[el ess X]

For those of you that are looking for the factory tire that came on most of the 80s third gens, Kelsey tires has finally got around to offering up the original style Goodyear Eagle GT in the correct size, 215/65/15 ROWL. They're a tad pricey at 325 each (1300 set) retail price, but if you're looking for something to put you over the top on a quality restoration, this is the tire you want. They also have them for the Corvettes in the 255/60/15 series too.

The tires are acceptable for factory appearing stock tire (F.A.S.T.) racing applications and they're made from Kelsey's stickier compound so they should hook better than the original GTs. Just passing it along if you were ever looking for a new set that wasn't 20 years old and $2000 or higher per set.

Kelsey Tires

 

[MS3DALE]

Now those are cool :thumbsup: I know a lot of guys didn't care for the OE Goodyear Eagle GT's back then,but I always liked them!

 

[bucketlist2011]

The tire back then to have ,was the Eagle GT HR..It was the Police pursuit tire...Closest thing to a Gatorback. Super soft and sticky...

 

[el ess X]

This repro Eagle GT will be soft and sticky, too. If you wanted original tires, the Eagle GT is what came on them. That's the reason for the repros.

I have a set on the way (should be here Monday) and am doing a comparison to original NOS set of GTs on another car forum I co-own.

Rumor has it, the Gatorback is next up on Kelsey's list to repop.

 

[el ess X]

A guy on a popular Monte Carlo site just got pics of his new GT's up. At a distance, the tires look dead nuts.

 

[bucketlist2011]

I always loved the Goodyears..

I had the HR GT's and the VR Gatorbacks, in the late 1980's....

Quiet, Incredible Tires....

 

[MS3DALE]

Rumor has it, the Gatorback is next up on Kelsey's list to repop.

Thats perfect for the IROC crowd!

 

[Strick]

Bringing back the memories! But that price is crazy!

 

[el ess X]

Economy of scale is why. Some mold design costs, plus a limited sales field, it's gonna be a lot pricier than the trainloads Goodyear used to make. Besides, they're not actually Goodyear tires. They're Kelsey's that LOOK like Goodyears. But with better performing tire material.

 

[68 RS/SS Ragtop]

This is awesome to hear. I had these for years on my 1stGen- looked great and performed great. Although it will be a tough call when I replace the EAGLE F1's I have on my 3rdGen. They're about the same price but the F1's are good for high speed and traction. They took .5 off my 1/4 mile time and my tires are the least of my concerns when I run flat out. But the GT's were definitely the tire to have in the 80's.

 

[el ess X]

Here's a couple of comparo pics to one of my original NOS GTs that was made in 1981. The new one is on the left (kinda obvious). Found out there were several variations of the Eagle GT over the years. My other NOS set has the TPC code bar on it, like the repro. The tires are very nicely made. Again, kinda pricey, but the only repro out there. They're the same guys that give you the repro polyglas GTs for the older musclecars, so you know they should be well-made.

And here's some orignals off my 87 Olds 442. It looks more like the repro.

 

[68 RS/SS Ragtop]

Thanks for the pics. Nice comparison. I wish they'd make the reproduction polyglas GT as a radial and still label it like the originals. That way you get driveability and original looks. I'll be putting a set of these 15" on the 68 for driving around(Just like it looked in the 80's) and keep my 14" polyglas's for show. Stumbling on this thread has made my day. Thanks for posting.

 

[el ess X]

For the best prices around on these, call Rusty Small at 816-654-3400. That's where I got mine from. He buys direct from Kelsey and he said they just got a new shipment into the warehouse.