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I have a 71 vette with Firestone SS Radials. I estimate that they are about 15 years old. There are some signs of cracking between the treds. One is now leaking from the rim-seal.
I was told by a Tire store (may be biased) that the tires can pose a hazard due to the age of the rubber enabling de-lamination of the steel belt inside. Can pose a blow-out.
i wouldn't run the vette over 25mph with the tires you describe, unless you've got bin laden in your sights and if that's the case , hope the old vette is a 454. mike
It will cost your significant other more for your funeral and it will cost you for new tires. It all depends on how much value you put on your life. Have a Happy Holiday.
Early vintage non-speed rated US made radials are not very good tires. They don't have spiral wrapped nylon cap belts, so an internal delamination could cause the tire to disintegrate. Many of those vintage tires had a reputation for tread separations when they were relatively new, and it can happen very suddenly and catastrophically. Drivers of average skill often lose control of their vehicle in such instances.
I wouldn't say you are taking your life in your hands with them if you only drive the car moderately, but I would be very cautious. Inspect them very frequently and be sensitive to any new vibration or tendency for the car to pull.
Since they aren't "original" to a '71, I would seriously consider a new set of V-rated 225/70R-15 police pursuit tires like the Firestone PV41. They should provide many years and tens of thousands of miles of trouble free driving with excellent grip and traction and full peace of mind that you have the best performance tires available for vintage Corvettes with lots of safety margin.
I disagree with you for two reasons. 1) It is a safty issue and he could kill himself or somebody else. A tire that is cracking down the tread is done and dangerous to be driven on. Perfectly good tires come apart for now reason let alone one's that are 15 years old, have the majority of there life missing and have cracking down the tread. 2) If that tire comes apart it could likely go to complete failure and tear the wheel well apart and a lot more. He might find himself driving on the rim. The cost at that point will be more that tires. Regards, Terry
I believe you will find that 255's will rub on the outer/lower fender lip on the front of your car. On 78-79's the factory "trimmed" the finder lips so this size tire would not rub. I know they would not fit a 1971 I previously owned. I had to run 245's.
I was on Corvette Forum and they stated 255s would work fine. I did not pay attention to the year C3's they were referring to. I might put a new thread on NCRS to get more feedback on this.
Peter - I had the 255's on my 74 years ago, and they would only rub in jounce on a driveway while turned to the maximum. This was with American Racing cyclone 1 turbine wheels, 8.5 X 15", not sure of the offset. I did not trim the wheel wells, but for 100% clearnance, I would run the 245's. Would I use the 255's again? No, there was more rotating mass and the nimbleness feeling of the steering was compromised...Craig
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