Author |
Message |
ROCKOROD71 Samba Member
Joined: January 18, 2012 Posts: 2770 Location: Boston, MA
|
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 6:31 am Post subject: |
|
|
Also, don't be afraid to call your local auto-recycler. There is a "famous" salvage yard here in Boston-they have EVERYTHING it seems-and I was there looking for speakers. They have tons of tires they pull from wrecked vehicles and they sell them cheap. The owner asked me what size I need as I was strolling through the aisles and I gave him the stock size, 165/80/R15. He laughed and said no such tire exists. I laughed back and told him it certainly does, he probably just hasn't seen anything even close for 15 years. He gets on his computer and goes "I'll be damned" sure enough they had some. Takes me back in the warehouse and not only did they have those, but he had some 165 SR-15s, made in France, that looked brand new. He had Nexxens AND Nankang 165/80/R15s and he wanted $40 each for them all, mounted and balanced.
I got the Classics over a year ago at a tire chain (Sullivans), cost me $200 out the door, after the guy on the phone told me they weren't made in China (they are), and they are not bad but they are wearng fast. I have 15 year old (at least, but they were un-used when I mounted them) Sears 165R15s on the front of my car that are not as worn as the Classics in the rear. When the Classics are done I'll be taking a trip to the salvage yard. _________________ 1971 STD BEETLE- DD-1st car, 1st love. keepin' it stock! 1600DP, Solex 34-3 Mexi Bosch SVDA Dist NOW w/POINTS
1977 WESTY "KrustyKamper" 2L FI
79SuperVert wrote: |
30 years from now, the next guy may not want your girlfriend, but he may want your classic car, depending on how nice you were to it. |
asiab3 wrote: |
Careful guys, a petulant child can grow up to be president these days. |
**winter drivers: no survivors!**rust warrior**#keepbodyshopsbusy** |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Mr.Duncan Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2012 Posts: 3542 Location: Houston, TX
|
Posted: Thu Jan 08, 2015 7:14 am Post subject: |
|
|
Tim Donahoe wrote: |
I bought a set of Kumho tires in late 2012. These are the specs:
165/80R15
Made in china
Treadwear 400
Traction A
Temperature B
I have about three thousand miles on them now and they have shown no wear to speak of. They handle well and aren't noisy.
What else can I say? They work.
Tim |
Same here, but about 15,000 miles on them.
Still looking fantastic!
Cant really see any wear, tread is nice and deep. _________________ (Owner) www.vintagecarleds.com
Red 1971 Squareback Thread
Red 1966 Beetle Thread
---------------------------------------------------
1971 Green Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Ghia (sold)
1971 Blue Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Java Green Std Beetle (sold)
1971 Red Squareback (sold)
1966 Red Beetle |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mrkotfw Samba Member
Joined: June 10, 2013 Posts: 223 Location: Bay Area (California)
|
Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 12:40 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
jared6881 wrote: |
Just bought 4 Kumho tires from Discount Tire for $450. Seems like the prices keep going up. 165/80-15 |
The Kumho Power Star 758?
It's been a couple of months, how are they? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Mr.Duncan Samba Member
Joined: May 12, 2012 Posts: 3542 Location: Houston, TX
|
Posted: Sun Feb 08, 2015 2:08 pm Post subject: Re: Tires |
|
|
mrkotfw wrote: |
jared6881 wrote: |
Just bought 4 Kumho tires from Discount Tire for $450. Seems like the prices keep going up. 165/80-15 |
The Kumho Power Star 758?
It's been a couple of months, how are they? |
I've had them for 15k miles. Still look good. Probably can go another 25k miles _________________ (Owner) www.vintagecarleds.com
Red 1971 Squareback Thread
Red 1966 Beetle Thread
---------------------------------------------------
1971 Green Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Ghia (sold)
1971 Blue Super Beetle (sold)
1966 Java Green Std Beetle (sold)
1971 Red Squareback (sold)
1966 Red Beetle |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lost in Space Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Bug Infested Forest, next to the REZ
|
Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 3:16 pm Post subject: |
|
|
OK.........
