1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

The GM of Canada docs for my February '69 L78 Camaro list the following tire option:

PL5 F70-14-4 PR TIRE - HWY - OE - B/WALL WHITE LETTERING

Jerry MacNeish's book asserts that there were 3 such white lettered tires offered:

Goodyear Polyglas F70x14;
Firestone Wide Oval F70x14; and
Uniroyal Tiger Paw F70x14.

So all three brands of tires would be considered correct for my car?

Also, does anyone know of a nice modern reproduction for any of these tires?

Thanks.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Actually, the only currently available correct reproduction tire would be a F70 14 Goodyear Wide Tread. (not polyglas) The current version of the Firestone Wide Oval repros are correct only for 70-up, and they don't repop any Uniroyal Tiger Paws at all. You can order the F70 Wide Treads from Kelsey for 160.00 each. Here's a photo on their website, kelseytire.com that shows what they look like.

repro F70 Wide Tread tire

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Awesome info. Thanks!

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

While on the 69 Camaro tire subject, can you please list:

1) What was correct tire brand name, model and size for the 15" Rally wheel on a COPO

2) What was correct brand name, model and size for the 14" XT (IF) on a COPO

3) What is best suggested modern 14" replacement tire for COPO that can be driven on for moderate mileage trips.

Thanks,

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

The only correct repro tires currently availale for 69 Camaro are the Goodyears ...69 COPO with 9737 option (15" wheels) would have E70 Wide Tread GT's, same tires as 69 Z/28, and Yenko. Edit: E-70 Firestone Sport Car 200's were also used and are reproduced correctly and could also be found on the above mentioned cars. I don't know if Uniroyal tires were ever used on these cars with the 15" wheel option, I know I have never seen evidence of such.

COPO without 9737 (14" XT wheels) would use the same tires I mentioned above, the Wide Tread F-70 14. The Firestone Wide Oval and Uniroyal Tiger Paw would also be correct, but the Wide Oval repros are of the 1970-up variety, and the Tiger Paws are not repro'd.

I believe a 215-70-15 is the closest modern equivelent to an E70 15, not sure about the 14, but I think a 215-70-14 would likely be a close interchange, maybe even a 225 70. I have put 1000's of miles on repro bias ply tires without much concern. They don't handle quite as nicely as modern tires, but nothing ruins the look of a classic car quicker and easier than a set of modern radials IMO.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Thanks for the accurate info......I still need IF wheels to replicate the XT look, before I consider buying the Goodyears...........but may resort to using 70'+ 14x7 wheels

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

With so many different "new" wheels on the market it's surprising one of the aftermarket wheel places don't offer an inexpensive reproduction 14x7 steel wheel for GM applications. It seems like it would be easy enough to make, and there would certainly be a market for them. Not necessarily for the purist restorers, but for the guys who just want the "cheapie" look for their cruisers. Wasn't someone selling repro XT's on ebay a few months back? What ever happened to the guy selling/making those?

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

February '69 is too early for Polyglas tires on a 1969 Camaro. I believe they first appear on the April 1, 1969 ordering info.

Having said that it is not known that Goodyear Polyglas tires were ever available on a 1969 Camaro. One of the members here becomes apoplectic at the mention. I do not know but believe it was possible for later production cars.

I agree. Just like a CAUTION-FAN sticker modern tires ruin the appearance of an otherwise properly restored 1969 Camaro.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

The ebay XT repro guy wanted about $100 per wheel for his wheels, and would stamp anything you wanted next to the valve stem. His wheels didn't have the raised nibs near the valve stem hole, so they were pretty easy to spot. He claimed that not all the XT wheels had the raised nibs, and although that may be so, all the XT/IF/JZ wheels I've had had the nibs.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
I have put 1000's of miles on repro bias ply tires without much concern. They don't handle quite as nicely as modern tires, but nothing ruins the look of a classic car quicker and easier than a set of modern radials IMO.

[/ QUOTE ]

Ditto that https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

my 04A 1969 Camaro SS came from the factory with Goodyear Polyglas tires-but they are the ones with the white pin stripe, not raised letters.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
my 04A 1969 Camaro SS came from the factory with Goodyear Polyglas tires-but they are the ones with the white pin stripe, not raised letters.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is the statement based on having the OE spare or OE documentation?

