1973 Reproduction Tires

[John M.]

All,

Does anyone have advice regarding reproduction tires for my 73. My limited research shows Goodyear Steelguard tires are readily available. I understand they wont pass judging because of the TIN code, but are they decent for driving? Any comments would be much appreciated.

Regards,
John

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

All,

Does anyone have advice regarding reproduction tires for my 73. My limited research shows Goodyear Steelguard tires are readily available. I understand they wont pass judging because of the TIN code, but are they decent for driving? Any comments would be much appreciated.

Regards,
John

John------

First off, I've never used these tires. However, I fully expect that they will drive just as well as they did back in 1973. While they were the first radial tire used on a Corvette, I believe they performed very well and produce a ride similar to modern radials of similar size.

While they might not garner full judging points, they are going to garner more than any other currently available tire.

What's the biggest impediment to using these tires? Probably the price.

[John M.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

Joe,

You are exactly right....the tires are pricey at $350 ea. I'm looking for a good cruising tire with authenticity 2nd on my list.

Thanks,
John

[Russ S.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

These are very good tires. I haven't personally used them but I have a number of friends who have. They are a no deduct tire with the exception of a small deduct for the date. If you want send Peter Gregory a PM asking for his experience with them. He may even see this post and reply.

[Peter G.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

Thanks Russ..I purchased a set of five tires when they first came available. After much discussion with Mr. Kelsey about making and producing the tire for our '73s and up to '77. He presented a prototype at the North Central Regional I believe in 2012? Myself Terry and Joan (Level 400 Master Judges) all inspected the tire and determined it should pass judging with only minor deduct for DOT markings on backside of the tire. I believe I have seen that the judges are taking about 1 point per tire for that irregularity.

The tires are expensive, but I believe the prices will come down as buyers are paying for the research and developement phase of the new tire.

As for ride...on my '73 LS4 Coupe they are much improved on ride and saftety. I had maybe 15 tires for my '73...some Firestone 500s for judging Goodyear Eagle GTII P225/70-15 to drive on and some old GR70-15 Uniroyals that I prefered to drive on. I can now get rid of all the other tires now that I have the new Goodyear Steelgards.

My Corvette has been driven 100 miles in the last 3 years so I do not expect to ever have to buy another set of tires for this car.

[Peter G.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

UPDATE! John thought I would give you a update on my tires.....GR70-15 Goodyear Steelgard. They ride quiet and respond well for the rating that they are. I don't put a lot of miles on my Corvette so the tread is just starting to show some wear and wear off the "spikes" from the tread. I maybe have 1k miles on them. I feel much safer with them. Once you get pass the sticker shock of the price of the tire. The white letters and staying white with no problems unlike what has been reported with the BFGs yellowing.

I did receive a 3 point deduct at our Chapter Judging Meet which is 10% off the Standard Deduction sheet for reproduction. DOT markings on the outside wall of the tire.

[John M.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

Peter,

Thanks for the update. I did purchase a set of the tires and they look great on my rolling chassis...I'm getting ready for paint and look forward to driving the car for the first time after its 2yr restoration. I'm glad to hear the tires perform and judge well.

Best,
John

[Dan D.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

While we're talking about tires...I have a '72 convertible which I have tried to keep as original looking as possible. My car was built with standard wheel treatment and white letter F-70 "Wide-Oval" tires. I located and restored a set of P02 Custom Wheel Covers and I have always liked the look of the 3/8 inch white stripe tire. The only ones I've found so far are from Coker Tire. The choices are; Firestone Wide Oval (biased ply) or BF Goodrich 3/8-in Whitewall. Has any one had any experience with these tires? Thanks, Dan

[Michael J.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

I had a set of their Firestone Wide-Oval F-70X14 for my '67 Mustang GT. They were great, and passed judging too, but not exactly the same as what you need, a 15".

[Joe L.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

I had a set of their Firestone Wide-Oval F-70X14 for my '67 Mustang GT. They were great, and passed judging too, but not exactly the same as what you need, a 15".

Michael------


The Coker F-70-15 "Wide Oval" reproductions are not an exact reproduction of the tire used on 68-72 Corvettes. For one thing, they are fiberglass belted whereas the original Corvette tires were not a belted tire. For another thing, the tread rib count is different. The Cokers are a very good reproduction of the Wide Ovals used on some other "muscle cars" of the period, but not Corvettes.

[Dan D.]

Re: 1973 Reproduction Tires

I appreciate the input. In as much as I drive the car, "original look" is more important than "absolute" originality. My main concern is drivability and reasonable wear. It's not like the car is a daily driver. It's just a really nice original looking car. (still the original paint, chrome, glass and drivetrain) but, over the last 30 years has had stuff done that doesn't show including a brand new frame, trailing arms, "A" frames and such. You heard of "frame up"...this is like "frame down." The biggest deal above the frame were top and interior.