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I am restoring a '54 and would like to put radial tires on it for better handling. I will use bias ply tires for show. Coker tire says the replacement is a 205R75X15 but has a slightly smaller outside diameter than the original 6.70X15. They also said that the 215R75X15 would have an outer diameter closer to the original but is wider and may cause rubbing on the body. Does anybody have experience in using the 215 and does it clear the body. Thanks.
The revs per mile figure for a 205/75R-15 is typically 766 versus 760 for a 6.70-15, less than a one percent difference, and a tire will see about a two percent increase in revs per mile between new and the wear bars.
In terms of dimensions and revs per mile the 205/75R-15 is closest modern size to a 6.70-15, and a five inch wide wheel is sufficient width, but too narrow for a 215/75.
If you buy a major brand tire the dimensional and revs per mile data should be on the manufacturer's web site, and if it is sold by The Tire Rack or other internet/mail order retailer, they will also have all the data. I believe The Tire Rack lists about four dozen 205/75R-15s, so there are plenty to choose from in terms of brand name and sidewall styling, but you will probably have to go with an "off-brand" reproduction tire if you want a wide whitewall that was OE in the early fifties.
If you want a wide white wall tire you should consider Diamond Back tires instead of Coker. Several friends have had problems with Coker tires. I have Diamond Back tires on my 57 and they have been fine.
As Duke said, stock five inch wide wheels are not wide enough for 215 or larger. I have Camaro seven inch wide rallye wheels on my 57 and have no tire rub problems.
I have 2257515 on my 56. Nothing touches or rubs. The rear wheels are 15x7 steel from a mid 70s GM A-body wagon (Malibu, Cutlass, etc) and 15x6 steel wheels from mid 70s A-body sedan (I use wheels from mid 70s A-body cars because they have the same bolt hole pattern as Vettes).
I have 225-75-15's Toyo"s on my 55 for 20 years on stock original welded wheels 15x5 and now on G.M option wire wheels 15x5 and had no problem. The tires are Toyo tires which I like so well that I added them on my 67 Corvette and wifes car.
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