Author Topic: Tires on a "Driver" --which one??? (Read 23531 times)

lakeholme · « **on:** January 18, 2008, 03:02:17 PM »

In anticipation of a new paint job, I'm getting some other work done. I recently asked my favorite classic muscle dealership which tire I should put on my 68. (Let me be clear: This car is a driver; when I show it, it is in a driver class.) They didn't hesitate: BF Goodrich TA Radials. One of them pointed to the 08 GM Muscle Car calendar, and about half of the various cars had TAs (which yes, would be wrong in terms of originality). So, I'm curious:

What tire do you run on your driver? And Why?

rich69rs · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2008, 06:11:17 PM »

Phillip,

I would concur. I put Radial T/A's on my 69 ths past summer. 1000% improvement over the crap (repro bias ply) tires that were on the car. Ride quality of the BFG Radial T/A is comporable to a good middle of the road radial tire. Good compromise between a hard (high mileage) and softer (better handling) radial.

Also, I made a point to notice at Hot August Nights last year what tires were on the cars. By far, the most common tire were BFG Radial T/A's.

Additionally, from a tread appearance perspective, the Radial T/A's have the classic "muscle car" tread pattern look and feel.

My two cents.

Richard

Adz28 · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2008, 06:48:31 PM »

My first set of radials were the Firestone Firehawk SS that went on my '78 Camaro. I got these because I knew someone that worked for Firestone and got them cheap.

But, I always loved the Radial T/As. That was the tire to have "back in the day" ... my day, at least

They get my vote.

GaryL · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2008, 07:57:12 PM »

Quote from: Adz28 on January 18, 2008, 06:48:31 PM

My first set of radials were the Firestone Firehawk SS that went on my '78 Camaro. I got these because I knew someone that worked for Firestone and got them cheap.

But, I always loved the Radial T/As. That was the tire to have "back in the day" ... my day, at least

They get my vote.

My day also. A few days ahead of your's.

JohnZ · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:00:53 PM »

Radial T/A's here too - '69 Z/28, stock springs and rims, 215/65-15's. Had 235/60's on it when I bought it, but they rubbed in front.

lakeholme · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:06:08 PM »

Richard, Adz28 and Gary, what size tire are you running?
I "inherited" wide (off brand) tires from the previous owner, but my new T/As (still wider than what came in 68) drive much better --and don't rub like John mentioned.
Thanks, John. I've had the same problem.

Adz28 · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2008, 08:37:55 PM »

I don't have them on my 69. I prefer the white knuckle ride of the Polyglas. But, it is just a weekend car for me.

sd1968z28 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2008, 10:56:55 PM »

i grew up burning of bias ply tires so i must be used to them, and gad the smoke nice.

wtexz10 · « **Reply #8 on:** January 19, 2008, 01:51:25 AM »

Lake,
I've got Goodyear GT II's on mine which I like alot. However, I think the 14" size has been discontinued. I've also been looking at the Firestone Indy 500's. I like the the TA's also but I just wanted a different look.

Kris

rich69rs · « **Reply #9 on:** January 19, 2008, 02:06:09 AM »

Quote from: lakeholme on January 18, 2008, 08:06:08 PM

Richard, Adz28 and Gary, what size tire are you running?

Phillip,

I went with 215/70 R14 tires. One the problems I had originally was finding a radial I liked, in the correct 14 inch rim size. Another one of the advantages of BFG Radial T/A's. They have a wide variety of 14 inch rim size tires available which for my ride was important. Went back and forth between 225/65 R14 and 215/70 R14 sizes (both tires are very close to the original tire diameter from the factory). I decided on the 215 width due to personal preference. From what I've researched though, 225/65 R14 would have worked also.

Richard

Gramps69Z · « **Reply #10 on:** January 19, 2008, 02:29:50 AM »

I'm running T/A's : front-215/65/R15 rear-255/60R15. I love the ride and have no rubbing problems. No bias ply tire will give you the ride of a road gripping radial.

lakeholme · « **Reply #11 on:** January 19, 2008, 04:27:17 AM »

Kris, I originally went looking for Goodyear, but I was told that the 14s were discontinued. It is a good look!

Richard, I went with the 215/70 for pretty much the same reasons.

GaryL · « **Reply #12 on:** January 19, 2008, 04:56:13 AM »

Quote from: lakeholme on January 18, 2008, 08:06:08 PM

Richard, Adz28 and Gary, what size tire are you running?
I "inherited" wide (off brand) tires from the previous owner, but my new T/As (still wider than what came in 68) drive much better --and don't rub like John mentioned.
Thanks, John. I've had the same problem.

215 65 R15

lakeholme · « **Reply #13 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:11:14 PM »

Ok, those running bias-ply, what size and brand are you buying?

fireZ · « **Reply #14 on:** January 20, 2008, 06:22:11 PM »

I run the Goodyear Wide Tread GT repops on my 68 Z. They are good around town but over 60 MPH you have to hold on tight . I will say they do make the car look period correct. Just remember each burnout costs about 30 bucks.

68Zproject · « **Reply #15 on:** January 21, 2008, 12:42:04 AM »

Worth it at twice the price.

jeff68 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 21, 2008, 01:14:46 AM »

I ran the 225/70/14 BFG Radial T/A on my 14" rally wheels for quite a while and I liked them a lot.
My car originally came with 7.35x14 whitewall tires, so this time around I am putting whitewalls back on my original FC code steel wheels. I ended up buying the Michelin Symmetry in 205/75/14 since they are the best match for the orignal size. The whitewall is fairly narrow as well, which I like a lot. I made the decision after seeing them on a Corvette at a local show:

Chris_Pisane · « **Reply #17 on:** January 21, 2008, 02:12:43 AM »

For a 69 Z John Z is right as usual.

