C 3 Repro tires

[James C.]

I was wondering if there are any repro F - 70 Firestone Wide Ovals (W/L) that will judge as well as the Goodyears(W/L) 2 ply nylon repro. The reason I ask, is that my spare which passed regional judging in St. Louis in 2003, is a Firestone Wide Oval (W/L). I would like them all to match and hate to get rid of the spare...Thanks! Jim

[Joe L.]

Re: C 3 Repro tires

Jim------

The original Firestone Wide Ovals used on some Corvettes during the 68-72 period were a NON-BELTED type tire. They did not say "Sup-R-Belt" on the sidewall. The current reproduction Firestone Wide Oval tires are of the belted variety. These were used on other cars of the period, but not Corvettes. So, while they are very similar to the Corvette tire, they are not the same. I would expect that most judges are aware of this difference. Some may not be, though.

At the present time, the most correct reproduction tire available for 1968-72 Corvettes is the Goodyear Speedway Wide Tread available from Kelsey Tire and their distributors.

Also, while the current reproduction Firestone tires are not 100% correct for Corvettes, they are a better performing and longer wearing tire than the original non-belted Firestone Wide Ovals used on Corvettes. On the down side, they will ride harder than the original tires or the Goodyear reproductions.

[Lyle24961]

Re: C 3 Repro tires

Jim

It would be nice to make all your tires match. From a judging standpoint the last I knew the spare not matching lost you no points if it was an original. Don't replace an original just to make them match.

Lyle