Gold Line tire choices?

Sams '66 · 09-06-03, 11:37 AM

For my '66? Where can the best correct tire be found? Who makes the best reproductions?

What tire size would be the best compromise between driving and showing?

Also, what is the largest Gold Line that will fit in the spare tire carrier with a repro knock off wheel?
I realise that you have to have the long bolts in the front and rear of the carrier in order for it to fit.....right?
thanks

Sam

Ron Miller · 09-06-03, 12:16 PM

Sam, I believe the largest (and maybe only) manufacturer of these reproduction tires is Coker, you'll find them at www.coker.com. They have a reproduction of both the original redline and goldline tire, both Firestone and Goodrich, if memory serves me correctly.

They also offer a radial version of both the redline and goldline, and if you're not into strict originality, a better choice for both show and go, in my opinion. I've been told that you can expect 15-20,000 miles of wear out of the original reproductions, as opposed to much higher wear mileage out of the radial. But, that's about the wear we used to expect out of a tire in the 60's, assuming everything was kept in good alignment, and you didn't get on it too much.

Tlhe Coker reproduction is offered by various of the major Corvette aftermarket suppliers. Hope this helps . . .

rlm

Ron Miller · 09-06-03, 12:19 PM

Oh, forgot to mention, but I believe JohnZ had a post dealing with goldlines and the size that will fit in the carrier sometime back, but don't remember where I saw it. He can probably help you with that, I believe he runs a set of goldlines on his '67.

rlm

Sams '66 · 09-06-03, 01:20 PM

thanks buddy......

Sam

Ron Miller · 09-06-03, 05:15 PM

Welcome!

rlm

JohnZ · 09-06-03, 07:19 PM

I have Coker 205/75-15 redline radials on bolt-ons (same size as KO's) on my '67, and the spare fits fine in the tub with the "long" hanger bolts in the front and the stock hanger bolt at the rear. However, my upper tub is a repro, which is slightly larger in diameter than the original - the same tire won't quite fit in the original upper tub.

Sams '66 · 09-07-03, 07:54 AM

John do you think that the 205/75-15's would fit in a stock spare tub with long bolts on the front and rear?........or is it a circumfrence thing?

Thanks!

Sam

"I have Coker 205/75-15 redline radials on bolt-ons (same size as KO's) on my '67, and the spare fits fine in the tub with the "long" hanger bolts in the front and the stock hanger bolt at the rear. However, my upper tub is a repro, which is slightly larger in diameter than the original - the same tire won't quite fit in the original upper tub."

JohnZ · 09-07-03, 10:59 PM

The "long" hanger bolts take care of the tire section width issue, but the original tub becomes an overall diameter issue; the 205/75-15 is just enough larger in diameter than the original 7.75-15 that it won't fit in the original upper tub.

KTM · 09-08-03, 01:49 AM

I have had two summers Coker Gold Line Radials in my Vette. They are very good looking, but gold line is maybe little bit too orange. Those tires are also very good to drive. They are much more smoother than white stripe Dunlop tires witch I used before.

jerrybramlett · 09-11-03, 09:39 PM

I no longer recommend Coker radials for highway use. I've encountered one too many blems from them.

I use 205-75 Firestone radials with a vulcanized goldline added by Diamond Back Classics. You can go to their website for contact information. These tires will not only balance easy and stay round, they will have the right gold color.

SebringBill · 09-11-03, 11:11 PM

I have to agree with Jerry. I have Dayton Daytona SR 215-65R15 redwall radials from Diamondback on my 57. After over 14000 miles in 13 months (including two cross country trips - FL to CA and FL to MI and back) I'm very pleased. Every car I've driven or been driven in with Coker tires has not been pleasant. Others have different experiences; I'm only recounting mine and that is Coker makes great static tires but square road tires.

67435animal · 09-13-03, 04:24 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by jerrybramlett
I no longer recommend Coker radials for highway use. I've encountered one too many blems from them.

I use 205-75 Firestone radials with a vulcanized goldline added by Diamond Back Classics. You can go to their website for contact information. These tires will not only balance easy and stay round, they will have the right gold color.

I agree with Jerry re Coker radials. I had them on my 442 and they were unsafe. I gave up on redline radials and now have Michelins on both the 442 and the Corvette. Smooth ride, great handling, no vibration and 60.00 per tire less. Go figure.

Bob

Sams '66 · 09-13-03, 02:21 PM

What size tires are you using....do they fit in the spare carrier.....regular bolts or long bolts? Rallys or Bolt ons?

Thanks Bob!

65TripleBlack · 09-13-03, 03:09 PM

Sam's:

The only "correct" gold/redlines that are made, are Goodyears. Both Goodrich and Firestone are significantly different than originals.

If you are not looking for originality, then I believe that Diamondback Classics can throw a goldline on tractor tires, if that is what you want.

If you have KO's, then you will need the 2 extra long forward bolts, and the longer rear bolt.

Joe

67435animal · 09-13-03, 05:13 PM

Sam, I have P215-70R15 on Bolt on wheels. In the spare tub, I have a really, really old Good Year bias ply 7.75-15 whitewall. I have never tried to get the Michelin tire in the tub, but, I am willing to bet it fits (and so would most P215-70R15s.

Bob