I see there are Michelin XZX from coker.........anything with better grip in a 165R 15 ?
Im trying to buy the best, top of the line available today for my Ghia.
Dry traction is most important.....wet dosnt matter as it dosnt get driven in the wet.
Whats my top choices for quality tire with great traction these days ? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BUGGED11111 Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2006 Posts: 1819 Location: Oregon
|
Posted: Tue May 26, 2015 3:39 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Lost in Space wrote: |
OK.........
I see there are Michelin XZX from coker.........anything with better grip in a 165R 15 ?
Im trying to buy the best, top of the line available today for my Ghia.
Dry traction is most important.....wet dosnt matter as it dosnt get driven in the wet.
Whats my top choices for quality tire with great traction these days ? |
Vredestein are my fav but opinions will vary:
https://www.cokertire.com/tires/styles/radial-tires/vredestein-sprint-classic-3984.html |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lost in Space Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Bug Infested Forest, next to the REZ
|
Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 6:15 am Post subject: |
|
|
Really ?
Nobody has any comments on good or bad tires these days ?
Anybody buy the Michelin XZX from Coker ? Performance report please ? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
glutamodo The Android
Joined: July 13, 2004 Posts: 26300 Location: Douglas, WY
|
Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 11:44 am Post subject: |
|
|
I've read conflicting opinions on those Coker-sold XZX tires. The other day I did some searching and reading on the topic and, they apparently still say "Made in France" on them but some doubt if it's true. Coker has bought a lot of tire molds over the years and have the tires made themselves using different compounds of rubber than original, and it's unknown if these Michelins are in that category or not. I've heard that they don't get nearly the milage-life that they did back in the 1970s though.
Personally, if I was going go deep-wallet on tires, I'd probably pick Vredestein. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
sb001 Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2011 Posts: 10399 Location: NW Arkansas
|
Posted: Fri May 29, 2015 11:56 am Post subject: |
|
|
I have a set of the Kumhos listed above, got them new mounted for $50/pop and never had a problem with them. FWIW _________________ I'm the humblest guy on this board.
1969 autostick sedan, family owned since new
1600 SP engine
Solex 30 PICT 3 carburetor
Bosch 113905205AE autostick distributor |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lost in Space Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Bug Infested Forest, next to the REZ
|
Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 6:42 am Post subject: |
|
|
glutamodo wrote: |
I've read conflicting opinions on those Coker-sold XZX tires. The other day I did some searching and reading on the topic and, they apparently still say "Made in France" on them but some doubt if it's true. Coker has bought a lot of tire molds over the years and have the tires made themselves using different compounds of rubber than original, and it's unknown if these Michelins are in that category or not. I've heard that they don't get nearly the milage-life that they did back in the 1970s though.
Personally, if I was going go deep-wallet on tires, I'd probably pick Vredestein. |
That was my exact fear with Coker........just cuz the mold says made in France may lead you to believe its just like they used to be....rubber compound and all.
I loved the tread pattern, but need to be sure the rubber compound and quality construction are at least up to the old formula.
What model Vredsteins are best for handleing and grip ? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
67jason Samba Member
Joined: August 28, 2005 Posts: 4741 Location: behind my back feet - Pittsburg CA
|
Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 7:18 am Post subject: |
|
|
Lost in Space wrote: |
glutamodo wrote: |
I've read conflicting opinions on those Coker-sold XZX tires. The other day I did some searching and reading on the topic and, they apparently still say "Made in France" on them but some doubt if it's true. Coker has bought a lot of tire molds over the years and have the tires made themselves using different compounds of rubber than original, and it's unknown if these Michelins are in that category or not. I've heard that they don't get nearly the milage-life that they did back in the 1970s though.
Personally, if I was going go deep-wallet on tires, I'd probably pick Vredestein. |
That was my exact fear with Coker........just cuz the mold says made in France may lead you to believe its just like they used to be....rubber compound and all.
