c3 tire sizes again?

[dick foehringer]

so the stock size was F70-15 which equates to a P215/70R15. the rim width recomended for that tire is 5.5-7". so why did GM put 8" wide wheels on the car?
looking thru the tire sizes to keep the overall diametes close and use the rim width i think a 245/60 or even a 255/60 would put a couple inches more tread on the ground and still be the same diameter. does anyone have these sizes or bigger on their 69?
regards dick

[Warren Friedrich (12139)]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

Dick:

I've even run larger sizes. I used the P265x50x15 Euro T/A's on several cars. They work fine on the stock rallye rims.

[Jim Trekell (22375)]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

Dick when the later C3 Corvettes started using a wider profile tire I really liked the change. I have used 255/60 Goodyear tires on my 70 with original wheels since 1984. On my 68 I use a P225/15 size on the original 7 inch rims and have no rubbing.

[Jim Callan]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

I'm thinking about using 235/70's on my '71. Will it fit into the spare tire tub?

[Jim Trekell (22375)]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

Do not know about that, my 68 and 70's spare tires are the originals.

[Kenneth Girven (31871)]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

Dick,

I have a 69 and currently have coker repro redlines (NOT radials) on it. I just got the car out of resto and have driven 70-80 miles with these tires and they are pretty bad! I bought bf goodrich radial t/a's in 245 60r-15 size and am going to get them swapped onto my stock 15x8 rally wheels tomorrow. I will let you know the results. 245 60r-15's have been the consensus tire size on this discussion board for 69's (that is, the biggest tire size without rubbing). Try tirerack.com for pricing and it also has dimensions on this site. I think i paid 73$ per tire while my local tire guy wanted 95-100$ for 'em.

Kenny #31871

[James Keddie]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

Kenny, any chance of getting a picture of how they look when you get them on the car? I want to replace the 225 70-15's on my '70 and am considering a larger tread, but don't want the tires to stick out past the fenders.
Thanks, Jim #42765

[Kenneth Girven (31871)]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

James,

I'll see if I can manage a photo. I would guess that 245's would pose no problem for a 70 as I believe they have even larger quarter panel flairs than the 68-69's. Give me a day or two and hopefully Ill be able to work the digital camera!

Kenny #31871

[Jim Trekell (22375)]

Re: c3 tire sizes again?

Jim I have used 255/60 15's on my 70 for years and they don't stick out past the fenders.