Goodyear Bluestreak applications

[Jerry G.]

I'm thinking of putting vintage racing Goodyear Bluestreaks on my KH knockoffs. Will they fit on the rims and will this combination fit under my 65 without cutting up the lips on my wheelwells? Has any old racer tried this? Jerry

[Joe L.]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

Jerry----

A lot depends on the size of the Bluestreaks; they were originally manufactured and available in more than one size. Midyear Corvettes with stock fender wells don't "take very well" to tires with a sizing profile much larger than stock.

[Jerry G.]

Re: So find some 7.75x15 Bluestreaks? *NM*

[Tom H.]

Re: So find some 7.75x15 Bluestreaks?

The answer to your question is yes. Bluestreaks will fit if you get a size equivalent to the old F60/15's. We used to race them at Marlboro on a 67 A Production 435hp 427ci. I can't remember what the B/S size was but I remember that the ones that fit were the same essential size as the F60's. A better question is: where can you find vintage B/S's?????????????

[Jerry G.]

Re: OK so a little homework

Does anyone know the diameter, section width and tread width of the OEM tire for 65. I would guess the Goldline would be the best to compare to.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

i ran firestone gold stripe road race tires on my mid years back in the 60s but i had to grind the inner lip off to prevent the tires from rubbing and cracking the fenders.

[Tom H.]

Re: OK so a little homework

Jerry- Go to Coker's web site look up the specs then go to Tire Rack and find an equivalent section. Again- where can you get B/S's these days

[Tom H.]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

Jerry- Go to www.sacosports.com/products/goodyear/vintage.htm The tire size that will fit is 550-15 which is equivalent to a 215/60- 15.

[Tom H.]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

Correction sascosports

[Jerry G.]

Re:THANKS TOM ! *NM*

[Bill Stephenson]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

Jerry,

------Be aware that you will have very little sidewall protection.Stay away from curbs.Tread wear is also poor.As well,you will probably have to run gum rubber racing tubes.When I tried to run racing tires back in the 70s on the street,the tires almost always bled air right out thru the sidewalls.Even then the tubes would often pinch if they were not distributed correctly around the rim when installed.I loved the look and would probably do it again but hitting a puddle on mostly dry race tires in a turn can be a real brown stripe experience.Hope I have helped..............Bill S

[Tom H.]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

Bill- I agree completely- race tires are not for the street. I think Jerry's going vintage racing in the Colorado region.

[Duke W.]

Re: Goodyear Bluestreak applications

The current "vintage Bluestreak" that will fit the Corvette is sized,
5.50-15, but this is deceiving.

This tire is 25.3" OD versus about 27.1 for the OEM 7.75-15. The wheel width range is 5" minimum and it will will have and 8" to 9" section width depending on the wheel width, and the tread width is 6.1". It will probably fit, but I don't think it will look "right", and it may not provide very satisfactory street performance.

These tires are very thin two-ply bias construction and are much more prone to puncture than modern radial tires.

If you want good street performance, check out the November Car and Driver to see how a Maserati Ghibli worked with the 215/70WR-15 Pirelli P4000 Super Touring - mighty impressive. The 215/70R-15 size is the same revs per mile as the OEM tire (775) and the other good one is the 215/70VR-15 vintage Michelin XWX available exclusively from Coker Tire.

For more info on GY vintage racing tires go to:

http://www.racegoodyear.com/race_tires.html

Scroll down and click on the vintage sports car special.

Duke

[Jerry G.]

Re: Isn't the 5.0x15 a better match? *NM*

[Joe C.]

Re: OK so a little homework

Jerry:

The Goodyear Power Cushion goldline has a tread width approx 1/2" wider than the Goodyear whitewall, and the Goodrich or Firestone goldline. The Goodyear is the only correct goldline tire out there, so keep that in mind when looking at specs. If you follow Tom's good advice, be sure to add 1/2 " to the treadwidth.

Joe

BTW: The reason for the above, is that both Goodrich and Firestone reproductions are not manufactured with the same specs as original. The correct Firestone goldline/redline brand is "Super Sports", which is no longer produced.
Goodrich and Firestone whitewalls are, however, offered as correct reproductions.