BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I have a set of BFG Radial TA's on my restored 71 Torino GT and was thinking of popping for a set of Goodyear Polygas GT's in F60-15's. How bad of a decision is this? Everyone says it will handle and wander really bad as compared to the BFG's. Its going to be a show/cruise night weekend car. Give me some opinions, please

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I havent done this swap, but if you look arould I havent seen one positive post on how they ride
I love the look but between the cost(some up to 300$ a tire!)and the poor ride I just cant see doing it sure others will chime in that have driven on them
another observation is they usually take a lot of weights to balance them [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/frown.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Actually, these firestones would be correct with my torino

https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styl...-oval-rwl.html

anyone??

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I had original polyglass on my SuperBee and took them off and changed to Coopers. Its much more fun. The Bee tended to float quite bad. My COPO had polyglass and it was scary. The 69 Z has BFs and handles OK but way better than the polyglass

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

BLUF -- a big step back in technology ... stay with the BFGs unless the vehicle is a carpet car and has to be correct.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I like the way my Wide-Treds, Polyglass and Speedway Wide-Treds (nylon) track. It's the way they were meant to be driven. Traction (from a dead stop) is much better too, just ask the Pure stock and FAST guys....

If I wanted a nice safe boring ride I'd drive a Prius.


BIG

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I don't have any problem with the Polyglass or the Wide Ovals. The Sportcar 200's on my 69 Z suck. I guess it depends on how much you drive your car. I put a few hundred miles on each of my cars a year, so I'll put up with the ride. Plus, the older cars look so much better with the bias ply tires than the radials.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

If I wanted a nice safe boring ride I'd drive a Prius.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Yes, I made this exact swap (BFG's to Polyglas GT's) but I used a second set of original wheels figuring I would go back to the BFG's. I have not gone back since I made the change two years ago. To me, It was worth putting up with the tendencies of a bias-ply equipped car to have the original look. Don't get me wrong, radials are superior but I've found the car to be very drivable the way it was originally designed. I can still remember when there was no option to go to radials. - Mike

PS: Car is a 71 Z28 with manual steering

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I took a set of Polyglas' (F70's and L60's) off of my `67 Chevelle and replaced them with BFG Radials on the front and M/T ET Street Radials (275/60/15) in the rear. It's definitely different, but not as much as I expected it to be.

Still can't beat the Goodyears for aesthetics. They'll be on another set of wheels for the car soon.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

My Chevelle has Polyglas tires on it. They do not react as quick to steering input as BFG's do, do not ride as smooth, and do not like hard cornering. They also follow ruts in the road. However, this is how I remember driving it, and have no problem with any of it. And I drive my Chevelle 72 miles to and from Pavilions almost every Saturday. Much of the trip is on a highway.

Polyglas tires hook better than BFG's. Can't beat the looks either.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 69SUPERSPORT396</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Polyglas tires hook better than BFG's. Can't beat the looks either.
</div></div>

Maybe on dry pavement, but the original set I had on my '69 Road Runner were damn scary if there was any moisture on the road. They turned into slicks. I had to drive the car like I was driving on ice.

But I have to agree on looks. I don't know of a better looking tire.

Verne [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I have bias ply's on almost everything. I'll sacrifice a bit of comfort for the look anyday. I do find the goodyears seem to handle the road and ride better than the firestones.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: galveston</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

If I wanted a nice safe boring ride I'd drive a Prius.

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]


</div></div>

Big, you would not fit in a Prius.... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img] And that's just A-ok in my book! ( not that there's anything wrong with that ) [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/rolleyes.gif[/img]


BIG

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I used to run BF Goodrich T/A radials on a Nova I had. I did like the look but now that I see them on a lot of cars....I hate them. To me it's the easy way out. IMO

I REALLY like the correct tires on a car if that's the direction you want to go. If it's aftermarket.....make it look like you would back in the day. It's not like we put 15,000 miles on these cars a year. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img]

In other words.....it will look a lot better with the correct tires with very little sacrifice. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

I'm personally running M/T bias ply ET Streets on 15X8 wheels in the back and bias ply Moroso tires on 15X4 Cragars up front. It can be a little challenging but I love the look. And......when I want to accelerate.......it HOOKS!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/naughty.gif[/img]

I also have a set of Mickey Thompson Indy Profile L60/14 in the rear and F70/14 up front for a different look. That combination rides/drives pretty good....better than the other set up.....it just doesn't look as mean. Although it feels like I gained 100 horsepower compared to the other setup. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Kurt [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

thanks for all the input..

