C3 trie size conversion/wheel paint coloro

[dick foehringer]

i had the old rotted tires taken off my wheels and was really surprised to find all 4 wheels were the original date coded wheels!!
so they were F70x15 on a 8" wide wheel. what does that translate to in the new size catagory? what is the diameter of a F70x15. so thats the stock replacement, what do you guys run or your 69's? with that wheel width it seems like you could get by with a wider tire that has the same diameter?
on the paint side they are cortez silver on the front? is the entire wheel silver or is the back side gray or black?
thanks, dickheu

[John H.]

Re: C3 trie size conversion/wheel paint coloro

The wheels were dip-primed black, then the outer face of the wheel was sprayed Argent Silver, with some overspray through the slots; the back side of the wheel and the portion under the tire would be black primer.

[Jack H.]

Re: C3 trie size conversion/wheel paint coloro

Understand, tire size classes are 'approximate' and not formulae for exact dimensions. Therefore, you'll see variance from mfgr/model to mfgr/model....

From the '68-69' Judging Guide:

"....When inflated Goodyear and Uniroyal tires had a tread width of 6.5 inches; Firestone tread width is 6.75 inches."

"....Correct current-day service replacement size in radial-ply tires is P215/70R-15 for Goodyear and Firestone. Original Equipment Goodyear tires had and overall diameter of 26.92 inches, section width of 8.35 inches and a tread width, extimated by Goodyear , as 6.26 inches."

When putting replacement radial tires on these cars, you can easily go TOO WIDE and wind up with the front tires rubbing in the wheel wells. The 'line' is somewhere in the P215 to P225 range depending on the specifics of a given mfgr/model tire's specific geometry (consult your tire dealer). Next, if your car isn't power steering equipped, you can very easily buy TOO MUCH width making it a PITA to parallel park the car!

Just making the transition from yesterday's wide oval technology to today's radial construction is a significant boost in traction & handling. Plus, newer sidewall profiles beyound PXXX/70R-15 will have a dramatic effect. So, take all of the factors into consideration when selecting those tires:

(1) Judging--you'll get partial credit with a bona fide P215/70R-15 tire. Beyond that, the burden of proof falls on you to show the geometry of what's on your car approximates factory original (dimensions given above).

(2) Safety--if you go too wide and generate interference in the front wheel wells, you could generate a safety hazard.

(3) Handling, different geometry's will fit/function, but 'tugging' on that steering wheel without PS with an appreciably wider tire could get real old, real fast!

Search the archieves and you'll find EXCELLENT advise/council from Duke Williams and others in the area of service replacement tires for Corvette!!!