64 GP tire size

[64gp4spd]

Are there any suggestions for keeping the stock appearance given the limited selection of 14 inch tires on the market? I want to keep the 14" pontiac 8 lug wheels but can't believe how few tire options there are. Anybody doing 500 mile road trips on bias ply today? Thanks.

[Larry]

A number of "vintage" tire manufacturers like Coker make radials that look very much like the original tires, including the correct size whitewalls. Have you checked some of these places?

If you go with radials, there is much discusion about the strength of the stock wheels to handle the side loads given by the radials. From the zillions of (boring) atricles and reports I have seen, there doesn't seem to be any proof that this is actually a problem, especially with cars of the '60s and on.

The last bias tires I had were on a '67 Ventura I used as my everyday driver back around 1990 or so. They were fine except for the fact that ruts in the road or places like where turn lanes were added just about ripped the wheel out of your hand. I switched to radials and the same ruts on the same roads couldn't even be felt. I highly recommend a good radial and bet you can find one that looks very "normal" for your vintage of Pontiac.

If you're into judged shows, many clubs/shows don't deduct for radials in the interest of safety. But in the interest of safety and good handling, I'd put on radials and take the deduction.

[64gp4spd]

Thanks for the suggestions. I checked with Coker tire and they really only cater to the MOST popular models. I have found that 1964 grand prix parts of any kind are almost non-existent even with, or, maybe because of the internet. I decided to get 5 new 800x14 BFG black side walls from Summit Racing and keep the original K-H 8 lugs. Looks way better than the little 60 or 70 series radials. I'll let you know how the thousand mile road trip turns out on "new" bias ply tires.

[Larry]

We drove on bias tires for years... just got spoiled with radials!

Just watch out for ruts or pavement heigth differences. The tires will want to pull you into the rut or cracks and wiggle you around. If you see a rut or groove in the road, it is best to drive through or across it rather than stay in it. Naturally if a rut pulls onthe wheel, don't jerk it back fast, just ride it out.

You'll do fine... just another reason to not use the cell phone while driving.