Original Coupe tire size

MAStuart · #1 (**permalink**) 09-07-2011, 09:43 AM

Hi Everybody, looking for a little information on tire size that they used on the original coupes and FIA cars. I have searched and have not found anything concrete on what size the tires were. I need the old time tire sizes, not the new way of marking tire sizes. I found a picture of 2287 and I can see one of the rear tires was marked 7.00/12.80-15. What size tires would these cars orginally have for the front and rear? I am going to buy a used set of Goodyear Bluestreaks for mock up purposes. I would like to be armed with a little bit of information before I go. The guy I am getting them from has 8.00/15, 7.00/15 another one is 6.00/15 or a 5.50/15. What sizes do I need? Thanks Mark
PS: I need them to mock up a Daytona Coupe using Chucks plans.

MAStuart · #2 (**permalink**) 09-24-2011, 10:22 PM

So 116 views and no one knows?

ROBERT GWALTNEY · #3 (**permalink**) 09-24-2011, 11:02 PM

Well I guess I'm #117 but I dont have an answer for you, but good luck, ask Chuck if he has the plans he should know the tire size

LightNFast · #4 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 03:24 AM

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Rick Parker · #5 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 09:48 AM

Roger Kraus Racing - More Information

Sminor · #6 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 10:34 AM

Hey Mark,
It looks like the thread recommended by Kurt should supply the answer to your question, at least in part. As far as the wheel size for coupes, you may want to call Dave Murray at the Shelby American Collection in Boulder. He has maintained an original coupe,289's, and 427's for years. They have a web page with the phone number. Call on Saturdays. If you are not able to get in touch with Dave for some reason, let me know and I'll ask Chic Ford. He used to own CSX-**** (289 Comp) and other 289 street cars along with CSX- **** (427 SC I think).
Let me know if I can help.
steve

ERA Chas · #7 (**permalink**) 09-25-2011, 11:14 AM

Mike would know:
McCluskey Ltd. - Vintage Car & Aluminum Fabricators

MAStuart · #8 (**permalink**) 09-26-2011, 08:01 PM

Thanks for the replies!

Robert, I emailed Chuck and have been waiting for a reply. In his plans it says he used 235/60/15s on the front, for the rear it says 295/50/15s or 275/60/15s. We will have to see what Chuck says when he replies.

Kurt, I have read that thread in the past and have reread it again. From that thread it might be where I was thinking it was 7.00 rear and 6.00 in the front. If I get some of the these used Blue Streaks, that is probably what I am going to get.

Rick, Roger Craus' racing site makes my head spin. I didn't find any information where it says what tire size a Daytona coupe originally had on it. In the section of old racing tire sizes things can get real confusing. The stated tire size doesn't seem to have a direct correlation with the actual tire size, diameter and width. Modern tire sizes are easy to understand compared to those. In the section on Cobra tires, a 7.00/15 and a 6.00/15 seem to be about the right size. Possibly they are slightly smaller than the Goodyear Billboards are.

Steve, I will keep this post in mind.

Chas, I bother MIke enough as it is, so I try not to bother him if I don't have to. I just thought it would be easier to ask on this site as there is alot of knowledgeable people on this site.

Now it gets me to wheel sizes. I am pretty certain the original cars had 6.5/15s front and 8.5/15s on rear, wheels. Back spacing I do not know. My question is, do the wheels from Trigo 7.5 and 9.5 size have the same back spacing as the original 6.5 and 8.5 wheels have? If they do then that means the extra inch is toward the outside of the car. I called Trigo to ask about 6.5 and 8.5 wheels and about back spacing. They tried telling me the originals had 7.5 and 9.5. So they were of no help. The reason I want to know about the wheel back spacing and tire sizes so I know if I need steering arms that are bent inward or I can still use straight ones. Will straight ones rub the wheel or tires? Thanks again! Mark