65 tire recommendation

[Jim]

Determined to do more driving this summer. Will remove the old rubber and replace with radials. This will also give me a chance to put on a new set of repro knock-offs that I've had tucked away for awhile. I know this subject has been discussed before, but unfortuneatley, I wasn't paying attention at the time. Can anyone tell me by brand name and model what the widest tire is that I can use without jeopardizing the fiberglass? As I recall, each manufacturer's molds are a little different in terms of aspect ratio. Don't need any high performance tires - too old for that. Just looking for a nice ride and a good look. Appreciate your advice.

[kenrobb]

Re: 65 tire recommendation

I am running 215/75 radials on my 65. Ride real good. I have BFG. Tried to get 205's but couldn't find good price. Look at Sam's or Discount tire warehouse.

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 65 tire recommendation

Sam's has Generals for less than $50 each. They work fine but I do recommend 205 - 75 R 15 not 215.

[Don]

Re: 65 tire recommendation

Jim,We also use the 215-75-15's on our 64.We have never had a problem with this size.We looked at several cars before we decided on the size and liked the look of the 215's better than the 205's.The 205's just looked too small and our original spare measured closer in height with the 215's.We know the NCRS judging manual says the 195's and 205's are the size to use for judging but we think the 215's should be included also.We suggest you look at several cars with different sizes and then look at a vintage photo to see which looks closer to you.We figured we would be looking at our car more often than the judges would be.Just another opinion,Don #31753.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 65 tire recommendation

215`s tend to work ok on 63 64, but not well on 65-67. I guess it has to do with the difference in ofset on disk brake cars.

[Jim Yount]

Been there...

Jim,

I went through this decision last fall, and participated (actually originated) some of those discussion threads. I surveyed cars at Sun Valley nationals, and decided that the RIGHT 205 75s would be my choice, since I wanted white walls with my repo knockoffs on my 65. I ended up with Michelin Xs, paying $276 for a set of 4 mounted at Costco. NOTE: the Michelins actually have nearly 7/8 inch more tread (different mold design) and look a little more "meaty". I also have a knockoff spare, and needed to get ALL THREE long bolts for the spare carrier.

We were looking at a new C5 at the same time, and found the difference in tire prices to be really funny. Imagine.. a set of four mounted for about half of the price of ONE C5 tire...

Feel free to E Mail me directly if you have any more questions... happy to help!

Jim

[Brandon K.]

How about svc replacement tires for judging?

I'd like to use radials, but also would like to possibly have the car judged. Since Michelin wasn't an OEM for Chevrolet in the 60's, what would be my best choice in a radial to get the least deduction.... OR, is there that much difference between the Michelin and everything else?

Thanks, Brandon

[Vinnie P.]