Tires on a "Driver" --which one???

[lakeholme]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[wtexz10]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[fireZ]

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.