I loved the tread pattern, but need to be sure the rubber compound and quality construction are at least up to the old formula.
What model Vredsteins are best for handleing and grip ? |
do they make more then one tire type in the 165/15 size? i though they only had Vredestein Sprint Classic Tires in that size... _________________ 67 bug x3
67 ghia
64 bug |
|
Back to top |
|
|
BUGGED11111 Samba Member
Joined: February 03, 2006 Posts: 1819 Location: Oregon
|
Posted: Sat May 30, 2015 8:52 am Post subject: |
|
|
67jason wrote: |
Lost in Space wrote: |
glutamodo wrote: |
I've read conflicting opinions on those Coker-sold XZX tires. The other day I did some searching and reading on the topic and, they apparently still say "Made in France" on them but some doubt if it's true. Coker has bought a lot of tire molds over the years and have the tires made themselves using different compounds of rubber than original, and it's unknown if these Michelins are in that category or not. I've heard that they don't get nearly the milage-life that they did back in the 1970s though.
Personally, if I was going go deep-wallet on tires, I'd probably pick Vredestein. |
That was my exact fear with Coker........just cuz the mold says made in France may lead you to believe its just like they used to be....rubber compound and all.
I loved the tread pattern, but need to be sure the rubber compound and quality construction are at least up to the old formula.
What model Vredsteins are best for handleing and grip ? |
do they make more then one tire type in the 165/15 size? i though they only had Vredestein Sprint Classic Tires in that size... |
Vredestein's also sold a model just called Classic. (no sprint) it was ( maybe still is) the same tire except a less fancy sidewall. It was ~ $20 less than a Sprint. But I haven't seen those in a few years. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lost in Space Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Bug Infested Forest, next to the REZ
|
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 4:17 am Post subject: |
|
|
Any body else ?
Opinions, comments ?
Gotta be a few of you guys actually driving some miles.
Gonna need to get something ordered up soon. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bnam Samba Member
Joined: July 02, 2006 Posts: 2931 Location: El Dorado Hills CA/ Bangalore, India
|
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 6:12 am Post subject: |
|
|
We get Bridgestone B800 tires in 165/80R15 here. Are these not avail in the US? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
helowrench Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2003 Posts: 567 Location: dallas texas
|
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 3:41 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Lost in Space wrote: |
Any body else ?
Opinions, comments ?
Gotta be a few of you guys actually driving some miles.
Gonna need to get something ordered up soon. |
I have not commented since all of my vehicles are wearing 185s at a minimum.
I DD my stuff, to the tune of 12K miles a year, and did not have great luck with the 165s available in my area. Due to low demand, the tires were old (date codes confirmed) with a couple of years on them already, by the time I purchased them.
After one accident, crumpling the nose (formerly pristine) of a Ghia, I bumped to 205s on my DD and dropped down to a super soft compound to give maximum traction/cornering/braking (skidding on hard tires was what got me).
I can recommend great tires for our cars, just not ones made in the size you are looking for.
Rob _________________ Current VWs:
70 bug vert for wifey
73Thing bucket o rust
73 914 1.7
12 Passat 2.5 Highway cruiser |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Max Welton Samba Member
Joined: May 19, 2003 Posts: 10697 Location: Black Forest, CO
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Frank Bassman Samba Member
Joined: July 01, 2012 Posts: 892 Location: Miami
|
Posted: Mon Jun 01, 2015 6:40 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I have the Nexen SB802's... I highly recommend them.
I put about 65,000 miles on my first set of them. And now I'm about to buy the second set!
Yes,
65,000 miles.
I just had a choice between the nankang ones and the nexens, and for not wanting to take a gamble on longevity I bought the nexens again. 70 bucks a pop delivered to my door...
