What would be the closest radial size
to the original size tire on my '62 starfire

 

My '62 Dynamic 88 (same body/chassis) sports P215 75 R 14 tires.

 

Hey Mishcar
Funny thing I was just looking at tires for my 64 88. I have posted before how difficult to find and pricey 14' tires have become. I found 14' tires at sears for 50 bucks with white walls and a good speed and tread grade. Most stores do not carry them so you have to scheduled and have them order them.I hate to have to buy tires as mine have great tread but they are 10 years old!!! If you connect with a good deal pass along the info. thanks

 

14 FOOT tires have always been tough to get.

14 INCH tires (14") are readily available from places like Tire Rack. I just order them on line, and they are on my doorstep in two days. They have a network of authorized installers. I have my own mounting and balancing machines, so I do it myself, but you can even have the tires drop shipped to an installer to simplify your life.

 

Do you know if those are bis -ply or radials? Sounds almost to good, most everything I see or want cost almost a grand after install.....Tedd

 

The original tires were a 78-14 bias ply and depending on options like air or convertable the letter in front would change, if both they would be an L78-14
On my car 63-98 convertable with air I'm running a 235R75-14 (I need to replace them now) I'm running 215R75-14 on my 63-98 coupe and they are to small.
Coker tire have the 235R75-14 with either a WWW or a 1 inch side white wall.
Should you decide to change your rims to 15 inch I was told that the 235R70-15 is the closest compatible tire.
By changing the rim size you will not be able to use the original hub caps so Crager mags are 60s era style keeping your car more stylish then using Chip Foose mags.
( this is only my opinion when it comes to rims) I have a set of 32 spoke Crager 15 inch rims I'm planning on using on a 62 super 88 wagon just to be a little different then the caps. I am planning on repoping the clips for these cars allowing everyone to run 15 inch rims and the original hub caps in the next several months.

Steve
www.jaswest.com

 

The original early '60s tires were more likely an 84 series tire.

I'm having the same problem with my '61 Starfire. There's an old "Allstate 8.55-14" in the trunk. 235/70/14s on the rear & 215/75/14s on the front.
IIRC the original tires were 8.55 - 14 w/1" whitewall. Can anyone confirm this? Was there an optional size?

Specs for a '62 Starfire show 8.55 - 14 for hardtops up to 9.00 - 14 for a convertible with A/C.

If you're looking for 14" radials, the 235/75/14s are your closest option. It appears they are more expensive than the reproduction bias-ply tires.

 

Just looked at Coker's website: 1" whitewall 14" tires

8.50-14 are 28.10" dia $223 each
8.55-14 are 28.10" dia $223 each
9.00-14 are 28.68" dia $227 each

215/75/14 are 26.69" dia $158.00 each
235/75/14 are 27.87" dia $277.00 each

 

& since you are in NJ (as his shipping seems a little high) - these might be right for you .....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Set-of-4-BF-...882628&vxp=mtr

unless you are set on radials