It was very common to swap out tires in those days. An 04A car would have been ordered about March 1.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

I based it on the original mint spare tire on original mint Rally wheel. Tire says POLYGLAS, Chassis broadcast reads in box 292: size F70-14, RTG 4, Ply 2 Mat B, Wall T. Box 287: YJ. The original owner could have changed the spare at some time I suppose? We used to rotate the spare with the other tires during tire rotations. This car had 62,000 miles when I bought it so thats about 3 sets of tires on bias plys!

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

I ordered a set of five repro F70 14 Goodyear Wide Treads, should be here next week.

Related question:

When the car has body-colored steel wheels (i.e. XT wheels with dog dish hubcaps), is only the face of the wheel painted body color? Or is the entire wheel painted?

Thanks.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

I was buying cars in those days. You would have been a very conservative driver to get 20,000 miles on OE bias-ply rags.

The 'RTG' must mean rating. Many 2-ply tires had 4-ply ratings.

I checked-PY4 F70 x 14 FG belted ws tires were added as of April 1, 1969. XT or any other wheel only had the outer surface painted body color when used with hub caps. The back side remained dip or e-coat black.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

William:
I agree with the RWL belted (Polyglas)tires available very late for Camaro in '69 and perhaps installed on a few cars. But belted red stripe and white stripe were available for all of 69 and also 68. Among other Chev docus, they are listed in the Finger Tip Facts for 68 and 69. Because of the relatively high option cost, I believe few cars were so equipped. I've never seen a period photo with a red or white stripe belted (you can tell by the tread), but some photos aren't clear enough to see.
Dave

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
...XT or any other wheel only had the outer surface painted body color when used with hub caps. The back side remained dip or e-coat black.

[/ QUOTE ]

Is there body color overspray on the back of the wheels on original cars?

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Mrrec you are confusing belted with FG belted [aka Polyglas].

The FG belted tires were added as of 1 April 69. Nylon belted rode like fork lift tires and wore like art-gum erasers.

Wheels painted body color should have some overspray on the backside.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

William:
I don't think I'm confused....well, maybe sometimes.... I'm not sure....Anyway, I've never heard of, nor seen any evidence of anything other the Fiberglass or Steel used as tire BELTS (and I sold tires in the 70's at Harvey's Standard, which has to make me an expert.... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/wink.gif ).

Don't confuse the lack of belted Raised White Letter availability with belted red or white stripe. Both non-belted and belted red or white stripe were available. My 68 Dealer price list with an April '68 revision, clearly shows red and white stripe belted available (PW4 and PW5 I think). These same RPO numbers are listed in 69. These are FIBERGLASS belted tires, but, again, only available in late 68 and all of 69 as red or white stripe.

Calling Mr70 Rick: what RPO number is listed for 1970 belted white stripe?

Dave

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

RPO PY-4 is a 1970 F70X14 Bia Belted White Stripe tire.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Nope, all "belted" tires prior to the introduction of fiberglass cord were nylon cord. Which is, incidentally, how to differentiate an OE E70 x 15 Goodyear WTGT from todays' repo. OE tires have "NYLON CORD" embossed into the side wall, the repos have "POLYESTER CORD". Nylon cord tires would flat-spot overnight in cold weather.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

William, with all due respect, I believe you're confusing cord material with belt material. Rayon, Nylon and Polyester were all CORD materials, never BELT materials. Conversely, fiberglass and steel are always BELT materials and never cord material. There is a major difference: The cord makes up the structure of the tire and runs at an angle or "bias" to the lateral centerline of the tire. Cord is essential to the tire and it is worthless without it. Belts are an "add on" on top of the bias ply cord and run laterally around the tire. They are not essential to the tire but do, of course, offer many advantages.

I have numerous technical articles from the 60's in my library when this was all cutting edge. From these articles, bias belted tires (which were ALL fiberglass belts with various cord material including nylon and polyester) were introduced to the general public in mid 1967. I have found no evidence that Chevrolet offered them during the 1967 model year, though, which makes sense to me.

