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I have a ‘71 supreme convertible and have the BF Goodrich raised white letters on my SS wheels. It wondering if stock was a whitewall. I’m trying to keep it stock as it’s my cruiser, not some hot rod want-to-be. Anyone know what I should be looking at and possible vendors for old 15” rubber?
Sienna...my favorite classic Cutlass color! My second 71 442 was that color.
As far as the tires go, the car could have come with RWL tires, or whitewalls with the SSII/III wheels. Just that none were 15" to my knowledge on Cutlass. They were 14" tires.
However, if you wanted, try any of the vendors for reproduction. Similar width sized to stock look in 15s may be an F78-15, or G78-15 for a tad bigger. I mean, you're already out of factory stock size, so do what you must. If you want radials, which I would prefer, I'd stick with the 225R/75 or even a 235R size. Depends on what you want as far as looks, etc. Here's a couple of examples. The Travelstars look the part, but won't break your bank like some of the other "classic" tire makers.
[QUOTE=69HO43;1650985]Sienna...my favorite classic Cutlass color! My second 71 442 was that color.
As far as the tires go, the car could have come with RWL tires, or whitewalls with the SSII/III wheels. Just that none were 15" to my knowledge on Cutlass. They were 14" tires.
However, if you wanted, try any of the vendors for reproduction. Similar width sized to stock look in 15s may be an F78-15, or G78-15 for a tad bigger. I mean, you're already out of factory stock size, so do what you must. If you want radials, which I would prefer, I'd stick with the 225R/75 or even a 235R size. Depends on what you want as far as looks, etc. Here's a couple of examples. The Travelstars look the part, but won't break your bank like some of the other "classic" tire makers.
You are right I have the stock 14” SSIII, not 15”. Either way, it sounds like both are legit. White letters looks good with those wheels but wondering if there are pics out there from anyone with WW tires especially those dual stripes….
Attached is a better pic of the sides with the wheels/tires..
Last edited by MNTrailBoss; Sep 27, 2025 at 11:59 AM.
Reason: used phone and it was whatever... back to computer
Let's go to the SPECS booklet for 1971. In particular, note the left hand column labeled "Standard Equipment". The standard equipment tires were BLACKWALL. You could pay extra and get RPO PX8 single white stripe, P26 double white stripe, or PK5 raised white letter tires, but they were not standard equipment.
A 4-door hard top. SSIII and whitewalls. I know it's not factory exactly, but has the look you seek.
Actually, if you read the SPECS page I posted above, RPO N67 SS III wheels with PX8 single white stripe tires were factory available on a 1971 Supreme.
White letters looks good with those wheels but wondering if there are pics out there from anyone with WW tires especially those dual stripes….
Bob your car is gorgeous. I wouldn't change a thing. And this is coming from someone that believes RWL is aggressive looking on a Fastback let alone a Notchback.
Boy I'm torn on this. I know I don't want black walls on the as I think those small wheels will disappear in the wheel wells and just not look right. I generally agree with most of the comments on the look of the RWL stuff. And looking at the equipment sheet (thanks, Joe) it's clear those Firestone big ovals were the G70/wider/sportier option and probably fit the SS wheels the best. My theme I'm maintaining with my time caretaking this car is the proverbial "doctor's car". Sporty, but not not a muscle car. So it's between the dual white stripes and I suppose another set of BFGs (mine are 13 years old now). It's always interesting to me the options people/dealers picked when ordering the vehicle.
Thank you for all the positive feedback. and assistance.
I ....... Anyone know what I should be looking at and possible vendors for old 15” rubber?
Our original paint survivor came with 14" thin white wall. If you want to go with 15" you may want to look into 225/70/15. It is about 1/2 taller than stock but I think your car will look good in one of these tires from Walmart or Discount Tire:
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I believe the white wall works better with the SS1 than the SS2&3.
Bob I understand you are not into the want to be hot rod look. The thing is SS2/3s are sporty. White walls contradict their existence. White walls are sedate, more akin to Cadillacs, Lincolns, and all sorts of 4 doors... with hubcaps...
Here is a then new 1971 convertible 442 W30 as tested by Car and Track in 1972. Cosmetically its your car with 442 badges and a performance hood. And it was RWL.
I think your car will look good in one of these tires from Walmart or Discount Tire:
I'm surprised Walmart even has whitewalls listed on their site. A few of those are the Ironman RB-12s made by Cooper. I had them on my 96 98. They were good whitewalls but I've read some folks say they can turn yellow. Mine never did.
That video was sweet, Phil - I especially liked drifting the Olds around the corner and the test driver's chin strap being off for a fair amount of the filming. As of this date, Coker has the wide ovals for $386 a piece (but as stated, bias ply) and the BFGs are about $195. But interestingly, the Goodyear's for my Challenger are $150 - $330 a piece and for a Mustang GT it's even more expensive, so from that perspective?
I have not driven on bias ply tires in over 40 years, and so I suppose I have a follow-up question. How bad are they for on the road driving (55mph+ highway). I suppose driving around town (I'm in a small town of 5,000) with a 30 MPH speed limit so who cares. But also I suppose you could feel flat spots in the tires when first bringing out the car in the spring as well.
A new set of BFGs are looking better to me all the time.
No way I would put bias belted tires on this car. The first time you drive it you will understand why everybody went to radials. It is your car and your money. Use white lettered tires and you get the sporty look, use whitewalls and get a more conservative look.
I was one of those guys that was dragged to radial tires kicking and screaming. The early ones were full of defects, developed flat spots, cord separation, balance issues, etc. I loved bias ply tires and if it were economically feasible, my car would have them today, they are just too expensive.
