C3 Tires

[Art Ives]

I am in the process of restoration of my 1969 B/B coupe. I would like the original replacement tires but I am worried that they would not handle well. The car has 235/70-15 tires that rub in a turn. What size radial should I use and can someone recommend a tire that is similiar to what was used in 1969. Mine originally came with the thin stripe W/W but the car is to be painted Cortez Silver, so almost anything will work including redlines. Thanks, Art Ives

[Ted F.]

Re: C3 Tires

Art,

I have '69 (small block) and '68 (big block) convertibles. Cars previously had bias ply tires. I went with 215/70R15 redlines from Diamondback. I have not experienced any rubbing or problems with these tires in terms of form, fit and function. The improvement in ride quailty and handling versus the bias ply is significant. The '68 is silverton silver and the redlines IMHO look great!

Diamond Back Classics
888-922-1642
dbtires.com

Ted

[Ted F.]

Re: C3 Tires

Correction - '68 is Silverstone Silver.

[Joe L.]

Re: C3 Tires

Art-----

In a modern radial tire, a 215-70-15 or a 225-70-15 are the sizes that are closest to the original tires, depending upon which original spec parameters are most important for you. Some folks think that the 215 doesn't look big enough in the wheel well. I think that the 225 looks TOO big in the wheel well. In any event, either size will fit and should experience no rubbing problems.

You can also use a 245-60-15. I have used this size on my 1969 for many years with absolutely no rubbing, at all, and no fender or other modifications, whatsoever. This size is considerably wider than the original tires, but the OD is nearly the same. The problem is that this size is getting pretty hard to find these days.

[Klaus Friedrich #33362]

Re: C3 Tires

Hello Art,

since nine years I'm driving 225/70 HR 15 Goodyear GT+4 here in Germany. They are the only available tires here that are legal. They are to soft and after max. three seasons they are gone. But they don't rub on the fenders. My 69 big block is equipped with the original springs and has the original riding hight.

Excuse my English,

Klaus Friedrich #33362

[Kenneth G.]

Re: C3 Tires

Joe,

I am about to get modern radials for my 69 just out of restoration. I beleive 245-60-15 sizes for Goodyear Eagle st's (or its equivilant)is readily available, no?

Kenny #31871

[Mark #28455]

Re: C3 Tires

If you have the F41 suspension, the largest that won't rub will likely be 235-60-15. Ask the tire shop if they'll mount two so you can put them on and turn the wheel lock to lock while the tires are resting on sheets of newspaper (allows them to turn easier) and remember there's less clearance when you hit a bump.

[Roger Legge]

Re: C3 Tires

I have BFG Radial T/A 245/60 on the front and 255/60 on the rear of my '68. Car is slightly lower than stock ride height and the front tires barely rub the frame when turned either all the way right or left.

Roger