Firestone 500 Tire Replacement

[George H.]

My 73 LS4 was originally delivered with white stripe GR70-15 Firestone 500 radials. I have the Firestone paperwork for the P-21 recall showing that the tires were replaced with Firestone TPC steel belt radial tires FA-14S-BK-5G7, GR70-15 radial tires, load range B. A polyester cord / steel-cord belts tubeless tire. The tires were replaced at a Firestone Store in Gainesville. FL back on 07/12/1980.

I'm now looking to replace the tires I have on the car. I replaced the recall Firestone 721 tires 10/09/1989 with Goodyear P245/60HR15S2 Eagle GT+4 WL radials. Great tires, look good, but old and not correct for judging.

Looking at Coker Tire Company and it offers a BF Goodrich Silvertone P 225/7015 having a 3/8" white stripe. Expensive at $305 each. Tire size and WS is correct for my 73 but the brand is not. Will this be a big issue in tire deduction? Or, would I be better going with a Coker Firestone brand GR70-15 radial with a 3/8" red strip? That is not original. I can not find a replacement 3/8" white sidewall Firestone tire. What are my options?

George Hunt
gator943
Ocala, FL

[Edward J.]

Re: Firestone 500 Tire Replacement

If you can get the current Firestone replacement tire with correct withe white wall/white letter tire that would be your best bet if there are no other options.take a look at at the standard judging guide for deductions.

[Russ S.]

Re: Firestone 500 Tire Replacement

.Your best option is to go with reproduction Goodyears sold by Kelsey Tire. Goodyear tires were also originally offered in 73. There should be nearly no deduction when judged.

[James G.]

Re: Firestone 500 Tire Replacement

Unfortunately, I seriously doubt Firestone would ever allow anyone to reproduce the tire, my brother has worked for them for 20 years and has a 1973 survivor which we have some 500's for display, however he would love to have some which were able to be driven on.