Buildsheet Tire Code Question + One
 

1/31/04
Hello:
I have a '70 Chevelle SS LS5 CV car that needs tires. The buildsheet calls for "PL4 F70X14WH LTR" tires and the tire code is "L8DS 5". Car was built in May. I understand these cars came equipped with either Goodyear or Firestone tires? Can you tell me what the "L8DS 5" code means? I want to buy correct tires for the car. Also, does anyone make radial tires that look like the wide oval bias-belted tires shipped on the car?
Last question: Best place to get good quality tires for a fair price? Thank you, guys!

Fred Gustat

Re: Buildsheet Tire Code Question + One
 

Based on the info from Rick's 70 Chevelle, I think your Chevelle should have Wide-Ovals. I have found the best place to buy them is www.ss396.com aka Ground Up Restoration. They sell them the cheapest. Coker is also well known.

-Dan

Re: Buildsheet Tire Code Question + One
 

It is my belief that those codes only indicated a tire size and style (i.e. RWL). I have a few copies of 70 Chevelle SS buildsheets and each has the same code as yours (and mine) even with different plants of production. Could be Uniroyal, General, Goodyear, Firestone, etc.

That's the conclusion I draw anyway. If someone has a buildsheet that shows something different for this model then so much for this conclusion.

Re: Buildsheet Tire Code Question + One
 

Here are some other codes found on SS 454 Chevelles

L8DM 5 F70x14-B/2&2-BB-W/S
L9DM 5 G70x14-B/2&2-BB--W/S (LS-6 El Camino)

Re: Buildsheet Tire Code Question + One
 

HI Fred
I believe those tire codes were applied to help the assembly line worker identify the tires easily and not have to squint to read the small tire size on the sidewall.Similar to Color Paint dabs on a part.They were applied in Bold large letters on the tread itself.
Just to add what Rick N. said:
*L8DS-was RPO-PL4 White letter F70X14
*L8DM-was RPO-PY4 White Stripe F70X14
*L9DM-was RPO-PX8 G70X14 Whte stripe-Elco
Used at All Plants,all time lines.
GoodYear-GoodRich-Firestone-Uniroyals-Generals were the 5 Manufactures.
I believe Coker is or was having a Tire sale on Goodyear & Firestone BB F70X14,the only Brands available today.
I may have a Lafferty Trunk emblem for you if you need one.
Rick

Re: Buildsheet Tire Code Question + One
 

I had a new 1970 SS 454 that was built in March 1970 at Kansas City (Leeds) and it came new with Goodyears.

L8DS 5 - The L8DS is the broadcast code and 5 means 5 each of L8DS. The tires would have been marked with L8DS and that would relate to the option package part of the Z15 or Z25 parts list used by plant operations.

PL4 F70X14WH LTR
PL4 - Plys of tire = 4
WH - White
LTR - Letter

RWL = Raised White Line

Here's a photo:
http://www.synthetic-oil.com/images/1970SS454.jpg