F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

[Steve P.]

Hey guys, sorry,another newbie question, been chasing different threads around and they all seem quite old on this subject. I realize the the most correct for judging tire available for my 71 LS5 car is the Kelsey F70-15 Goodyear. And it would have minor deductions if any. But... Being a true nylon bias ply, the drivability would be, shall we say awful? I have Dunlop P245/60R15s on it now and realize that in a judged senario they wouldn't be good. So I'm looking for a compromise. The glass Coker Firestone although not correct would be more driveable, wear better and look for the most part correct? But what point deductions do they bring as opposed to the radials that are on there now? I do drive it 750-1000 miles a year and still want to enjoy the drive😀!!! Thanks as always Steve

[Keith B.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Unless you want to buy two sets of wheels just get radials in the same manufacture that was used in 71 and live with the deduct. Focus on ops judging as you will loose more points for a cigg lighter that won't pop

[Steve P.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Thanks Keith, I think I've got the ops pretty well wrapped up, maybe a second set of tires and wheels could be the way to go? But you're right pretty expensive for something to use one in a blue moon... Just trying to scrape together a few more points, and I do like the looks of the Firestone RWL wide ovals?

[Steve P.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Looks as if the Cokers would give a 30% deduction and the radials that I have on would of course be 100% deduction. Thanks for the info!

[Alan S.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Hi Steve,
People here have reported that the Kelsey Goodyear tires are actually pretty good tires to drive on.
I have the Coker tires on my 71 because it originally had the Firestone RWL tires on it.
I only drove a little bit on them but didn't think they were very good.
Perhaps you should try to get some more comments on the Kelsey tires to help guide your decision.
Regards,
Alan

[Steve P.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Thanks for the input Alan, yes a little more research on the Kelsey Goodyears is probably in order. All I know of them is what I've read in the forums etc. And the consensus seems to be that most only use them for shows/judging, and not really driving as they are, well a challenge? But I don't know 1st hand? I like the looks of the Firestone RWL and they seem to be viewed as being more drivable? Am trying to figure out what is a good compromise to still get reasonable points, without 2 sets of tires and wheels and still enjoy driving the car once in a while😀!!! Thanks again, Steve

[Billy S.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

For what its worth I have a 71 350/270 with the firestone wide ovals like in Alan's picture (Coker). I drove the car 6k miles this season on them and they have held up well. Now as for feel I can say this, you will know what roads were paved well and which weren't. The tires do tend to find any grooves in the road and follow them. The worst though is when they do those long 1/3rd of the lane mile long patches because the car will tend to fight itself, definitely a 2 hands on the wheel experience. Overall though on reasonable quality roads the ride is way better then you would expect and I get more comments on my tires at the local shows and cruises then I do about anything else on my car. They are real head turners and I would recommend them whole heartedly.

Edit: As for deduct I got 3 off on originality at a chapter and the PO got 9 at a regional, the comment being std deduct and 7 ribs

[Edward J.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Steve, My 72 has the Kelsey Hayes reproduction Good Years W/L tires, and they were a 3 point deduct for the 4 tires on the ground ,Repo. Tires are a standard deduct Item, I myself really love the look of the White letter tires of the C3, as you can see from Alan's car.Exterior Judge John Ballard is the regular 70/72 Exterior judge at regional and national events and is more than fair, He has his area's that no one knows more.

[Steve P.]

Re: F70-15 Coker tire deductions?

Thanks to all for your insight on the Kelsey and Coker tire question! You've been very helpful! Thanks