[1965gp]

I’m very happy with both sets of my diamond back tires

[Formulajones]

If you prefer pure stock and want a radial, the bias ply look-a-likes with radial construction is the way to go.

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/bran...wide-oval.html

[spartazoo]

Originally Posted by Formulajones

If you prefer pure stock and want a radial, the bias ply look-a-likes with radial construction is the way to go.

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/bran...wide-oval.html

Agree. Wondering if anyone has tried them to see if the squeeze is worth the juice.

[TCSGTO]

Coker used to make tires at a local plant near here but closed it when they moved production to China. Screw ‘em.

[Kenth]

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/fire...l-gr70-14.html

They says:
"Designed and manufactured in the USA, using new molds and materials, this tire features authentic sidewall markings and tread pattern, with radial construction."

[Formulajones]

I don't have a problem with some of the specific tires from Coker. The only issues I've had were with full white walls used when restoring these baby birds. Eventually I ended up getting those particular tires from Diamondback, which were better quality.

When it comes to reproduction factory Firestones, you'll only get those at one place, and that's Coker, whether it's bias ply or radial. I've never had any issues with those tires at all. They install fine, balance fine, and drive fine. The Radial version of the Wide Ovals have been around for a few years now and have gotten very popular. They appear pretty close to original with one minor flaw where the tread meets the sidewall, it's more rounded on the radial, which is by design as belt construction on a radial is different than a bias tire, so the bias look can't be completely duplicated, but they do look right on a muscle car and drive very well.

If you're after reproduction Goodyears, you'll have to go to Kelsey. They are in the works at developing a radial version of the bias ply just as Coker did with Firestones. In fact they may already be hitting the market.

Those of us (don't know if many here) that actually restore these cars correctly down to the specific tire used, these are your choices and I'm happy to have them. Without Coker and Kelsey we'd be chit outta luck.

[OG68]

I've been looking at these to replace the 205R Goodyears my 68 originally came with. But at $1600 for 5 plus oversize shipping, it sure takes a bite.

https://www.ecklers.com/tire-g70-x-1...1-11659-1.html

[Formulajones]

Some get pretty high in price. The E70-15 Wide Tread GT I need for the Z is $425 a piece. The only other tire used on a 1st gen Z is the Firestone Sport Car 200 which is rarely seen today and not even used that much when they were new. But they are reproduced thanks to Coker..... They are $454 each. Some others are over $500

But on a proper restoration it's a necessary evil.

[geeteeohguy]

Am running Cooper Cobras on my '67 GTO ragtrop and like them. RWL with Rally II wheels. They were $81 per tire vs about $300 per tire for redlines. Agree redlines look much better on these cars for the most part.

[gtobob67]

Originally Posted by geeteeohguy

Am running Cooper Cobras on my '67 GTO ragtrop and like them. RWL with Rally II wheels. They were $81 per tire vs about $300 per tire for redlines. Agree redlines look much better on these cars for the most part.

What size Coopers are you running?

[will slow gto]

Pretty sure geeteeohguy has the 225/70R14, same as me. Would love to run the 3/8” white stripe but he’s right, there’s a big difference paying $85 vs $317 for a tire when you need 4 of them!

[will slow gto]

It was geeteeohguy (he’s a friend of mine and local to me) that turned me onto these Cooper Cobras:
https://www.americastire.com/buy-tir...ial-gt/p/27431

Ok, these have gone up like everything else! Pretty good tire though, mine are made in Mexico, one of them needed about twice as much weight as the other three to balance. The tires on my car are about 5 years old and have about 5000 miles on mine. The tread is still all there, good traction and handling. But again, the white/red stripe tires definitely look better…

[will slow gto]

Originally Posted by OG68

I've been looking at these to replace the 205R Goodyears my 68 originally came with. But at $1600 for 5 plus oversize shipping, it sure takes a bite.

https://www.ecklers.com/tire-g70-x-1...1-11659-1.html

Unless you have a friend who owns a tire shop, don’t forget another $25/tire for mounting and balancing.

[Mr Anonymous]

For cleaning tires, nothing works as well as something like Go-Jo hand cleaner (not with the pumice, just the cream). It doesn't leave residue unless you aren't fully capable of operating a rag, and seems to stay cleaner, longer. I use it to clean about any kind of rubbery doodad as well, even spark plug wires come out looking like new and the lettering stays intact. Hoses, etc. Got the tip from a friend that does high end corvette restorations, where they want everything original that they can possibly salvage.

[tallrandyb]

Originally Posted by mgarblik

I think a triple black GTO would be beautiful with red line tires. That being said, I purchased a set of BFG Silvertown radial red lines from Coker Tire. These were for my 68 400 Firebird convertible . IMO, they were lousy tires. Out of round and very difficult to balance. They required an excessive amount of weight and were out of round enough to require being shaved to provide a smooth ride. Based on that experience, I would try Diamondback or some other supplier.

Agreed on the look, I have Coker redlines on my triple black 65 GTO with red pinstripe, its a great match. These are the Firestone Wide Oval Radial tires so they look like bias plies.

Love them, great ride.