Replacement Tires for 1968
Replacement Tires for 1968
Looking for recommendations on proper size, and brand (whitewall) to go on stock wheels for my 1968. What seems to work best...235/70/15, 235/75/15, or other? And which manufacturer makes a period-similar whitewall that would be an all weather, around-town driver that gets the job done but won't break the bank. I forget the size that is on the car, but the number was nothing that rang a bell with me (just picked the car up last week...one owner, sat in garage for last 15 years..now running strong, but the tires have got to be at least 25 years old...also, there is a thumping sound at lower speeds as if there are flat spots on the tires...feels like the front wheel of the Big Wheel I has as a kid going around with that burned out flat spot on it). Thanks.
-
1970w34
- Posts: 208
- Joined: Sat May 21, 2011 5:51 pm
- TOA Membership Number: 38
- Years Owned: 1970 multiple
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
I put 255/70/15's on all of mine--nice and fat, similar diameter. I think Remington, Kelly and BF Goodrich make that size. I believe "stock" is 235/75/15.
-
1977 Cutly
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:21 am
- TOA Membership Number: 1059
- Years Owned: 1966 Toronados
1977 Cutlass Supreme
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
I just replaced the fronts on my 66 with 225/70/15 Kuhmos. They ride nice, are quiet, and so far I'm very happy with them.
I too had to replace flat spotted rotten rubber.
I too had to replace flat spotted rotten rubber.
1966 Toronado, 1992 5.0 Mustang notchback w/T-56 6spd, TOA #1059
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
-
waterzap
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:13 pm
- TOA Membership Number: 1058
- Years Owned: - 1967 Toronado
- 1978 Eldorado
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
I just put a set of Hankook Optimo H724's on
I wanted them, because their load range rating is XL (extra load). Also I believe the75 sidewalls are bigger than the 70's. These are heavy cars, I personally like having a bit more sidewall.
I wanted them, because their load range rating is XL (extra load). Also I believe the75 sidewalls are bigger than the 70's. These are heavy cars, I personally like having a bit more sidewall.
-
1977 Cutly
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:21 am
- TOA Membership Number: 1059
- Years Owned: 1966 Toronados
1977 Cutlass Supreme
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
I've now got the same Kuhmo Solus KR21 All season touring tires, size 225/70-R15, on all four corners of my Toronado. These were recently new tires from my Cutlass (hence no out of pocket $), and I've been very happy with them on each car.
When I replace them, I will likely buy the same KR21 tires only this time in 235/75-R15.
When I replace them, I will likely buy the same KR21 tires only this time in 235/75-R15.
1966 Toronado, 1992 5.0 Mustang notchback w/T-56 6spd, TOA #1059
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
-
waterzap
- Posts: 51
- Joined: Sun Jun 02, 2013 7:13 pm
- TOA Membership Number: 1058
- Years Owned: - 1967 Toronado
- 1978 Eldorado
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
75 is a bit more sidewall, correct ?
-
1977 Cutly
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:21 am
- TOA Membership Number: 1059
- Years Owned: 1966 Toronados
1977 Cutlass Supreme
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
waterzap wrote:75 is a bit more sidewall, correct ?
Thats right.
205 225 235 etc is the width of the tread
60 70 75 etc is the sidewall expressed as a percentage of the tread width.
So a 235 70 15 has a 235mm tread width, with (70% of 235mm) of sidewall.
a 2xx 50 R xx has very little sidewall.
a 2xx 80 R xx has a LOT of sidewall, equal to 80% of the tread width.
The last number is always the rim size in inches. 13, 14, 15, 17, 19, 20, etc.... and the R stands for Radial. Some tires have speed ratings as well, but thats another topic.
1966 Toronado, 1992 5.0 Mustang notchback w/T-56 6spd, TOA #1059
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
-
xgecko
- Posts: 454
- Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:21 pm
- TOA Membership Number: 831
- Years Owned: My first Toronado was a 1968 W-34 with the bucket seats and center console... (weeps gently) It was a New England rustbucket in 1982 after less than 14 years. So sad. But it is what infected me and before I knew it I had another '68, a '69, a '70 and eventually inherited a friend's '67 and another friends '73. After buying my brand new Grand Prix in 1988 I retired the last of my Toronados and pulled the 455 I had rebuilt along the way and put it into storage in a friend's barn where it is to this day.
In Mid September of 2010 I happened to see a repeat of the show where Jay Leno did his 66 Toronado and had an instant remission of the disease which resulted in my purchase of a 1969 in very good condition. I am now in the process of fully rehabilitating it and hope to have it on the road in the spring of 2011. - Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
I have used both 235-70-15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires (my current tires) as well as the 235-60 series of the same many years ago. The latter lowers the car and seriously messes up the speedo readout but gives better handling by a small margin.
You want a whitewall so you will have to go with another brand - although I would suggest that raised white letters or blackwall might look better. Personal choice, tho, for sure.
You want a whitewall so you will have to go with another brand - although I would suggest that raised white letters or blackwall might look better. Personal choice, tho, for sure.
I have my Fuel Injected Toronado. Life is good! 
-
1977 Cutly
- Posts: 142
- Joined: Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:21 am
- TOA Membership Number: 1059
- Years Owned: 1966 Toronados
1977 Cutlass Supreme
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
xgecko wrote:I have used both 235-70-15 BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires (my current tires)
If your car needed tires today, would you buy these exact ones again?
Why or why not?
1966 Toronado, 1992 5.0 Mustang notchback w/T-56 6spd, TOA #1059
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
"Aftermarket parts are simply the beginning of a very expensive search for the next weakest link in your drivetrain. You heard that here first." -MKing
-
xgecko
- Posts: 454
- Joined: Wed Oct 13, 2010 9:21 pm
- TOA Membership Number: 831
- Years Owned: My first Toronado was a 1968 W-34 with the bucket seats and center console... (weeps gently) It was a New England rustbucket in 1982 after less than 14 years. So sad. But it is what infected me and before I knew it I had another '68, a '69, a '70 and eventually inherited a friend's '67 and another friends '73. After buying my brand new Grand Prix in 1988 I retired the last of my Toronados and pulled the 455 I had rebuilt along the way and put it into storage in a friend's barn where it is to this day.
In Mid September of 2010 I happened to see a repeat of the show where Jay Leno did his 66 Toronado and had an instant remission of the disease which resulted in my purchase of a 1969 in very good condition. I am now in the process of fully rehabilitating it and hope to have it on the road in the spring of 2011. - Location: Gig Harbor, WA
Re: Replacement Tires for 1968
I would buy Radial TAs for any classic car I ever own unless they need a specific tire. I have been extremely pleased with them and they are a good price.
I have my Fuel Injected Toronado. Life is good!
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 86 guests