dmenn1

Hi - I'm thinking about purchasing 4 new tires for my Dad for his 1962 corvette. He's mentioned to me that he needs new tires.

So my question is - what was the whitewall size on a stock 1962 corvette? I'd like to get a tire as close to that as possible.

The tires currently on his car are 225/75R15 BF Goodrich Lifesavers and they have a whitewall that is appromiately 1.3". I checked with BF Goodrich and they no longer make these tires. I inquired about a replacement tire and they referred me to Coker Tire company.

I checked online at Coker Tire and they offer a 1" whitewall for the 205/75R15 (stock size) and a 1.6" whitewall for the 225/75R15. I think the 1.6" whitewall is too much.

I spoke with my local tire shop and they can get Cooper Trendsetters and they have ~3/4" whitewall. They can get it in either size (225 or 205).

Are there any other brands out there that you recommend to get that 'close-to-stock' look? Your help would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

MICK3

The whitewalls were from 7/8" to 1 1/16", five tire brands were available for 62, US Royal, BF Goodrich, Firestone, Goodyear & General. These tires are still available.

vettefred

I went with 215-75R15 3/4" wide white radials made by DiamondBack tires of SC and they not only fit and look great but greatly improved the handling and ride characteristics. (no more wandering/darting) Used to have the original 6.50X15 nylons wide white.
This upgrade was one of the best I made on our car.


Regards,

Fred

bigearl56

Earl

EVERGREEN

Jerry

Ironcross

Both Vettes have factory tires on Dayton wheels. The sizes are 670-15`s. Never measured the whitewall. But they are definately not 7/8`s more like 1 1/3 and thats on both Vettes.

Personally I dont like WW`s. I now use 215X65RX15`s blackwalls

cement62

I am in the same boat but found that Hankook makes a 225 75R15 with a narrow whitewall. My tires now are 70R 15's and needed to verify that the 75R15's would work well on a 62.

JackTripper

This probably doesn't help you but, a 65' has 205/75/15 with 5/8" whitewall.

Ironcross

The OE size was 670-15, and the white sidewall tire had about a 1 inch white.....

fyreline

I went with American Classics from Lucas Tire. I wanted a "slightly" wider whitewall than the 3/4 to 1-inch tires usually seen on 1962's. The ones I have are 1.3", which gave me just the look I was going for. I realize they're not for everybody, and that the "narrow" whitewalls were a prominent feature for the '62 vs. the '61. I offer the photo just so you can see what the 1.3" will look like. It works for me, and yes, the radial tires really improve the ride and handling.

61 Roadster

Nice looking tires; Hard to beat fawn beige

sub006

I like to turn white walls or letters IN so only I get to see 'em when working under the car. Plus all brands and sizes of blackwalls "match"!

And enjoyed building a model of your family's gasser in the '60s, wasn't it a Fiat Topolino body?

sub006

Aw, yeah. My favorite color through the 1964 models. See the pics inside that year's catalog, to die for!

Randy G.

This may set a record for resurrecting old threads. 11/26/2007.

My "American Classics" radials ride fine.

SDVette

I have the Hankook 225/75-15's with white wall.
They are not correct for my 61.... but nice looking tires, and they handle/wear very well.