Radial Tires for 67 Vette

[Larry S.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

I am currently using 2 sets: Uniroyal Tiger Paws P205-75-R15 which fit great and give a great ride.
Also have Pirelli P4000 215-70-ZR15 which fit fine, look good and are stiff as a board. They give a very harsh ride and I can feel every crack in the road. Either size will work but I would stay away from the Z rated tire for everyday driving. They may be great for racing but not for everyday.
Jack

It's the inflation probably. You or the installer may have put the typical 32-35# of air pressure in them. They're supposed to run on 26-28#.

[John H.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

You or the installer may have put the typical 32-35# of air pressure in them. They're supposed to run on 26-28#.

Larry -

Where did you find the 26-28# inflation spec?

[Larry S.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

Larry -

Where did you find the 26-28# inflation spec?

It's on the door sill of my Jaguar, also in the owner's manual. I put 32 psi in the tires once, and it was as rough as a wagon with wood wheels. Put the pressure down to 26 psi, and it was smooth again.

I run Michelins on that car now, and 32 psi is the upper limit for a soft ride. Michelins give more mileage, but the Pirellis weren't that bad; some people get only 25-30K miles, but I got 40K on them.

BTW, that special 67 is due to arrive next week. Thanks, John.

[Roger P.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

Jim:
I recently installed four new 215/70R15 97S rated Yokahama Aegis whitewall radial tires on my '65 convertible. My decision was made after extensive research comparing all whitewall tires available (by the way, either size works as they are nearly identical). I live in South Florida, so it is very likely to get caught in the rain -- especiall during the summer. These tires were rated very near the top in most categories, yet were very reasonably priced (about $ 74.00 each). They are available through Tire Rack -- just call and place your order with a credit card. Delivery costs about $ 50.00, and they can be shipped directly to the local shop who will mount and balance them for you. I've had them for nearly one year now, and the car drives great on both the city streets & highway. I attached a photo so you can see how one looks on my car. As far as cleaning goes, I use a Brillo pad whenever they start to look a little dirty and they clean up like new!

Good luck,
Roger Piper (50141)

[Jack C.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

It's the inflation probably. You or the installer may have put the typical 32-35# of air pressure in them. They're supposed to run on 26-28#.

Larry: Thanks for the tip on inflation. I had found them to be better after I lowered the inflation to around 28#. Then talking to a tire store guy he said I should not run that low as it would ruin the tire. Glad to hear I can run them at the lower inflation. I might even try 26#.
Jack

[Ron N.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

I put a set of Michelin Symmetry 215 70 15 narrow w/w on my 67 last year. They have about 3,500 miles on them. I'm satisfied - ride smooth, perform well, show little if any signs of ware. I run them with 27#'s.

Ron

[Jim L.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

Ron, I guess from your post that you don't have any rubbing problems with your 215-70-R15's. I was leaning toward the P205-75 R15's but if your size works it might open up more choices for me.

Thanks

Jim

[Ron N.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

Ron, I guess from your post that you don't have any rubbing problems with your 215-70-R15's. I was leaning toward the P205-75 R15's but if your size works it might open up more choices for me.

Thanks

Jim

Jim, I have no rubbing problems at all. My suspension is stock. As I said in a previous post I've driven about 3,500 miles with them, 2,000 on a trip to Bowing Green (from Houston, TX) last year.

I did buy a smaller size spare (205 75 15) and just barely got it to fit in the well.

Ron

[Larry S.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

Ron, I guess from your post that you don't have any rubbing problems with your 215-70-R15's. I was leaning toward the P205-75 R15's but if your size works it might open up more choices for me.

Thanks

Jim

I have 215-70-R15's and have no rubbing problem at all. Plus, they look a little wider than the 205's, which I like, and I understand that they're a closer diameter match than the 205-75's so you get a more accurate speedometer reading.

[Michael A.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

Jim
215/70R15s work fine on my 66 SB roadster with no suspension mods. No rubbing and I like every extra bit of footprint you can get from the 215s.

Good luck.

[John S.]

Re: Radial Tires for 67 Vette

For what it's worth, I also took Duke's advice and put the Pireli 215's on my 67. Did a 900 mile round trip to Tahoe regional a couple of weeks back and loved every minute of it. Car handled perfectly (even when I drove a little more aggressively) Ran the pressure right at 32 pounds and the ride was actually very nice. Pic below is outside of Bridgeport with the Sierra's in the back round. Thanks Duke for the advice.