. There are other owners here who have installed P225/70R-15 tires and more than a few going to 60 series tires with no clearance problems. It seems to be a car to car fit.
I put touring tires on my car, they fit the driving I give the car...if you want pure performance handling, go with the BFG Radial T/A's. They're the best for the money in that department.
On my '69 L71 I fitted a set of P215/70R-15 Cooper tires and have been extremely satisfied. The P215's fill the wheel wells nicely and anything bigger may not clear. Some have reported problems with P225's. There are other owners here who have installed P225/70R-15 tires and more than a few going to 60 series tires with no clearance problems. It seems to be a car to car fit.
I put touring tires on my car, they fit the driving I give the car...if you want pure performance handling, go with the BFG Radial T/A's. They're the best for the money in that department.

I have found the original diameter for the F/70-15, It is slightly smaller than a 215/70-15 but is very very close. That's the closest match in a 70 series. In a 60 series the almost exact diameter is the 255/60-15. That's what I put on my car, but some cars will rub on the wheel wells. This is somewhat dependent on ride height.
If you want performance you can still get police pursuit tires in the 225/70. They are plain jane lookers though, no white letters or red stripes, but nothing will out perform them. Your other choice for performance is getting 18" wheels, there are a ton of performance rated tires for them.

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
I have had good luck with 225/70's and 255/60's....
my last vette had 235/70's when i got it and they rubbed
i am currently running 245/60's and they fit good.. when they wear out ill replace with 255/60's
my last vette had 235/70's when i got it and they rubbed
i am currently running 245/60's and they fit good.. when they wear out ill replace with 255/60's
cthulhu said: i am currently running 245/60's and they fit good.. when they wear out ill replace with 255/60's |
That's what I'm running (255-60)...coming dangerously close to the steering components (tie rods ends?). In fact, there is evidence of slight rubbing on the tire, which I'm monitoring closely after every ride. Rubbing or not, these tires are definitely aesthetically correct.
JR
Former Member
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Newark, CA - USA
Joined: 4/29/2004
Posts: 350
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette 4-speed ZZ-4 crate
Monza Red
I have also been kicking this tire thing around. I don't know what way to go. I now have 245/60's Good Year Eagles and they fit fine, but I get some rub on hard u-turns. Would a 225/70 fit better, or a 215/70?There are so many ways to go. I don't want as wide a tire next time....so you tire guys tell me what I need.

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
not as wide but same look i would go 225/70 other would gor 215/70..
when you go get tires put on.. ask them to mount one of each and take a look
when you go get tires put on.. ask them to mount one of each and take a look
in Forum: C3 Engines, Driveline and Handling
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