Continental "R" tires. Are these for a Split?

a57oval

Hi guys,
I need your help again. I have 5 Continental "R" tires that I am trying to figure what they are correct for.
I bought these 20 plus years ago and was told at the time that they are for a late Split or early Oval.
I have done a bunch of surfing and come up empty handed.
Does anyone know what their correct application is? I plan on listing them in the classifieds and want to make sure I accurately represent them.
Thanks for your help,
Peter

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

originalo · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 8:43 am Post subject:

Those are 5.60-15 tyres, that´s the correct dimension for post split bugs (15 inch whereas split bugs have 16 inch rims).
I would say those would be nice for Zwitter, Ovals and bugs up to 1960. If the rubber is still flexible and has no crackss when inflated.
However it is always risky to drive such old tyres.
I would recommend to offer them only for show purposes or as stand and store tyres.

a57oval · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 9:54 am Post subject:

Thanks originalo for the response.
All splits had 16 wheels? I didn't know that.
Does anyone know how I can narrow down what years they were used on as OEM equipment?
These tires should only be used on show/display car. They do have age related cracking on them. It's minor but no way would I ever use these on the street.
Peter

AlanInMass54 · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 11:54 am Post subject:

Later splits or Zwitters had 15 inch wheels. My 56 Oval had those exact same tires on it when I got it! They were ancient but still holding air (I still have them, for some reason Very Happy

)

a57oval · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 1:11 pm Post subject:

Thanks AlaninMass54,
Now I know they came on at least one 56. Can anyone else confirm years these tires were used? Getting closer to figuring it out,
Peter

splitjunkie · Samba Member Joined: April 04, 2006 Posts: 4092

late '52 known as Zwitter or Oval Dash Split and everything afterward.

It looks like there are lots of cracks in the sidewall of that tire that you show close up so as others have said, it is not advisable to use them on the road. Given the age and the cracks, they could have other more serious issues that could cause them to blowout at speed.
_________________
Chris

You know, a lot of these scratches will buff right out... Jerry Seinfeld

a57oval · Posted: Fri Oct 23, 2015 1:16 pm Post subject:

Splitjunkie:
Agreed 100% They should only be used for shows. On and off the trailer sort of thing.
Peter


Hello! Log in or Register \| Help \| Donate \| Buy Shirts	See all banner ads \| Advertise on TheSamba.com

Forum Index -> Beetle - Split-Window/1938-53 VWs		Share:
		Print View

	Forum Index -> Beetle - Split-Window/1938-53 VWs	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1