TheSamba.com :: View topic - 185/60R-15 and Drop Spindles (stock beam)?

Thu Jan 20, 2011 12:00 pm

I have been searching the forums looking for that "right" tire size to put on a '70 Beetle with 2.5" drop spindles (CB Performance) and stock width beam. I have heard that the 145R-15 tire will work without rubbing, but I would like to go wider than that, if possible. I am currently running 165R-15 tires, but without fenders (I've had my "volksrod" fun, now I am going back to a full fendered car).

It seems the 185/60R-15 tire is a tad shorter than the 145R-15, but obviously wider. Anyone have experience with this arrangement? If not, any better suggestions?

Thanks!

Thu Jan 20, 2011 2:24 pm

What wheels are you running? Rim offset and backspacing may play a role in rubbing.

Thu Jan 20, 2011 3:06 pm

That is almost exactly what I have been running on my 74 beetle. I think that my tires are actually 185/65R15. No rubs at all on this bad boy. Looks great, too.

Thu Jan 20, 2011 5:30 pm

blackp5ca wrote: What wheels are you running? Rim offset and backspacing may play a role in rubbing.

I have both 4" and 5.5" wide steel wheels. The 4" would be fine for the 145s, but would be too narrow for the 185s. I know I need to pull those wheels and do some measuring, but was hoping to get some suggestions based on experience.

Sun Jan 23, 2011 5:16 pm

blackp5ca wrote: What wheels are you running? Rim offset and backspacing may play a role in rubbing.

I would like to use 5.5" wide steel wheels (4" backspace) with something in the neighborhood of 185/60R-15s. cweiland's picture above looks like that car is running 4" wide steels. Hard to believe you could put 185s on that rim. Hey cweiland--can you double check the tire size you are running on the fronts?

Sun Jan 23, 2011 10:39 pm

Here you go, buddy. For the recap, stock width beam, 2.5" drop spindles, Ghia discs, stock fenders, and what I believe are stock 4.5" steelies.

It's a close fit, but I don't have any rubbing issues at all. Hope this helps.

Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:00 am

I'm running 195/60-15 on 5.5x15 ET42 rims with a stock width beam dropped 3" with AVIS adjusters.

Using dropped spindles might push the wheels out to the point that they rub the lip. Also using VW wheels which have less offset can cause them to rub.

Mon Jan 24, 2011 5:17 am

Dammit Glenn - I can look at the stance of your car all day - its looks so right....

Mon Jan 24, 2011 6:54 am

Thanks, Glenn...that combo looks great on your car! That tire fits the wheel opening very nicely!! Once I get the fenders back on my car, I will do some playing. It is too danged cold here in Michigan to think about, but I better get cracking.

Fri Dec 09, 2011 11:38 am

I went with the 185/60R-15 on 5.5" wide steelmwheels. They fit really well and look great.