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

One more opinion:

I have a set of repro Firestones on my original ralley wheels. They look good, although IMHO, the Goodyears would look even better).
They are currently bagged up while I drive around on Centerlines with BGB radials. Rides 10 times better. Handles 10x better.
My car is a nut and bolt correct resto with the exception of a few day two type mods. I have headers, aftermarket plug wires, and Koni shocks. I don't see ever having my car judged. That, and maybe a photo shoot from time to time would be the only reasons the bias plys will go back on. Well, maybe once in a while just to see how bad cars from that era drove. Frankly, I don't see how any of them got into the 14's, let alone the 13's right off the floor on those tires.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Every Muscle car I have owned since 1984 had the Polyglas tires on the car.
For me no other choice.
I don't care what anyone says here.
If you are a good driver and have your hand on the steering wheel, you will not have any problems.
IMO the BF T/A tires look like doo doo crap and the Poly's look like the car is finished with the right look.
It's not like you drive your toy to work and back every day. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

wow I can't believe how different everyones opinions are.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Have to agree with the bias ply crowd. To go a bit further, if you don't like the ride with bias plies and go the radial route, well then you have might as well modify the suspension for tighter, safer handling (why not coil overs?) and IRS will ensure safety when hitting a bump when you turn a corner, then you have to fit disc brakes all the way around to ensure stopping from 60 mph in 120 feet or less, then you have to install air bags in case you bump into something, then pretensioners on seat belts, then..... [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img] [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

This is exactly why I wish somebody would make the Goodyear Eagle ST tires again. Great looks similar to Polyglas with the benefits of the radial tires for driving. We have beautiful summers here, but studded tires are legal in the winter causing 2 deep groves in our roads that are no fun for muscle cars. Funny how many guys put Poly's on to sell the car, and the new owner takes them right off after the first drive.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: flyingn</div><div class="ubbcode-body">wow I can't believe how different everyones opinions are. </div></div>

Yep, here is yet another.. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/scholar.gif[/img]
I have had both tires on my 69 L78 Camaro. And it was a better handling car with the radials, and I do go on the freeways some.
So a few yers ago I switched to Goodyear Widtreads. And they make the car look 100% better. It is hard to beat that OE look. The Goodyears perform well the smoother the roads are, the cornering will suffer some, and that depends on your driving.
If you go the bias ply route I do not think you will be sorry knowing going in there is going to be some handling differences, but it's not horrible.

Mike

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Yep -- I'm almost 70 years old and I damn sure have no problem with &quot;old school&quot; vs. modern technology. Most of the arguments here are valid -- to each their own trumps all.

We won't even start on installing new LS type engines in old iron -- I know, I've probably started a $hit storm over that comment!

TAZ

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/haha.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

A car of this rarity and quality deserves to have the proper bias ply tires. Let's be real...these cars rarely are driven hard and they certainly aren't known for their fine handling characteristics!

Just my personal opinion, but I really hate seeing radial tires on prime examples of 60's and early 70's muscle cars.

BTW...isn't it time for you to join us with your Torino at MCACN? I love that car! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

BTW...isn't it time for you to join us with your Torino at MCACN? I love that car! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]
__________________________________________________ ___________________________

Frank,

You better open the MCACN website and begin the registration process [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/biggthumpup.gif[/img]

Dan

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: SS4Real</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This is exactly why I wish somebody would make the Goodyear Eagle ST tires again. Great looks similar to Polyglas with the benefits of the radial tires for driving. We have beautiful summers here, but studded tires are legal in the winter causing 2 deep groves in our roads that are no fun for muscle cars. Funny how many guys put Poly's on to sell the car, and the new owner takes them right off after the first drive. </div></div>

I have a set of those on my '69 L78, on a set of 5-spoke Cal Custom mags. I have had several offers to buy them.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I would have to agree on the Bias plys being what these cars need. I have them on my A12 Bee, just put them on my 64 Corvette, and will be ordering them here shortly on my 70 T/A. Although these don't look overly bad, they just aren't correct. Every classic I had I ditched whatever radials were on there and went with the bias plys. There is no doubt the feel, quietness, and handling characteristics of radials are better than the older Bias plys, but as far as look and nostalgia? You can't beat it. Plus, it's not like you're taking flawless tires off and throwing on a set of Fred Flintstone concrete disks with wood hubs. The tires handle fine and ride nice. I'll be ordering my set of correct Bias from Rusty here shortly, but first I'm going to try my hand around an autocross with these radials before swapping them out. Why not? Might as well scuff those puppies up, Sam Posey style baby!!! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/grin.gif[/img]

So that's my opinion. You asked. [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/whistle.gif[/img] Well, you didn't ask me in particular. But you did pose a question on the internet which means everyone posts their opinion, and I'm an everyone, so that's my opinion! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/crazy.gif[/img]
https://www.yenko.net/ubbthreads/pics...93-22281-p.jpg

Cheers
[img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/beers.gif[/img]

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I am drawn more to a car at a show with correct bias plys. It lets me assume the car is more correct and restored to a higher level.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Those Eagle STs were VERY popular around our area in the late-'80s. I thought they were a good looking tire that drove well and provided reasonable life. Too bad BFG is practically the only game in town for a &quot;classic&quot; looking white letter radial.

