Technical 57 Corvette Gasser

The gasser is coming along but I need info on front tires.
I have a set of 15 by 4 1/2 Cragar SS wheels but I'm having trouble finding some correct bias ply front tires. Looking for 145 15" or a tire around that size. Some possibilities with the early VW guys or the last resort is Coker Tire.
I have a new pair of Mickey Thompson flame tread front runners but they just don't look right.
???

 

Why would Coker tire be the last resort?,

They offer a quality product,,I've been using Coker bias plys for the last 10 years and never a problem. HRP

 

Picspics!!!

 

I picked up from Coker 5.60-15 Firestones....Great tire. They were great to work with.

 

I used a set of Firestone bias plys 5.20 X 15 on 4.5" rims...got em through Jeg's cheaper than Coker.

 

I really like the look of these, they are 165's.

http://www.onlinetires.com/products/vehicle/tires/nankang/165%2F80-15+nankang+cx668+87t+bsw.html

 

Absolutely hate the looks of the sidewall and aren't those radials? HRP

 

On my 15" cragers, Hurst racing

 

I buy all my vintage tires from Coker, had a couple problems but they made it right both times out of 10 pairs, I am happy.

 

I bought my 5.60-15 Firestones from Coker, but Universal has them too. 10 bucks cheaper and the shipping is less, they're in PA

https://www.universaltire.com/560-15-firestone-blackwall.html

I like the Pro-Trac front runners on a gasser,

http://www.cokertire.com/popular-tire-applications/hot-rod/big-n-little-fronts/560-15-pro-trac-front-runner.html

 

Price, but I guess you get what you pay for and if they are good as everyone says I will give them a try

 

if you have a gasser or other straight axle car YOU NEED to run these tires

 

I'm running a pair of Pro-Trac 5.60 15's on my Comet on a set of Cragar 15x4's. They look, ride and wear great and are reasonably priced.

 

Coker would be a last resort because everyone gets them there---like bellybutton motors ---people want to do something different when practical ,like find another source---might even be a better choice...

 

Black 62,
I agree, different is good.
I like the size of the Mickey Thompson tires I have now but the tread pattern (flame tread) is not right for the car. They are 26 X 6 R15.
The pictures of the 560 Firestones or the 520 Hurst tires look correct but I would like a more narrow tire.
VW 145's look good but I can only find radials.
Thanks for all the input, keep it coming.

 

Here are a few pics of the car today..
Bruce B

 

Yea you are right, those front tires dont look right
I am too about to be in the market for some for my willys gasser, will looking for the skinnys for sure. Also need to change mine on my model a , hate those tires, 165 from discount tire.
What do the Hurst front runners cost , around the same range, 150 to 160?
The 135 tires arent tradional but are skinny and small diameter remind of the old Pirelli tires.

 

Nice car.

Towel City racing has beautiful front runners. Maybe give thier site a look see.

http://www.towelcityracingtires.com/

 

I sort of like the tread patter on these MT Sportsman tires.
Size is 26" X 7 1/2" 15"and they are about $125.
Any thoughts?
Thanks

 

My thought is they are great if you're building a '70s/80s Pro Street or Street Freak car. Since you're asking for opinions, and are building the car to (apparently) a mid 60s appearance, I say get the right tires on it. Something with the right sidewall detail to go with those pie crusts. Something tall!

Maybe some 6.40-15s (27" tall) or even 7.10-15s (28" tall) Coker/BFGs.

 

GOTGAS,
You're correct.
I will just save my pennies and get the correct tires.
There is a nice Firstone 560 15 and the 640,s from Coker which I need to check into.
Thanks, I want the car to be correct thats why I'm on the HAMB.

 

In my opinion, the tire pictured in post #19 doesnt look period correct because the tread wraps around the shoulder a bit.....post 12 shows a tire with less tread wrap. In those days, people used cheap skinny tires since they didnt run the trap speeds to worry about separation.....and frontrunner style tires were not invented yet.

 

I vote Pro Trac 5.60-15. They're reasonably priced, they have an appropriate tread pattern, and they fit just right on a 15x4.5. Here's a picture...

 

Here are the Coker 5.90 x 15's BFG Silvertown's on our '56.
PS. These were about $100 ea. when we bought them a few years back

 

Same 5.90's on my buddies '57 Ford

 

Maybe a better shot for you, with more sun light on it

 

Thanks for the pictures and all the ideas.
The 57 is almost ready for paint so I have time to get the right tires .
I took the current Cragars and tires and put them on my 62 just for laffs.
Also put on a set of air shocks to save the rear fenders.
Here are a few pictures.

 

15" Firestone Champions look great and they will match the pie crust rear slicks. I used them on my '55 Chevy with no issues.

 

Ohiovette, both of your cars look very nice. I run the pie crusts on my 62 Vette on the street with Cragars. Your 62 looks good with them in my opinion.

More interested in your injection setup as I am contemplating stack injection on mine (I have a Crower setup-BBC). PM me if you prefer-Jim

 

Man that '62 is BAD ASS!!! Love it.