Yet another tire question (72)

[Gary S.]

Hello to all. I just spent an hour reading the old threads about tires, looking for a decent set of new radials for my 72 with 39000 miles. Here is what I gleaned from Duke's and others posts:

1. the 225/70-15 is one of the most speedo-accurate tires and approximates the rolling radius
2. the 225/70 fits the 72 wheel well nicely (spare tire tub is ok with longer bolts)
3. the 215/70 is a viable alternative candidate that many here use
4. go for H rating, not because I go fast (I don't) but for the better tire construction and increased safety factor

Did I miss anything? I have had my 72 a bit over 10 years now and these tires were on it and I don't know how long they were on it before I bought it. The recent Hagerty article on tire age got me to thinking about this. Having read old threads until my eyes bleed, I started searching for decent new production tires that fit the category of 225/70-15s (would consider the 215s), H rated, and ride comfortably. I am looking for ideas from you on actual vendors and tire brand because most of what I see are chinese or other no-names. I would love a period correct look like Radial T/A but they are only S rated.

Ideas?

thanks,
Gary
ps, almost sold my 72 last fall but then, after un-storing it from a neighbor's garage, threw that idea out.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

Hi Gary,

First, you know you can't sell that car without calling me.

Second, I'll assume you saw last week's thread on the same subject:
https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...-tire-for-1972

I noted the same problem you did, that all H-rated tires for our cars are off-brand with no significant name brand presence. I found Taiwanese and Chinese H-rated tires, and I'm not comfortable buying those over an S or T rated US made tire.
No one added to or commented on last week's thread regarding these tires, so my assumption like yours is that there are no other viable alternatives.

For my 72 I will likely put BFGoodrich or similar on it when it needs new tires. It doesn't really accumulate miles so I'm not worried about that. For my driver 71 when it someday returns to the road I might decide as others noted to go to 16 or 17 inch rims in order to get a suitable tire. One of my friends has done this with good success, and it doesn't look bad at all.

Patrick

[Duke W.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

Hello to all. I just spent an hour reading the old threads about tires, looking for a decent set of new radials for my 72 with 39000 miles. Here is what I gleaned from Duke's and others posts:

I have had my 72 a bit over 10 years now and these tires were on it and I don't know how long they were on it before I bought it. The recent Hagerty article on tire age got me to thinking about this. Ideas?

What's on it now -brand, model, size, service descriptio, UTQG, and date codes?

It's appalling that no US brand manufacturer appears to be offering H or above rated tires in these sizes now - only off brands. I don't think country of origin means much nowadays as tires are a world wide business, but like many others I like to stick with traditional OE brands for all my cars whether US, European, or Japanese.

Some tire shops have buffing machines that can remove sidewall information/decoration like brand and model, but keep the size, UTQG, construction date, and date code. That way you get a smooth, clean sidewall, but still have the important information.

Duke

[Gary S.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

Patrick,
I forgot to mention that I did see that link you posted and then, after seeing your tag line, I saw your yellow car with T/As. They look good as does the Elkhart green one in the link. I think I will call the tire dealer and have him order the Goodrich Radial T/As in 225/70/15.

[Leif A.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

I've had great success with BF Goodrich T/A radials over the years on the C3s that I've owned. They ride nicely and look good. Don't think too many of us will be driving at sustained speeds over 80MPH...if you like the T/A, buy them.

[Gary S.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

It's a done deal. Ordered the Goodrich Radial T/As in 225/70-15 and got a military discount. The total installed price was $613 for everything. I will have the piece of mind knowing that I have a more or less period looking radial that is new. I always wondered how old the tires were but found out from my title that I have had this car 14 years. So, even if they were new tires (they weren't) I was driving on borrowed time.

[Joe L.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

It's a done deal. Ordered the Goodrich Radial T/As in 225/70-15 and got a military discount. The total installed price was $613 for everything. I will have the piece of mind knowing that I have a more or less period looking radial that is new. I always wondered how old the tires were but found out from my title that I have had this car 14 years. So, even if they were new tires (they weren't) I was driving on borrowed time.

Gary------


The BFG Radial T/A and a few General Tire models are the last US tire brands to be available in the 225-70-15 tire size. It's good that you got a set now because a year from now, who knows?

[Gary S.]

Re: Yet another tire question (72)

Here is a quick look at my car with brand new B.F. Goodrich T/A radials in 225/70/15TA tire.jpg
. The funny thing is that the tire salesman asked my if I special ordered these tires. Knowing that the non-industry standard size was most likely the issue I asked him what the problem was. It was indeed the tire size. Fwiw, the pleasant side effect of this that the ride is HUGELY improved. Apparently the old tire had hardened tire rubber compound it rode horribly. I can't imagine what would have happened on a road trip.

Oops, added. I forgot to add that the old tires were Kelly "something or other" in 215/70. They were ok, but only ok.