Raised White Letter Tires For Classic Cars
Article by Mark Trotta
Not too long ago, finding raised white letter tires in their original sizes was difficult. But here in 2025, availability is better than ever!
Bold, pronounced lettering on tires became popular in the mid to late sixties, primarily on American muscle cars and pony cars. Popularity continued throughout the seventies, gradually dropping off by the early eighties.
If you own a classic car and are looking for period-correct tires, here are some of the more popular brands that currently offer raised white letter tires in standard and low-profile sizes:
********************
BF Goodrich Radial T/A
Back in the day, these were the best street radials you could get.
BFGoodrich TA's with Raised White Letters are currently offered in about 20 sizes, including P275/60R15.
The current BFG T/A lacks the performance of the original. Today's version is more of an all-season tire and has an "S" speed rating (max 112 mph).
They're still great looking.
********************
Firestone Wide Oval (Bias Ply)
Firestone Wide Oval Tires were original equipment on many muscle and pony cars from 1967 through 1974.
The F60-15 Wide Oval is the original size for 1970-1972 Camaro Z28, 1971-1972 Chevelle SS, 1970-1972 Ford Mustang GT, as well as Mach 1, Boss Mustang, and 1970-1971 Shelby Mustangs.
Other OE fitments for F60-15 tires include Plymouth Barracuda and select 1971-1973 Pontiacs.
********************
Goodyear Speedway Blue Streak
Offered in their performance series, Goodyear Speedway Blue Streak RWL Tires feature raised white lettering and a blue stripe.
These are bias-ply tires, made by Kelsey Tire using original Goodyear molds. Their primary application is 1963 through 1967 Corvettes (non-original equipment).
********************
Cooper Cobra G/T
Dollar for dollar, the Cooper G/T is the most affordable RWL tire. Like the BFG Radial T/A, they're only "S" rated, so not considered a performance tire, but does have have a great vintage look.
Cooper Cobra G/T Radials are offered in many 15" sizes, including 275/60R15.
A set of Cooper Cobra G/T's will give your car that classic look without breaking the bank.
*******************
Clip-on vs Stick-on Wheel Weights
Very few tires are perfectly balanced after they're mounted, which is why wheel-weights are necessary. The type of wheel you have may dictate which type wheel-weight to use, but generally the clip-on style is preferred.
Some wheels may not have a lip to install a clip-on weight, in which case a stick-on weight is your only choice. Tire shops generally use stick-on weights as a last resort, or if requested by the customer. If a rim is not perfectly clean of grease and oil, stick-on weights often fall off while driving.
Lead Wheel Weights
If you really want to have your wheels period-correct, find yourself some lead wheel weights. Due to environmental concerns, lead weights started to be phased out by the federal government in 2009. Although some states have banned them completely, you can still buy them, but not easily or cheaply.
NOTE: If you have a chrome or clear-coated wheel, you probably don't want clip-on weights hammered onto it. It may damage the finish and also leave behind a mark.
1978 Jeep CJ Golden Eagle factory equipped with raised white letter tires.
********************
0-40 PSI Tire Gauge with 12" Hose
********************
Related Articles: