biking

This is my first post (be gentle) not my last (to be sure)..so here's the question I need answered... I've just purchased a 62 and I am in the search for replacement tires. I will keep the 5.0 rims and ask for advice as to the best tire size tire size and brand for overall street driving? In reviewing posts from the past it would seem that the 215/70's fit the bill but then there are the fans of the 215/75's ...my objective is to fill the wheel wells nicely , create a good ride and keep the rubber away from body parts. I await your suggestions...thanks :confused:

Theo

I am using 215/70-15 Continental whitewalls with my 15x7 Torq Thruster II wheels. they work and look great!

Theo

waynec

Direct radial replacement for original is 205/75R15, which is probably best size for the stock rim. There aren't very many choices in tires available in this size, however... I'd suggest either Michelin X or Pirelli P4000 for touring tires (both hard to find in this size, you may have to order them),.

215/70R15 is the next recommendation, but you should go to a wider rim for these.

Remember that you have speedometer reading error if you get away from stock circumference tires.

SWCDuke

The 205/75 is close to the OEM 6.70-15 revs per mile of 760; 2165/70s should have at least a six inch wheel; they are speced at 775 revs per mile. The 225/70 is 760 revs/mile, but needs at least a 6.5" wheel.

These two seventy series tires are available as all season high performance type tires with speed ratings as high as Z. The 205/75s are all hard compound all-season types, some of which are not even speed rated.

You can search under size at http://www.tirerack.com

Duke

WB6HRO

Just went through this a couple of months ago. Took of the 6.70 X 15 that were on the car since 1978 and put on some Bridgestone P205 R75 X 15. It's a different car, like I used to remember. Rides softer corners better.

There just is not anything high performance that will go on a 5" wide rim safely.

Cruzmeisters

I'm running same size as Waynec; finally switched from bias-ply last year. They stick better, but then I just drive faster...have I gained anything? :confused:

biking

thanks for your suggestions..theo your experience with the torque thrust wheels brings to mind that I have a set of very old in great condition american racing mag spoke wheels 15x6 with a 1" positive offset. I had these on a 57 corvette years ago and with the size of tires I had on at the time (sorry don't remember the size) I had to file off some of the front fender under the area below the parking lights to keep the tires from making contact with the body...will these wheels fit the 62 with what size tires that will NOT make contact with the body?...still looking to all of you for your great advice

Torchred62

Biking I am not a purist and I drive my Vette on weekends and cruises so I wanted a tire with good handling and a good ride. I picked Goodyear American Eagles size 215/60R16 on 16inch Torque Thrust II's with the standard 4.5 inch offset. My track base is off from stock just a little bit due to the thickness of the four rotors (I have four wheel disc brakes on my 62') but with this combination I don't have any rubbing problems and the ride and handling is like night and day compared to original size tires/wheels.

Plasticman

Biking,

I am using the Torque Thrust D rims (15 X 6) on my 62. The offset on these rims is 3-5/8", as measured from the back rim surface (put a straight edge across the rear outermost rim surface and use a ruler to measure into the distance to the rear mounting surface) to the axle flange mounting surface. I am using 235/60R15 on the rear and 215/60R15 on the front. The stance of the Vette is ideal (for me) with a little nose down attitude. The tires are BF Goodrich TA radials, and are quiet, good looking, and great handling (and are relatively cheap). Understand that the 235 size is not recommended for 6" rims, but my tire guy didn't think there would be any problem, and he was right (no uneven tire wear or odd handling characteristics). The tires do not fill up the wheel wells, but do offer a lower stance and ride hgt. I did have to change the speedo gear, but that is easy.

Good luck on your quest, and welcome!

Plasticman

Plasticman

Biking,

I forgot to tell you: There has been no body contact with these rims/tires, and the body is stock with full fender lips. I have done some aggressive driving (drag racing, and like to take my turns at a good clip), so I made sure this tire / rim combination would not contact the body.

Plasticman

Theo

Biking,

I have absolutely no contact with my setup. I bought the wheels from "www.wheelsforless.com". The bolt pattern is 5/4.75 and the backspacing is 3 3/4.

Theo.

JohnZ

I have Coker 205/75-15 wide-whites on stock 5" rims on my '57; they're not speed-rated, but I don't hammer this car like I do my other ones. I have another set of stock rims with 6.70-15 BFG Silvertown bias-ply wide-whites in the basement that only go on one day a year for judging. Didn't have to change the speedo gear - calibrates at 62mph actual with 60mph indicated, exactly the same as the 6.70-15 originals. Photo below with the Cokers: