TheSamba.com :: View topic

Thu Aug 22, 2002 6:45 pm

it is the factory 14 inch rims. i am curious as to correct size and the correct sidewall strength. where do i get them and how much coin is it going to cost me?

Thu Aug 22, 2002 10:18 pm

I've got LT195/75R14s on my '66 and they look really close to stock size (when compared to the old bias plys it used to have).

I would HIGHLY recommend getting LT tires with either 6 or 8 plys (6 is good, 8 is better) that are capable of being run up to 50psi. The difference in handling over regular passanger tires is amazing!! You can virtually say good-bye to lane changing and wondering in X-winds. In fact, I would say that putting these tires on my bus was the single best upgrade I have ever made to improve the drivability of my bus; bar-none.

The tires I got are from Costo of all places! They are the house Kirkland Signature series and are made by BF Goodrich for Costco. They are LT tires, but have a nice passanger car tread so thew don't sing to you as you drive and they look normal. They are M&S rated 6 plys and only cost around $60 each!!! That's WAY cheap compared to Yokos, Mich. or any others I priced out. They are advertised as a 40K tire, but I've easily put 30K+ on mine and they still have about half the tread left.

When I'm in the market for new tires, I'm marching right back to Costco and get me another set. They are the right tire at an EXCELLENT value!! Check them out.

Nate

Nate's Air-Cooled VW Tech Pages:
http://www.nateswaterart.com/vw/

Fri Aug 23, 2002 4:56 am

I am in the process of finding stock tires for my 67 single. I believe stock tires were a Continental bias ply 7.00-14. I have all the exact measurements if you need them. They used a 4 ply tire for awhile and then switched to a 6 ply tire. I don't know exactly when they switched. Coker sells a 7.00-14 BF Goodrich bias ply tire in a 4 ply for $95 ea. They offer it only in a white wall which you can turn inside but they offer no 6 ply tires in that size. Does anyone know where to buy a 6 ply bias ply tire?

Fri Aug 23, 2002 4:23 pm

Thanks for the info msadema and also, Nate are you riding on stock rims?? Thanks!!!

Fri Aug 23, 2002 9:09 pm

Yes, I'm using the stock 14" rims on my bus. BTW, the outer diameter is virtually identicle with these tires as well so the speedo still reads accurate too.

Nate

Nate's Air-Cooled VW Tech Pages:
http://www.nateswaterart.com/vw/

Sat Aug 24, 2002 3:27 am

Thanks Nate! They sound like they way to go. Now all i need is to get the bus out of the shop!