Tire choise

[Rob M.]

I'm considering black wall tires for my '63 and I learned I have a choice of 2 (Firestone 500 versus BF Goodrich Lifesaver). I would like to compare the looks of these tires. Does anyone has nice close-ups of these tires (e.g. treads, walls, etc) so I can compare and make a well thought through decision?

thanks,
Rob.

[Duke W.]

Re: Tire choise

There are other choices. Have you followed other tire threads?

Duke

[Jack H.]

Re: Tire choise

Duke is right, Rob. Re-read the judging guide and you'll see the descriptive text is broken into two sections. The top section speaks to the basic tires listing Firestone, BFG, US Royal, General and Goodyear. These are 4-ply rayon tires and "were available in black wall and whitewall styles."

The second set of descriptive text talks to the OPTIONAL tires (RPO P91) that were also 6.70x15 but of NYLON construction. That's where you see only Firestone and BFG listed.

My advice: since you intend to drive/use this car as well as have it judged occassionally, I'd consider BLOWING OFF the purchase of reproduction tires! Go get yourself a set of nice set of, Holland/locally available, modern radial tires of appropriate service replacement size from one of the listed vendors.

Take the originality point deduction, and LOVE the lower cost + better handling characteristics...

[Edward J.]

Re: Tire choise

Rob, I Have A Friend With A 63, I Guess There Are Also Some Issues With Some Of The Repro Tires Fitting In The Spare Tire Tub, The Dia. Of Some Of The Tires Are To Big, I Beleive That He Chose The Bfg Tires.

[Mark P.]

Re: Tire choise

Rob - a few months ago for my 65 I went with the Pirelli P4000's that have been heavily discussed and recommended. I decided I wanted the best performing tire for my car and have been happy with the choice. At the recent Tahoe Regional, John Seeley drove his 67 400 miles each way on the P4000's and achieved Top Flight. He said he likes them too.

Just another option for you to consider.

Mark

[Michael A.]

Re: Tire choise

Rob - a few months ago for my 65 I went with the Pirelli P4000's that have been heavily discussed and recommended. I decided I wanted the best performing tire for my car and have been happy with the choice. At the recent Tahoe Regional, John Seeley drove his 67 400 miles each way on the P4000's and achieved Top Flight. He said he likes them too.

Just another option for you to consider.

Mark

I love my Pirelli's. I've got over 6000 miles on them in one year and they have been great. If you want to drive your car, these can't be beat. Good luck with your "choise" Rob!

Cheers,

[Rob M.]

Re: Tire choise

All thanks for your response. But doesn't anyone has closeup pictures of the tires looks (threads, side walls and the likes)???

regards,
Rob.

[Jack H.]

Re: Tire choise

Try a Google search. I'll bet you find several web sites with pix of this/that tire citing specs and showing tread + sidewall detail...

[Duke W.]

Re: Tire choise

www.tirerack.com or the manufacturers' Web sites

Duke

[Rob M.]

Re: Tire choise

Thanks for your suggestion but this site comes up with a 205/75-15 radial tire for '63 Vette's...

regards,
Rob

[Mark P.]

Re: Tire choise

Rob - the 205/75-15 is what I bought and the 75 series service replacement size for the 7.75-15. They fit fine in the wheel well.

Here is the chart:

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/45_conversionchart.html

Mark

[James W.]

Re: Tire choise

Rob,

If you are talking about a bias ply tire I would pick the BFG hands down before the Firestone. I had the firestones on my '64 for a while and then replaced them after I was finished with judging. I replaced the bias ply road tires with OEM radials and bought a BFG blackwall bias ply for my spare. I compared the BFG and the Firestones side-by-side before selling the Firestone bias plys, the BFG is much cleaner looking tire at the side wall. The edge of the firestones sidewalls are ribbed and are a PITA to clean and keep clean. If you are not in a hurry, I can take a picture of my BFG bias spare that is mounted on a KO wheel and send it to you sometime this weekend.

Hope this helps.

Best Regards,

James West

[Rob M.]

Re: Tire choise

James,

Please publish the picture because this is exactly what I want to compare. The mold details are different and have effect on esthetics's and maintainability (like cleaning). That is precisely why I want to have some good pictures to compare. I've search a bit on internet (as suggested by Jack) but I can't find good closeup shots of some of the Tires permitable by the 63-64 TIM&JG for my '63 car.

regards,
Rob.

[James W.]

Re: Tire choise

James,

Please publish the picture because this is exactly what I want to compare. The mold details are different and have effect on esthetics's and maintainability (like cleaning). That is precisely why I want to have some good pictures to compare. I've search a bit on internet (as suggested by Jack) but I can't find good closeup shots of some of the Tires permitable by the 63-64 TIM&JG for my '63 car.

regards,
Rob.

Rob,

Logon to www.widewhitetires.com. and click on the Firestone bias ply tires and choose the tire marked "C". Do the same thing only click on the BFG bias ply tires and choose "H". This is the sidewalls that are available. It will be the same tire only in a blackwall.

James

[Rob M.]

Re: Tire choise

Thanks that helps already a lot although I don't see any black walls published here for BF Goodrich and Firestone...

greetings,
Rob.