Bias or Bias Look or Radials?

[Leo B]

Bias Ply or Bias Look Radial or Radial? Need to buy new ones. I think originals ones where Bias but...
Please tell your experience and recommendation.

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Happy Holidays.
Some in Finland likes to drive in winter too 😃
 

 

 

Edited December 23, 2021 by Leo B
Photo added

[Dwight FitzSimons]

The original tires on 1963-64 Avantis (& other Studebakers) were bias-ply (usually Firestone or Firestone 500).  Radials were not an option.  By the late 1960s radials were fast becoming the norm.  My brother & I both had '64 Avantis and, by the late '60s, we had both switched to radials (Michelin).  We also trashed the stock 15x5" rims and switched to 15x6" Ford wheels.  The bias-ply tires were just too "squishy" with any kind of steering wheel movement.  Radials were a big improvement.  What you choose is up to you, but I drive my '64 Avanti on 15x6 wheels with BF Goodrich Radial TA 215/70R15 radials.  AFAIK they are the best handling radials available in a 15" size and I am very happy with my choice.  It's no accident that they are on most of the 1960's American muscle cars that I have seen.  They are not available in a whitewall, however.

To me the "bias-ply-look" radials are a waste of money, but still probably a lot better than bias ply.  The next step up would be a modern radial in a narrow whitewall.  The ultimate step would be the BFG Radial TA 215/70R15.

--Dwight

[studegary]

I would need to know the intended use of your Avanti (anywhere from strictly show car to daily driver) before making a recommendation.

[Leo B]

I think I got the answer. Thanks Dwight  and Studegary. You had a good pictures and questions and these make me to think.
I drive mostly to local events. We have here every weekend somewhere event where all kind of historical cars and owners get together. Of course only in the summer and sometimes hundreds participants. How the car looks is very important 😎 Lot of magazine reporters and audience.
Beacause I have Gray -63 R2. I like when the Gray Ava looks "aggressive and reduced". With plain, black radials + race wheels like FIA-Wheels - the result will be my choise. Halibrand is also ok but not available. I have red (porno red:-))) original interior so will be nice to have something dark red detail in exterior. Lets see what I invent.
In this is photo a nice gray Avanti though this -63 has Bias Ply. Photo is by Tim Costello. I will send a photo next summer.

 

Edited December 27, 2021 by Leo B
Photo added