My green 69 Z had original type tires on it when I got it. they were shot. I cant tell you what the metric equivelent BFG had in their charts 13 years ago but whatever it was, it was way too short.

I brought my tire in and compared it to new ones and the 216/65/15 was the closest match.So I bought them and they look and perform perfect.

I bought them for my JL8 but then decided to use the repop tires. Happy thing is I bought a project 87 Z for my son. The tires were shot. The size for the 87 is 215/65/15. Its like the tires were free!!!!!!!

In my opinion BFG radial T/As are the best looking tire on the market.

lakeholme · « **Reply #18 on:** January 21, 2008, 02:06:18 PM »

Did you notice how many cars had BFG Radial T/As at the 08 B-J auction...

dab67 · « **Reply #19 on:** January 21, 2008, 10:51:20 PM »

Running 21560H15 BG Traction TA's on my 67. Exceptional cruising tire for the highway.

Dab67

Adz28 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 18, 2008, 05:23:02 PM »

Phil... Did you get your tires yet? If so, which ones?

lakeholme · « **Reply #21 on:** April 18, 2008, 08:09:23 PM »

I went with BFG Radial T/As... remember my car is a driver. They drive great. I know lots of folks are into big tires on classic cars, but for cruising 14x7 wheels with radials are just fine by me. But now, I'm into body work in prep for a re-paint. The tires look great... but they are sitting in the shop with paint residue all over them. Oh, well.

Can't tell much from the picture:

Adz28 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 18, 2008, 08:36:33 PM »

Good choice. You must be excited about getting it back. Hopefully it is sooner than later.

CanCam68 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 24, 2008, 01:46:37 PM »

So guys, would the 14" 225 70 series TS's rub in the front? Still got the old style by's on the car, and looking to improve the ride. Plus, I am starting to see the age cracks on the sides.

CC68

lakeholme · « **Reply #24 on:** June 25, 2008, 12:56:25 PM »

I went with 215/70 R14 for my 68.

Rubbing depends on several factors, look here:
https://www.rsracing.com/tech-wheel.html

CanCam68 · « **Reply #25 on:** June 25, 2008, 02:19:16 PM »

Hey guys, still running an old set of bias ply F's on my '68, but starting to see the age cracks in the sides. Had a set of poly/radials on just before these, but they were noisy, going down the road, esp with the top down. What I do like about the old ones that I have on now, is that they have a smooth summer type tread and are super quiet.

So, based on what I have read, there are only a few tire brands left that handle the 14 inch application. Bottom line...are the TA's a noisy tread to run? they do look kind of aggressive in pattern. From what I could see, the Michelin looked less so.

Any comments?

Thanks.

CC68

lakeholme · « **Reply #26 on:** June 25, 2008, 04:41:08 PM »

CC68

What brand and size of bias ply are you running?

I generally run Michelin on my business car, etc., but not on the Camaro. Not sure there would be that much difference and the T/A look is more classic car oriented (at least in some folks opinion).

Yes, the 14s are getting harder to find in some brands, but companies like Coker still make them (for maybe bigger bucks than some want to put on a driver).

(BTW, how about posting a picture of your car. I'd like to see it.)

You're asking a good question, and I'd like to hear from some others with T/As, etc., too.

lakeholme · « **Reply #27 on:** June 25, 2008, 05:22:20 PM »

Whoops, I meant model, not brand... sorry!

CanCam68 · « **Reply #28 on:** June 26, 2008, 05:45:03 AM »

On the car at present, I have Firestones, F-70's, 2 ply, 14 inchers. Got them from...can you believe a really old guy at a garage sale? Was driving the Cam at the time, and he said that he had a set of brand new ones, in the basement, and never seen seen the light of day. Then he went on that he's make me a deal if I promised to put them on the Cam, and not jsut flip them.
Anyway, I jumped at the chance. When he brought them out I saw that the tires still had the knubbies and paper ID on the tread...and I got all four for $80. He was happy..I was too.

But alas, time is taking its toll on the the rubber, even though I have given them tender care...guys at a meet will look at these tires and shake their heads. Mind you, going over the local drawbridge is kinda fun with them on!

So, I would like to get a new set, that have the summer treads... if they are still out there?

As for the Cam... will post pic of the car when I join photo bucket and figure out just how to do it.

CC68

69 Z11 · « **Reply #29 on:** June 27, 2008, 03:49:27 AM »

I put on a set of 215-60 R15 T/As on last month. nice ride, no rub issues, and they look "right". Mine's a driver too.

CanCam68 · « **Reply #30 on:** June 28, 2008, 02:54:55 AM »

Just found out about these Kesley tires, and they seem to fit the bill for me... smooth tread, and the vintage look..i think that they are put out by Goodyear?

Anyway, thought to share... they are being sold for $185 a tire which about $60 over what I could get TA's for in this area.

Anyboy have any experience or info on these tires?

CC68

JohnZ · « **Reply #31 on:** June 28, 2008, 08:44:21 PM »

Kelsey is the only manufacturer licensed by Goodyear to make reproduction tires, and you can order them through most Goodyear tire dealers. Lots of early Corvette guys buy them as "judging" tires.

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Author Topic: Tires on a "Driver" --which one??? (Read 23531 times)