Vintage BFG Silvertown 670-15 WW

[Hugh P.]

Looking for verification of 1963 Corvette factory original 670-15 Silvertown w/w tires. Specifically if the sidewall script was ever POLYESTER or always RAYON. Did POLYESTER ever show up on sidewall script in later year original Corvette (non-repo) vintage w/w BFG tires? Also did the non whitewall side have a 10 digit manufacturer identifier (more or less) for 1963? If you have any photos that clearly show the RAYON OR POLYESTER script it would be appreciated. Also did the tread pattern ever change during the time period of 1962 and 1964 calendar year on this brand BFG 670-15 w/w tire?

[Michael J.]

Re: Vintage BFG Silvertown 670-15 WW

According to the TIM&JG, the '63 standard black or white wall tires were rayon 2 or 4 ply bias, BFG Silvertown was one of the OEM suppliers. And optional nylon black wall was also available, in BFG Lifesaver brand. I don't believe polyester was used on Corvettes until 1969 or so, but not a C3 expert, the '67 tires were all nylon, IIRC.

[Jim L.]

Re: Vintage BFG Silvertown 670-15 WW

I don't believe polyester was used on Corvettes until 1969 or so, but not a C3 expert, the '67 tires were all nylon, IIRC.

My impression and memory is that polyester tire cord wasn't available from anyone until the late '60s. In '68 I worked for Goodyear at one of the 3T tire cord plants. Construction of the plant at that facility for polyester cord didn't even begin until that summer. I'd imagine BFG polyester tire cord had a similar time line.

Jim

[Michael J.]

Re: Vintage BFG Silvertown 670-15 WW

I think you are correct, and though the "Polyglas" type Goodyear and Firestone Wide Oval tires were on Camaros and Chevelles in the late '60s, I think maybe Corvette was very slow to use the new technology. I am thinking maybe they didn't switch over until 1973 or so, and it seems the Corvette folks seemed to think nylon was better until the bitter end.