TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Dec 03, 2003 4:57 pm

I recently purchased a set of 15 x 4.5 wide five chromies for my bus. My question is, Will there be any problems with putting a 195/50/15inch tire on these wheels.

-LDD

Wed Dec 03, 2003 5:06 pm

yes. 195/50's need at least a 5.5 inch rim, most tire shops want 6. call around, you will be hard pressed to find a tire shop willing to do it for you, liability reasons. not saying it cant be done, because I have a friend that is running them, but it's not smart, especially on a bus

Wed Dec 03, 2003 8:56 pm

What would be a safe size then? Maybe 185/60/15? I just got the wheels and I'd really like to use them?

-LDD

Wed Dec 03, 2003 11:34 pm

4.5 inch rims are good for 165's like the bugs use. And 165's are too small for a bus. 185's are normally used on 5.5 inch rims. Sell your wheels to a bug guy......

Thu Dec 04, 2003 8:29 pm

I called Les Schwab (Major West coast tire store) and they said that they would put up to a 205 wide tire on the rims but didnt recommend going with a 50 series because their only a 4-ply tire. Usually buses and other heavy cars are recommended to have a 6-ply. I think I'm going to keep my wheels and run a 195/60/15, I'll just have to avoid sharp rock and drive slow on dirt roads, but I do that anyway. :D

-LDD

Fri Dec 05, 2003 12:20 am

Dewd, 195-50s will go on fine but will have a little pinched look to them. I suggest 175-55-15s. Great all around tire and fit perfect on a stock rim.

Im runnin 195-50s and 175-55s on stock 15 by4 smoothies on my 64.

Fri Dec 05, 2003 10:15 am

A 175/55/15? Sound a little narrow but I will check it out.

Thanks -

LDD

Fri Dec 05, 2003 7:15 pm

actuallt they are about 6 inches wide but shorter then a 195-50

heres some pix of mine

They look really nice on a stock smoothie. I am never ever ever gonna run 135s or 145s again.

pm to see where to get them from, $86 apiece with warrantee

Sat Dec 06, 2003 11:37 am

That's a nice looking setup. Thanks for the pixs.

-LDD

Sun Dec 07, 2003 3:26 pm

This presents an opportunity to ask my question...we have '79 bus... not sure what size tires are on it... ( I haven't looked yet) but they're a bit old, and we're going to be replacing them soon...hopefully before Buses by The Bridge... What is the Correct size tire for a '79 Bay?

Thanks guys!

Ron

Sun Dec 07, 2003 7:56 pm

We've got a '78 Westy and put Bridgestone RD-603 185R14's on it a year or so back. Great tires, handles well.

Sun Dec 07, 2003 7:57 pm

We've got a '78 Westy and put Bridgestone RD-603 185R14's on it a year or so back. Great tires, handles well.