GoodYear Speedway Wide Tread Repros

[Greg L.]

I'm wondering if anyone besides Kelsey Tire makes these tires? From what I see, Kelsey makes these and Coker makes all the others. The reason that I ask is that I see that Zip also carries the GoodYear Speedway Wide Tread tires but they are $20/tire cheaper so I was wondering if they are Kelsey Tires or if there is someone else making a cheaper version out there?

Also, can anyone comment on the quality of these tires? I know they are bias tires and that radials are better but I wanted to see if anyone has had any quality/blem/wear problems with these tires...basicaly, are they as good as the originals,better or worse....what do you guys think?

Thanks

[Joe L.]

Re: GoodYear Speedway Wide Tread Repros

greg-----

As far as I know, Kelsey is the only reproduction source for ALL Goodyear reproduction tires. The tires are manufactured under exclusive contract to Kelsey by Kelly-Springfield, a Division of Goodyear. Kelsey then distributes the tires to all other retail sources, including, as a matter of fact, any Goodyear dealer. Any retail dealer is free to set their prices wherever they want----above, at, or below Kelsey's direct price.

The reproduction tires sold by Kelsey are, essentially, better than the originals. They use exactly the same construction as original, but the rubber compounds are modern. They have to be----there would be no way of even obtaining the original compounds. Plus, it's absolutely impossible to discern the difference anyway.

In addition, the Kelsey reproduction of the 68-72 Goodyear Speedway Wide Tread is the most authentic reproduction of any of those available under other brands. That's because it is a true NYLON CORD, bias-ply wide tread tire.

The Firestone Super Sports Wide Oval, the other reproduction tire available for 68-72 Corvettes, is not actually a reproduction of the Corvette Super Sports Wide Oval tire used during 68-72. It's a reproduction of the Super Sports Wide Oval used for OTHER cars of the period, but not Corvettes. That's because it is a fiberglass BELTED tire; the Corvette Firestones were NOT fiberglass belted. In fact, the Coker reproductions say "Sup-R-Belt" right on the sidewalls. This would not be found on any original Corvette Firestones. Also, the configuration of the tread of these tires is NOT exactly like the original Corvette tires and that is easily discernable.

If the most correct original tire is important to you, then the Kelsey reproduction is the only way to go. It will perform at least as well as the originals but, by today's standards, one might not find that very good. Treadwear will be better than the originals but, once again, it won't be very good by today's standards.

From a wear perspective and a performance perspective, the Firestones offered by Coker might be somewhat better. A fiberglass belted tire will usually perform and wear better than a nylon cord, non-belted tire. But, as I say, they're not "correct" for a Corvette. Also, they will ride noticably harder than a nylon cord, non-belted tire.

[Greg L.]

Re: GoodYear Speedway Wide Tread Repros *NM*

[Greg L.]

Re: GoodYear Speedway Wide Tread Repros

Thanks Joe, that is great info...just what I was looking for! So I guess I'll only be looking at a 10% point deduct with these tires plus they will look great! I think I'll see if the local GoodYear dealer can get these in Canada. Thanks again.

[lyndon sharpton]

Re: GoodYear Speedway Wide Tread Repros

I have had the goodyear RWL tires on my car for a long time. drove alot this year on them they wear good, an on a good road they ride good. get on a black top with some groves an you think a drunk was driving.