Tires: Tires for 1970 Caprice 350 c.i. V8, light truck tires, bf goodrich


Question
Tires: Tires for 1970 Caprice 350 c.i. V8, light truck tires, bf goodrich
1970 Chevrolet Caprice
I just bought a 1970 Caprice w/ a 350 V8 (4 barrel).  I know the original tires were G78-15's.  It's now running on P215/75R15's.  I understand that's the closest equivalent in terms of today's radial tires.  As another option, could I go to P225/70R15's.   There seem to be more choices in that size, and I think the wider profile looks better.  I'm especially interested in BF Goodrich Radial TAs in that size.  Do you see any problem going in that direction?  Any other alternatives to consider?  The majority of P215/75R15's that I see are light truck tires.  In a previous post (on a 1970 Ford Galaxy) you told the owner to stay away from LT tires for a passenger car.  Thanks for your help.

Answer
Dennis,

First, my statement about "LT" tires in place of "P" tires is not applicable here.  The letters themselves will appear in the tire size - and in your case, the letters "P" is the only thing that is available.

However, you do point out that tires in the P215/75R15 size tend to be designed for SUV's and small pickups - but their use may be required due to availability!

I wrote up a web page on vintage tire sizing:

http://www.barrystiretech.com/vintagetireexchange.html

In it, I have a spreadsheet - and I see the problem with replacing a G78-15 with a P215/75R15 is partially load carrying capacity and partially the width.  I would think a P225/70R15 would aggravate the situation unless you change the rims to one with more offset.