period correct tires for 1970

[356robo]

I recently aquired a 70 T Targa and I'm interested in restoring originality. Can someone tell me which Michelin tires would be correct for 1970? XZX,XAS,ZX,XWX, ETC.

Thanks in advance,

[roblav]

I've seen either XAS or XWX. I have a set of 5 14X5.5 Fuchs - all with either XAS or XWX period tires.

[RPMClassic]

Get your wallet ready...........call coker tire. I am sure that Tom S. can post some pictures of how good the original mich look mounted on the fuchs!

[356robo]

I just received this info from Coker regarding Michelin:

X - 1946
XAS - 1965
ZX - 1968
XWX - 1970
XZX - 1976
XVX - 1976

Any comments on accuracy?

[pwd72s]

FWIW, my '72S ran XWX...still have one mounted on the original spare wheel. They ran tubes...boy, I hope I don't find myslf actually having to use the spare.

[Bummler]

XWX was one of the hot performance tires of the period.

Really, really stiff sidewalls and soft compund was the tech solution of the day. A bitch for tire shops to mount but a great period look.

I would look into a set of Pirelli CN36's as well. They work well and look good too...

From Pirelli competition...

http://www.pirellicompetizioni.com/e..._vintage.jhtml

CN 36
At the end of the 60's, after many years of study and experimentation, a new technological era started: the use of the steel belt in high performance tyres of HR and VR series (for speeds up to 210 km/h and more).

CN 36, designed to match the performance of High Performance and "Gran Turismo" cars, was the first Pirelli steel radial tyre of standard production. It also marked Pirelli's re-entry into competition (Rallies) and registered countless victories. CN 36 is the radial tyre with matchless performance, able to play a pre-eminent "sports" role.

[fryardds]

I called Coker last week to get a price for a set of Michelin 180/70 XWXs for a set of Deep Sixes that Harvey is doing. I about choked, they are $275 each. I chickened out and am sending out a low mile set of Dunlop 195/65s I already have. Boy, those XWX tires do look great though.

[RandyWebb]

yup - see this is what happens when you don't have mass production...

[lilacrs]

$275 for XWX's now? I was crying when I bought a set of 5 from them at $210 each about 5 years ago for one of my 356's. I ended up only using 4 tires, so I still have an unmounted 185-70-15 tubeless XWX in my collection of tires that I will sell to someone who needs a single tire at my cost.

I know that 5 years ago, Pirelli would do a special run of CN36's in the 185-70 size when there was enough demand. A company that specialized in Italian parts, Re-originals ,was importing them at the time for over $300 each. I just wish that they would have offered the 215-60 size as well. So if you really want the CN36's, you should give them a call and see if they are still importing those tires.

[glaverbel911]

Just love the look of originality... I'm probably one of the last idiots still running original CN36's on an RS..

Regards, Robert..