[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.

[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.