Tire size question

[Popsashburn]

We brought home a nice 64" T-Bird recently, and it's in great need of tires. What size radial tires in 15" are y'all running? It had 215/75/15 on front ( I think) and old bias ply on back.
Is the 215/75/15 a good drivable fit? Thanks in advance. Hugh

 

[HeadacheGuy]

Im running 225/75/R15 Uniroyal Tiger Paws on my 65. I've been very satisfied with the ride and handing. Seem to wear ok too.

 

[Terry64HT]

Mine are 215/70/R15 Firestone FR710's with a 7/8" whitewall. It's almost impossible to find wider than a 7/8" now, even at the specialty places.
The first number, eg 215 or 225 is the tire width in centimeters and the second is the tire height as a percentage of the width. Headacheguy's tires are wider, so slightly higher, which means overall a bit bigger. That means that with the 215's you will be traveling a bit slower than with the 225's at the same rpm (less than 2%).
However, since the cars originally came with 8.15 x 15 bias, it's pretty hard to say which is best. By the way, the difference between the height of a 215 and a 225 is about 1/2", with the 225 closer to the original diameter, but the 215 closer to the original width.
Hope this helps (although I don't see how it can).
Terry
64HT

 

[rzcrisis]

On my 64 hardtop I have Goodyear Polysteel radials -P215/75R15 with a 1 1/4 whitewall which I really like and have had a lot of great comments on in terms of look. I would not want anything smaller or wider for a whitewall on my car. These were on the car when I bought it 3 years ago so not sure if they are still available. My ride on these tires is very smooth and extremely quiet.

Hope this helps.

Randy

 

[makrie]

You might want to check out the conversion chart on Diamond Back Classics web page. I'm NOT endorsing their products but found their FAQ section helpful from the gamut of rim, pressures and size questions.

They also still vulcanize wide white walls to modern radials if that's your preference.

 

[phillipdoll]

Diamond Back Classics has the special offer t-bird whitewall with red band tires offered as an option in 65.
Great ride and look very cool!