tires to use

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

I have a 69 GT500 and would like to get new tire for it.  What is recommended, and who do you suggest to purchase them from to be correct?

[Bob Gaines]

I have a 69 GT500 and would like to get new tire for it.  What is recommended, and who do you suggest to purchase them from to be correct?

What are your expectations? Are you wanting a good tire to drive on with smooth ride and handling , a tires for occasional spirited driving or just something that looks like vintage original with no concern about how they ride?

[kasearch@ix.netcom.com]

That's the million dollar question for me.  We DON'T drive our cars that much, and we like the ORIGINAL look. But when we do take the cars out, the trips can be extensive, and good handling and safety is important.  Since this is a new and complete restoration, I am guessing that the wife is going to go for ORIGINAL.

[Bob Gaines]

That's the million dollar question for me.  We DON'T drive our cars that much, and we like the ORIGINAL look. But when we do take the cars out, the trips can be extensive, and good handling and safety is important.  Since this is a new and complete restoration, I am guessing that the wife is going to go for ORIGINAL.

E 70 15 blackwall were original on cars built at Ford up to aprox the end of March . After the end of March the tire would be F 60 15. with Goodyear in raised white letters (ones without the size in raised white letters). Kelsey Tire is the Co that has the tires made by Goodyear. You will hate the way the reissue tires drive and handle compared to ANY set of comparable size modern radials. If you want your cake and eat it too then get your choice of good radial in a comparable size and then get one of the tire letter kits made by companies like tiregrafix.com to make the modern tire look lettered like a vintage tire. 

[FL SAAC]

That's the million dollar question for me.  We DON'T drive our cars that much, and we like the ORIGINAL look. But when we do take the cars out, the trips can be extensive, and good handling and safety is important.  Since this is a new and complete restoration, I am guessing that the wife is going to go for ORIGINAL.

If you want original looking go with Coker tire reproductions

If you want better handling and ride go with a set of Firestone , B F Goodrich radial tires 235/60/15

[Side-Oilers]

As Mr. Gaines said:  "You will hate the way the reissue tires drive and handle compared to ANY set of comparable size modern radials."

Radials will improve the ride/handling/performance of your car in every conceivable way, on wet roads and dry.

IMO: Keep your concours tires/wheels for the judged shows you enter, and use your radials for everything else. 

[Bob Gaines]

That's the million dollar question for me.  We DON'T drive our cars that much, and we like the ORIGINAL look. But when we do take the cars out, the trips can be extensive, and good handling and safety is important.  Since this is a new and complete restoration, I am guessing that the wife is going to go for ORIGINAL.

If you want original looking go with Coker tire reproductions

If you want better handling and ride go with a set of Firestone , B F Goodrich radial tires 235/60/15

As it pertains to a original looking tire ,A quick search at Coker confirms that they do not sell correct Goodyear reproduction/original factory tires for a 69 GT500. I don't believe they sell Goodyear replacement tires for any year Shelby.

[Coralsnake]

  ...well played Mr Gaines, well played

[FL SAAC]

What we meant as we stated "original looking " tires is precisely that . Similar looking, possibly a back in the day replacement. But it would be definitely be frowned upon by some if you would use these.

Remember ultimately it's your car, do as you please.

Merry Christmas.

That's the million dollar question for me.  We DON'T drive our cars that much, and we like the ORIGINAL look. But when we do take the cars out, the trips can be extensive, and good handling and safety is important.  Since this is a new and complete restoration, I am guessing that the wife is going to go for ORIGINAL.

If you want original looking go with Coker tire reproductions

If you want better handling and ride go with a set of Firestone , B F Goodrich radial tires 235/60/15

As it pertains to a original looking tire ,A quick search at Coker confirms that they do not sell correct Goodyear reproduction/original factory tires for a 69 GT500. I don't believe they sell Goodyear replacement tires for any year Shelby.

[cj750]

Kelsey Tire has introduced a "Polyglas" radial that unfortunately doesn't look all that much like original issue Polyglas tires, but is still closer than any other halfway modern rubber out there. Right now, FR70x14 is the only size available, but the rep I spoke with at MCACN told me to expect 15" sizes by late spring or early summer 2020.

[67 GT350]

That would be great! I would like a set for my 67. I got the E70-15's now and do not like them for driving.

[Shelby_r_b]

+1!  Those look really cool, even if they aren't 100% in looks.

[Bob Gaines]

This thread talks about a forum member that will take a tire of our choice and put the correct looking letters on the tires. http://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=8568.msg71301;topicseen#msg71301 This gives you a multitude of possibilities.  I have done the process myself for my own tires and it isn't too difficult . If you want the easy button this guy will do it for you.

[68stangcjfb]

Has anyone here tried those FR 7014 polyglas tires? If so, do they handle and ride well as you would expect a radial to? My 68 Torino 4 door needs tires and I think they would look a lot nicer than the Cooper Cobra's I have now. But at $300 a pop, I wouldn't mind a little insight from someone who has tried them out.

[shelbymann1970]

I use Cooper Cobras on my Shelby. Hey, at least it has Cobra on the tire.  . I have driven my friend's Bosses with polyglas tires on them and for any distance I'd go with radials. Not many choices out there also without a wheel diameter change.
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