1969 L78 Camaro Tires

[Denis]

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.

[camarojoe]

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

[Denis]

Awesome info. Thanks!

[CamarosRus]

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,

[camarojoe]

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.

[CamarosRus]

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

[YENKO DEUCE REGISTRY]

[ 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