'73 Original Tire

[Peter G.]

What brand, model and size was put on the '73 Corvette LS4 early production cars? Does anyone repo them now such as Coker Tire Company?

Thanks in advance for your responses.

[Tom Freeman]

Re: '73 Original Tire

The size was GR70-15, blackwall was standard with White Stripe and White Letter optional. These were supplied by Goodyear as the "Steelguard" and by Firestone as the "Steel Radial 500". Do not know about repos, sorry.

tom...




The '73 Spot

[Michael W.]

Re: '73 Original Tire

Nobody is making repos of either of these tires. Yet.

[Duke W.]

Re: '73 Original Tire

The best currently available tire would be the 225/70R-15 Firstone Firehawk PV41. This is one of the three available V-rated police pursuit tires. It's about the best performing tire in a size that is equivalent to the GR70, and at least it's the same brand.

Duke

[Peter G.]

Re: '73 Original Tire

Duke, is this Firestone tire cometically as close as possible to the original RWL tire? Which brand Goodyear or Firestone had the largest production on the '73?

Thanks,

[Duke W.]

Re: '73 Original Tire

The PV41 is only available in BSW. I don't know the brand mix used in '73 production, and I doubt if it can be documented.

Duke

[Paul B.]

Re: '73 Original Tire

These "current day" replacement tires are nothing like the original, except they hold air and are round. Even the closest and correct size, P225/70R-15 are "slightly wider" & "slightly taller" than original GR-70-15 tires(have several sets of "current" tires vs "original tires" and I've compared them more than a few times). One reason why C3 cars with these "current size" tires rub the frame behind the A-arms(most, not all C3s)when turning sharp corners. I have both the Goodyear GT II tires on one C3 and BFGoodrich T/A tires on another C3. Both are very good tires, but I believe you'll get the most points with the "correct" brand tire, or for the most points, original mint used and NOS '73-'77 tires are available, usually anywhere from $800-$2000 a set depending upon condition or getting 4 or 5 tires with or with wheels. Check the DriveLine and/or Hemming's Motor News.