Tire recommendation

[67 GT350]

My response I got:

Dear Fran,
 
Thank you for reaching out and sharing your thoughts with us. We truly appreciate customer feedback, as it helps us understand market demand and areas for potential growth.
 
At Kelsey Tire, we continuously evaluate our product lineup based on demand, performance, and customer interest. While we currently do not offer radial tires with small vintage white lettering in the sizes you mentioned, I will certainly pass your input along to our product development team for consideration.
 
If you have any specific needs or would like assistance finding the best available option within our lineup, I'd be happy to help. Please let me know how I can assist you.
 
Best regards,
Amy
Kelsey Tire Inc.

[Brant]

I am looking to purchase a set of new tires this summer.  I have a GT350H, stock Shelby suspension, and original Magnum 500s.

Currently, I am running BF Goodrich 205/70R14.

Anyone running 215/70R14 Cooper Cobras?  Do they rub?

Any other suggestions? 

I drive it weekly on the street and highway.

With a stock ride height and stock 14 x 6 Magnum 500 wheels, you should have no problems with rubbing if you run a 215/70 x 14 size.

I prefer them over the smaller 205/70s and currently run them on a '66 with Magnums that is driven quite a bit.

As far as choices for tires, the BFG Radial TAs are fine if you like those.

For a higher end tire, the Michelin XWX comes in a 215/70 x 14 size. I run that tire in a different size on 15 inch wheels on my '65 that is also driven quite a bit.

[67 GT350]

Brant.
I have a set of cooper cobra, let me check the size, they were new when I bought my Shelby, I can sell them to you, but I think they rubbed, not sure...I will let you know.

[NickG350]

I am going to keep the Firestone Wide Oval radials on my chrome Magnum 500's. They would be perfect if they just had Firestone in small letters.  The large "Wide Oval" is a bit much for me.  Since I prefer blackballs, and as Brant mentioned, I am a big fan of the Michelin XWX.

My car is an original painted Magnum car.  The wheels are currently being restored, and I will probably put the Michelin XWX on the painted Magnums in 215/70VR14.

I think the 215/70-14 is the perfect tire size for a '66.

[GeotechDuck]

Thank you for the information and pictures, everyone!  I like the look of the Wide Ovals and Polyglas tires, but one tire is the same price as 4 Coopers. It looks like I have a decision to make.

Also, any thoughts around how often tires need to be swapped out.  BF Goodrich says 6-10 years, but if the car is driven less than 1,000 miles a year and is garaged in a temperate climate (CA), will you still experience the same degradation in the rubber? 

The BF Goodrich tires I have on it right now are date coded 2011, but have 95% + tread life still.  The car was not driven much until 2 years ago and probably has less than 1,500 miles on it since the tires were replaced in 2011.     
 

[Bob Gaines]

Thank you for the information and pictures, everyone!  I like the look of the Wide Ovals and Polyglas tires, but one tire is the same price as 4 Coopers. It looks like I have a decision to make.

Also, any thoughts around how often tires need to be swapped out.  BF Goodrich says 6-10 years, but if the car is driven less than 1,000 miles a year and is garaged in a temperate climate (CA), will you still experience the same degradation in the rubber? 

The BF Goodrich tires I have on it right now are date coded 2011, but have 95% + tread life still.  The car was not driven much until 2 years ago and probably has less than 1,500 miles on it since the tires were replaced in 2011.     
 

I feel your pain  as I need to buy new tires to replace the factory tires on my 15 thousand mile 2007 GT500. After 10 years it is best to change the tires with new ones on a driven car. After that on a driven car you are asking for it especially if you are going to drive at highway speeds or do spirited acceleration exhibitions. You may be lucky and never have a problem but if you do don't be surprised regardless of how little you drive the car. A show car driving on and off the trailer there is little chance of problems on old tires except maybe holding air. Tire shops now will typically not work on tires that are older then 10 years old for liability reasons. It is more prudent to do as I say and not as I do. I plan on going with the Michelin tires on my 66. 

[67 GT350]

FYI all, I will check the tire size tomorrow, but I have 4 or 5 with less than 200 miles on them 14 inch...I will sell them....Cooper Cobra

[98SVT - was 06GT]

I am going to keep the Firestone Wide Oval radials ......

Firestones on a Shelby. Shelby is rolling over in several locations.

https://thedetroitbureau.com/2012/07/family-settles-dispute-over-carroll-shelby-burial/

[JWH]

Brant, would you please post the size of the 15" Michelin XWX you are running on your '65? Are the Michelins widely available like from Costco, Discount Tire etc? Or are these specialty tires also and only available from say Coker?  Thanks for the information.
Jeff