PY4 and PY5 (sorry, I said PW4 and PW5 in a previous post which are, in fact, the non-belted red and white versions) white and red stripe, respectively, are fiberglass belted tires, likely with polyester cord, made optional sometime in 1968. My April 22, 1968 Dealer Price Sheet shows them. They are also listed for all of 69 and 1970 per Rick.
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif
Dave

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Just to add:
RPO PX-9 & PX-8 is a G70X14 White Stripe Bia Belted Tire for the Elcamino in 1969 and 1970 respectively.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

When did DOT markings show up?

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Well, here then is what an original set of XT wheels should look like after a repaint and all your advice. You gotta admit it's a good look.

http://corvettes-musclecars.com/yenko.net/IMG_2673.jpg

http://corvettes-musclecars.com/yenko.net/IMG_2669.jpg

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Wow Denis...looks great! Let's see them on the Camaro https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Okay Bruce, but gimme a month to paint the SS hood and patch up where that non-X66 stainless trim used to be at.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Good deal Denis! I can wait patiently... https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...s/rolleyes.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/no.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/beers.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Very nice, Denis. Weights on backside only: good. Can't tell from photo, but weights should be 1/2 oz. increments only - not 1/4 oz. I also believe there would not be multiple weights up to the 5 oz. max allowed before reject as weights up to 5 oz were avail for production.

If those wheels have the "BB" on the flange to indicate high runout(or even if they don't), then it is highly unlikely that they would have all be assembled with the "Goodyear" lettering all centered with the stems.

I'm not trying to pick (it comes naturally)- they look SHARP, Denis. Wheels and tires have always been a soft spot (or is that flat spot?) for me. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/smile.gif

Dave

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Centering the stems with the lettering....now that's just cool. Of course they wouldn't have come from the factory that way. But, few folks would ever notice that. That's just one of those things that makes the owner feel all warm and fuzzy inside! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
Okay Bruce, but gimme a month to paint the SS hood and patch up where that non-X66 stainless trim used to be at.

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, I lied. Make that two months. In any case, here she is with the steel wheels and a fresh coat of color--still need to install the AM antenna.

http://67z28.net/personal/albums/Bar...r/IMG_3221.jpg

http://67z28.net/personal/albums/Bar...r/IMG_3213.jpg

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Here is my L78 with new Goodyear Wide Treads

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y86...6/DSCN4489.jpg

Paul

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Wow Denis...looking great! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif


Same goes for you too, Paul! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...lins/drool.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Two very nice examples of American muscle!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
Two very nice examples of American muscle!!! https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ouguysrock.gif https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...iggthumpup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

And both of them L78 cars too. https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ns/worship.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

DOT provisions in the mold started in approx Aug of 68 although the specific alpha/numeric codes may or may not have been present. By the end of calendar year 68, I would expect to see alpha/numeric codes in all tires.
Regards,
Mark Donnally

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
http://67z28.com/personal/albums/Bar...r/IMG_3221.jpg

[/ QUOTE ]

Hey Denis, how about an update w/pics?


BTW: https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...-I-Have-It.gif

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

Simply beautiful....both of 'em!!! .
Steelies & Dog-Dish caps beat ALL mags....any day, every day!!! .
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...ins/3gears.gif
~ Pete

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

[ QUOTE ]
Hey Denis, how about an update w/pics?

[/ QUOTE ]

Looks the same now but with an antenna on the front fender:

http://67z28.net/personal/albums/Bar...r/IMG_3230.jpg

I was hoping to take it to the XXX show last weekend but ended up moving all the cars to AZ last Wed-Fri.

I've gathered up all correct restored dated or NOS miscellaneous parts (i.e. carb, coil, smog, starter, master cylinder, exh manifolds, fuel tank, block heater, horns, plugs, hoses, lines, etc) for the next step which is to refresh where the sun don't shine.

Looking forward to checking out Kenny Pascoe's L78 at the reunion to get some reference pics.

Re: 1969 L78 Camaro Tires
 

So...are you here yet...or just the cars? https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/imag...mlins/grin.gif