Does anyone recall that there were at least two versions of the eagle ST? The mid-80s version was fiberglass belted with a white eagle head between &quot;eagle&quot; and &quot;ST&quot; and the letters were a little smaller. They became steel belted with no eagle and larger letters by the late-80s.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Yea, I remember the first design with the eagle head, and the smaller letters looked good one the muscle cars, I do not have a picture of those, maybe GTO Don has some ?

Mike

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

You are right. The Torino is going to shows and cruises. No long trips unless its in the trailer. Im really thinking hard about the bias plys. Id love to go to MCACN but its a heck of a trip from Jersey!


<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bashton</div><div class="ubbcode-body">A car of this rarity and quality deserves to have the proper bias ply tires. Let's be real...these cars rarely are driven hard and they certainly aren't known for their fine handling characteristics!

Just my personal opinion, but I really hate seeing radial tires on prime examples of 60's and early 70's muscle cars.

BTW...isn't it time for you to join us with your Torino at MCACN? I love that car! [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/drool.gif[/img]

Bashton
MCACN Managing Member </div></div>

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

----The only radials I ever liked the look of are the very early T/As with the small letters. If the tire companies paid any attention to us they would duplicate the small lettering and attempt to sort of square off the shoulders of their radials. They would, at that point be at least more acceptable IMHO......Bill S

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I had a very early set of those Belted TA's (60 series) at one time mounted up on some XT's ...Best look for TA's IMHO!

BIG

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

If you like radials, maybe consider a better look from goodyear, based on the later 70s early 80s type white letters show here. Probably a middle ground idea, if you don't want people to frown on your car because of the ugly BFGs.

You can never beat the look of the goodyear polyglass, getting ready to order L60s for the back of my cuda convert [img]<<GRAEMLIN_URL>>/smile.gif[/img]

http://www.kelseytire.com/pages/preformancetires4.html
http://www.widewhitetires.com/musclecar.html

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

One of my daydreams has been for someone to tool up Goodyear Eagle GT repro's but substitute Polyglas/Wide Tread GT style lettering on the sidewall instead of the OWL we had in the 80's. Those tires have a good square shouldered look (better than Eagle ST's in my opinion) and would look great and drive pretty well. 80's Eagle GT sizes would work fine, 215/70/14, 215/65/15, 255/60/15, etc. This can't be too hard to pull off, since other versions tires could be sold to all the 80's restorers as well.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

68130

YES BF Goodrich bias belted T/A's coolest looking tires. A friend had some on his Nova until a few years back he took them of and dumped them for new tires..L60's yet with 1/2 tread left.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

I agree with you guys that mentioned that you wish Goodyear would make a radial like the Eagle GT or ST again but with the sidewall white lettering reading Goodyear and Wide Tread GT. I would buy a set of those in an instant.
I have a question too. I currently have modern reproduction Goodyear E70-15's on my '69 Z. I like the looks of them but admittedly they don't handle or behave as well or as smoothly as the modern Goodyear Eagle GTII's I previously had on it. What are the correct alignment settings for the bias-ply tires I currently have on it now? I am thinking that the alignment should be adjusted for the bias-ply tires which was not done when I had them installed. Am I correct in this assumption? That might make the car handle a little better. Thanks guys.

Re: BFG Radial TA's vs. GY Polyglas bias plys
 

Ok, my opinion. Radials look stupid on a musclecar. Sorry, they do. BFG's, Eagle ST's, whatever... they just look wrong. I have worn out several sets of bias repro tires on several different cars. I just finished putting together a set of Wide Tread GT's because my current set is worn out, and put over 27,000 miles on a '32 highboy with repop bias ply Firestone skinnies on it for every mile. Not just sissy sunny sunday afternoon stuff either.... The car has seen rain, snow, sleet, hail, and multiple 500+ mile trips at 55-75 mph... never a problem. My only gripe is they wear out faster than a radial, but if you have a weekend cruiser they're gonna last you YEARS even if they do only get about 12,000-15,000 miles of wear out of them if you don't want to run them to the cords. I'm just getting ready to mount up my 3rd set on the hot rod. I'd never consider putting radials on it or any old car.

http://joeybsyc.smugmug.com/Other/32.../XL/031-XL.jpg

http://joeybsyc.smugmug.com/Other/32...photo32-XL.jpg

http://joeybsyc.smugmug.com/Other/32...titled1-XL.jpg