-Frank |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Lost in Space Samba Member
Joined: June 09, 2012 Posts: 133 Location: Bug Infested Forest, next to the REZ
|
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 5:28 am Post subject: |
|
|
helowrench wrote: |
Lost in Space wrote: |
Any body else ?
Opinions, comments ?
Gotta be a few of you guys actually driving some miles.
Gonna need to get something ordered up soon. |
I have not commented since all of my vehicles are wearing 185s at a minimum.
I DD my stuff, to the tune of 12K miles a year, and did not have great luck with the 165s available in my area. Due to low demand, the tires were old (date codes confirmed) with a couple of years on them already, by the time I purchased them.
After one accident, crumpling the nose (formerly pristine) of a Ghia, I bumped to 205s on my DD and dropped down to a super soft compound to give maximum traction/cornering/braking (skidding on hard tires was what got me).
I can recommend great tires for our cars, just not ones made in the size you are looking for.
Rob |
Tell me more !
They are actually going on a '70 Ghia thats lowered about 4 inches. I have a adjustable front beam that as I recall is narrowed about 1 inch........tire clearance at the wheelwell lip is a issue when steering is at full lock. ( Yes, I increased the steering limiter stops as far as I reasonably could)........still, didnt look like much room for tire size increase, both front and back..........maybe respond over in the Ghia section please ?
Thanks. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Antonio Trejo VW Parts Dealer
Joined: December 17, 2003 Posts: 937 Location: Mexico City
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
helowrench Samba Member
Joined: August 27, 2003 Posts: 567 Location: dallas texas
|
Posted: Tue Jun 02, 2015 9:29 am Post subject: |
|
|
Lost in Space wrote: |
helowrench wrote: |
Lost in Space wrote: |
Any body else ?
Opinions, comments ?
Gotta be a few of you guys actually driving some miles.
Gonna need to get something ordered up soon. |
I have not commented since all of my vehicles are wearing 185s at a minimum.
I DD my stuff, to the tune of 12K miles a year, and did not have great luck with the 165s available in my area. Due to low demand, the tires were old (date codes confirmed) with a couple of years on them already, by the time I purchased them.
After one accident, crumpling the nose (formerly pristine) of a Ghia, I bumped to 205s on my DD and dropped down to a super soft compound to give maximum traction/cornering/braking (skidding on hard tires was what got me).
I can recommend great tires for our cars, just not ones made in the size you are looking for.
Rob |
Tell me more !
They are actually going on a '70 Ghia thats lowered about 4 inches. I have a adjustable front beam that as I recall is narrowed about 1 inch........tire clearance at the wheelwell lip is a issue when steering is at full lock. ( Yes, I increased the steering limiter stops as far as I reasonably could)........still, didnt look like much room for tire size increase, both front and back..........maybe respond over in the Ghia section please ?
Thanks. |
I am running a stock height Ghia with 924 rear torsion bars, a 3/4" front sway bar, and using 914 Mahle 5.5 inch wide rims 4X130 pattern from a 914. (SAFETY WARNING: these rims bolt up, but DO REQUIRE PARTICULAR LUG BOLTS)
The offset is correct to get them under the rear fenders of a ghia.
In fact, I could probably squeeze a 215 tire on them.
The only negative was a bit lost from my tuirning radius (you have to reset your steering stops to keep from rubbing front tires on hard turns)
I am running Ohtsu FP6000 tires which are a reissue of the beloved Falken Ziex 512 (discontinued, kinda) in the 205/60/15 size.
These things are directional, and super sticky.
Warning: they have a slightly soft sidewall, so you will have to run them at higher pressures (mine: 26F 30R) to stop the squirmy.
These things rock.
I cannot lock up the brakes now, unless in the wet, on old, slick asphalt surfaces.
I do not know how the lowered thing will effect you.
Edit:
1 I liked them so much, I bought them for my beetle
2 Available at Discount Tire local to me _________________ Current VWs:
70 bug vert for wifey
73Thing bucket o rust
73 914 1.7
12 Passat 2.5 Highway cruiser |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|