TheSamba.com :: View topic

Fri Feb 12, 2010 2:16 am

Anyone have a suggestion on the tire size I can use to squeeze into the spare spot on my 70 vert? I am running Toyo 185 60R15's all the way around the car. I just want the tire to be approximately the right size only skinnier so if I need to use it I won't damage anything.

Also, will stock rims work on that tire? I have four of them just laying around.

Thanks,

SAM

Fri Feb 12, 2010 4:31 am

You'll find "The KG Tire Survey" sticky at the top of this section: http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=386917

All selections will tell you if the tire fits under the hood.

Fri Feb 12, 2010 1:00 pm

175/65/15 will be almost spot on, just a little bit taller but might not fit behind the tabs, 165/65/15 will be a little bit shorter
165/70/15 will be a little bit taller, 155/70/15 will be almost spot on, but still a little shorter.
145/15 will be a little taller, 135/15 will be almost spot on, but just a little bit shorter

Hope this helps

Fri Feb 12, 2010 1:46 pm

I have 195 60 15s on my '71.

For a spare I use a 145. Its close in size and fits easily in the well on a standard rim.

Fri Feb 12, 2010 4:25 pm

RUSS74GHIA wrote: 135/15 will be almost spot on, but just a little bit shorter
That's my recommendation too. A 185/60R15 has a rolling diameter of 23.7 inches. The rolling diameter of a 135R15 varies depending on the manufacturer. Although P-metric radials with no stated aspect ratio are "supposed" to be 82-series, some manufacturers build them as 80-series tires. An old school 82-series 135R15 would have a 23.7 inch diameter and an 80-series 135R15 would be 23.5 inches in diameter.

Mon Feb 15, 2010 9:01 pm

Thanks guys, I will clean up one of those rims and head to the tire store. I appreciate all the input.

SAM

Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:00 am

I finally headed to the tire guys and they asked me what size tire I needed and then they asked me the dreaded question...What is the middle number? So I figured it was 65 but didn't know for sure so I thought that it took me so long to get in there what are a couple more days.

135R15 or a 145r15 what would the middle number be?

So if I got a 145 tire because they say it is much cheaper and some even say they can't get 135's what size would be good for the spare and still fit properly up front in the trunk (without being loose)?

I know it is smaller than the ones on the car but my little donut tire on my Toyota is a larger difference that that.

Sorry if it is confusing but I could really use the help. Car is pretty much done and I will be posting the finished pictures soon. Well, almost finished because are we ever really done?

Thanks,

SAM

Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:41 am

off2wildblue wrote: I finally headed to the tire guys and they asked me what size tire I needed and then they asked me the dreaded question...What is the middle number? So I figured it was 65 but didn't know for sure so I thought that it took me so long to get in there what are a couple more days.

135R15 or a 145r15 what would the middle number be
I answered that question two posts above. Where no aspect ratio is stated, i.e., a P-metric radial, it is supposed to be an 82 series, but some (seems like most these days) are built to 80 series specs.

Quote: Although P-metric radials with no stated aspect ratio are "supposed" to be 82-series, some manufacturers build them as 80-series tires.

BTW, your tire cars should know this info or they are all under the age of 30. :lol:

Also, your best bet for getting 135R15 tires is checking w/ aftermarket VW parts places. Most tires stores have to special order them. I believe Nankang is one of the few companies still making a 135R15:

http://www2.cip1.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=B99-C10-6651

Tue Mar 16, 2010 11:51 am

Well, I see what you said and I guess I must be slow but all I know for sure is the tire guy wants three numbers.

He asked if I could use a 145 65R15? It was in his book and he could order that.

With an "80 Series" tire does that mean 145 80R15?

Sorry, like I said I must be slow.

SAM

Tue Mar 16, 2010 12:04 pm

Okay, basic tire sizing terminology here using 185/60R15 as an example:

The first number, e.g., 185, is the section width in millimeters. This tells you the width of your tire: 185 mm or 7.3 inches.

The second number, e.g., 60, is the aspect ratio. This tells you the height of your sidewall as a percentage of your section width. Thus, your sidewall is 60% of your section width or 111 mm or 4.4 inches.

The letter R tells you that your tire is a radial tire. If there are other letters in front of the R, e.g., S, T, H, V, etc., that's the speed rating. S = 112 mph, T = 118 mph, H = 130 mph, V = 149 mph, etc.

The third number, e.g., 15, is your rim diameter in inches.

P-metric radials don't have three numbers, only the section width and rim diameter. The aspect ratio, i.e., normally the second number, is not stated but is typically 82 or 80 depending on the manufacturer.

BTW, 145/65R15 won't work. It only has a rolling diameter of 22.4 inches. I would strongly advise that you go to a tire store with more informed employees.

Wed Mar 17, 2010 2:49 pm

sactojesse wrote: I would strongly advise that you go to a tire store with more informed employees.
You can't get shitter than a 'Shit-fit fitter' this side of the water.