Question on COPO Tires - 1969

[no69x-44]

I know that in 1969 the COPO Camaros came with RWL 14x7 Tires.  Back then there were 2 manufactures that GM used for these tires, Goodyear and Firestone ... Was there a certain brand tire that was used on the COPO cars?  The reason I ask is that my spare (still mounted on the original XT rim) is a F70-14 Wide Oval Firestone tire (see pics below).  Some suggested to me that the COPO's only came with Goodyear RWL tires in '69.  Since I'm not really sure, I figured I better check this out with guys who know far more then I do on this subject matter.  So what's the deal ... do I go out and get four more Firestone Wide ovals to match my spare ... or do I need to go look at Goodyear's (who no longer seem to know how to make a tire - see NASCAR pull out )






Thanks in advance for the info.

[william]

Not all of them. COPOs could be ordered with COPO 9737 which included 15" x 7" wheels and E70 x 15 RWL tires,   Firestone Sport Car 200 or Good Year Wide Tread GTs.

COPOs could be ordered with any of several optional F70 x 14 tires: RWL, red stripe or white stripe. Later in the model year Polyglas belted tires became optional and one documented car is known to have been built that way. Uniroyal Tiger Paws were also used along with Good Year Wide Tread GTs or the Firestones shown in the picture. At least one ZL-1 was built with the Firestones. The "Good Year only" for COPOs is nonsense.

The Firestone tire you have is not reproduced. An NOS set of 4 would be mind-boggling expensive.

[no69x-44]

William - Thanks for the quick reply and the information.  I figured the "Goodyear only" thing really didn't add up.

I have a feeling that you right in that the Firestone tire that I have is not reproduced as I have been looking.  There is a Firestone wide oval F70-14 reporduction tire out there, but not excatly the same as the one that I have, which I believe is what came with the car.  Any suggestions as to what direction I should think about going ... Tire wise that is?

[william]

If you want period-correct you are limited to the repro Good Year Wide Tread GTs. There are two styles, one with 'Wide Tread GT' in white letters or 'Wide Tread F70 x 14". Get 5 and put the spare in the basement until someone offers you big $ for it.

Its just my opinion but if you want to ruin the stance and appearance of your classic Camaro put modern tires on it like stinkin' BFG Radial T/As. They look nice on SUVs, no where else. Ugh.

[lakeholme]

Well...
http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=3251.0

[rich69rs]

Its just my opinion but if you want to ruin the stance and appearance of your classic Camaro put modern tires on it like stinkin' BFG Radial T/As. They look nice on SUVs, no where else. Ugh.

Phillip's link is a good ref from a recent discussion on this topic.  Sure seems to me that a lot of muscle car enthusiasts, including 1st Gen Camaro owners, like the look and driveability of the Radial T/A.  Not sure how the stance is ruined - looks good to me.

[no69x-44]

Like William has stated, to be period-correct I'm pretty much limited to the repro Good Year Wide Tread GTs.   So I have been thinking of maybe going with with a nice set F70-14 on the stock 14x7 rims and dog dish hup caps to make the car period correct for shows, etc.  Then have a second set of 15x7 Cragers with the BFG Radial T/As for drivability. 

Period correct tires first ... Then when I save enough $$$  I'll see about getting that second set of drivin' wheels and tires.

Thanks for the input guys.  Much appreciated.  All options/options welcome.

[firstgenaddict]

I know someone who may be interested in your Firestone Tire if you decide to sell it...

[no69x-44]

I know someone who may be interested in your Firestone Tire if you decide to sell it...

While the tire looks pretty good, it is used and the tread on it is that of "spare tire" quality.