Correct C3 Tires (1972)

[Erik K.]

Would a set of Firestone Wide Oval Bias Belted F70x15 tires (sidewal markings are or something close to: vju2y4a347 and bd 60777) be considered correct for a 1972 LT1?

Thank you,

Erik

[Dave S.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Erik,

Your 72 LT-1 came with F70 X 15 Nylon cord tires. Either Goodyear Speedway or Firestone Wide Oval would be correct. Each came in either white stripe, raised white letter or blackwall. There is lots in the archives about the various reproductions. Any Bias ply or superbelt would be incorrect.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Erik-----

If the tires are fiberglass belted Firstone Wide Ovals, then the sidewall codes don't matter, at all-----the tires are not correct for a 72. The tires used on all 68-72 Corvettes, regardless of brand, were bias ply type tires. No belted tires were originally used on these years.

Firestone Wide Ovals were made in a fiberglass belted version, though, and used on other period cars. Also, the Firestone Wide Ovals that have been available in reproduction for years from Coker Tire are the fiberglass belted version and are not, strictly speaking, correct for Corvettes.

Notwithstanding the above, it's my opinion that fiberglass belted tires offer advantages in terms of tire wear and handling characteristics. So, it depends upon what you want to do with the car. If it's show-only, then use a correct tire, NOS or reproduction (the Goodyear Speedway Wide Tread tires available from Kelsey Tire are the most correct reproduction tire for 68-72 Corvettes available today). If you want to DRIVE the car, too, then a fiberglass belted tire might be the better choice, even though it's not exactly "correct".

[Erik K.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Thank you for the replies!

I was considering the tires in this eBay auction: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eb...tem=1875396469 for my car (note: I am not associated with this auction or seller in any way).

I already have a set of incorrect period wheels (Appliance Racing) with drivable tires on it so I'd end up with two sets - stock wheels with NOS or reproduction tires for show my current set for cruising.

Of course I probably have other things to worry about before dealing with the wheels and tires, but this looked like a good opportunity for some rare rubber.

Thanks again and happy holidays!

Erik




NOS Firestone Wide Ovals on eBay

[Dave S.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Erik, If you are looking for absolutely original tires for your 72 these are not it. They are Superbelt as opposed to nylon cord. As Joe mentioned they would be superior to nylon cord in handling characteristics but will not give you 100% originality. That set would give a nice original appearance and may be a nice substitute for the nylon cord tires.

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Erik and Dave----

Also, if you were going to use a belted Firestone Wide Oval, which would be incorrect for a Corvette anyway, then I'd recommend going with a Coker reproduction. A set will cost you about $600, plus shipping. This set looks like it's almost at that price and it hasn't even cleared the reserve yet.

The Coker reproductions will give you modern rubber compounds in a NEW tire. I see no reason to use these old tires if they're going to be incorrect anyway. These might be worth the price to some guy who's restoring a car that did originally use the belted versions of the Wide Ovals. Even then, I'd really be reluctant to pay the price that this fellow is probably wanting. The reproduction tires are close enough and I don't think that it's worth spending big $$$$ for an item like this. Sort of like spending $611 for a shock absorber.

[Ralph A.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Joe, for my 71 I am restoring what Kelsey tire product codes would be correct. I do not plan to daily drive but would like original looking tires.
This is from their web site.

F70/15*
114-491-040
Speedway Wide Tread 2 Ply Nylon
RWL
$ 175.00

F70/15*
114-491-046
Speedway Wide Tread 2 Ply Nylon
.350 R/S
$ 175.00

F70/15*
114-491-501
Speedway Wide Tread 2 Ply Nylon
.350 W/S
$ 175.00

F70/15*
114-491-242
Speedway Wide Tread 2 Ply Nylon (NF)*
.350 W/S 1968-'69
$ 175.00

F70/15*
114-491-029
Speedway Wide Tread 2 Ply Nylon
Black 1965-'67
$ 175.00

F70/15*
114-491-244
Speedway Wide Tread 2 Ply Nylon (NF)*
Black 1968-'69
$ 175.00

F70/15
114-492-235
Custom Wide Tread 2/2 Polyglas
RWL
$ 130.00

F70/15
114-492-237
Custom Wide Tread 2/2 Polyglas
.350 W/S
$ 130.00

F70/15
114-492-024
Custom Wide Tread 2/2 Polyglas
.350 R/S
$ 130.00

[Ralph A.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Also does anyone else make the original looking tire?
Thanks
Ralph

[Joe L.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972)

Ralph----

The tires represented by Kelsey codes -040, -501, and -029 would represent the possibilities that could have been originally installed on your car. I believe that the -029 spec that they applied to 65-67 models is incorrect. Speedway Wide Tread tires were not used on a Corvette or any other car during these years; their first use was 1968.

[Ralph A.]

Re: Correct C3 Tires (1972) - Thanks, Ralph *NM*