The simple tire size.

MINIack · Posted: Mon Jan 30, 2017 9:05 pm Post subject: The simple tire size.

OK. I've gone thru lots of posts about tires and sizes with rim width etc. I'm totally lost and frustrated what to replace my old tires.

I have Centerline repros that are 15x5.5. My front end is adjustable, no drop spindles with 165/15 that rub when I turn all the way to lock.

What I want is lower tires in the front and taller in the rear. I'm thinking of equivalent 145/15 or 155/15 in the front and 165/15, maybe taller, in the rear.

I want the widest tread possible. The whole idea is to fill up the rear wheel wells and prevent rubbing in the front without having to mess with adjusting the front down too far and messing with the geometry.

Thanks for any help.

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

_________________
Blue 1962 Beetle, 12v, 1600dp
Previously owned Bugs... 67,68,67,68,71,72,68.
This will be the last one. LOL

ps2375 · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 12:51 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Smart Car tires up front, they have a wider tread width and a shorter sidewall height. A 175/55-15 tire should work well for the front. And a 205/65-15 for the rear.
I'm wondering if your wheel offset is causing the rubbing in the front, as I run a 185/65/15 on a 5.5" wheel up front with stock Ghia disc brake spindles and a stock height beam in the summer and 165/80-15's on same wheels for the winter, and I have no rubbing with either tire.

MINIack · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 2:53 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Maybe. The wheels and tires came with the car so I don't have a brand or any specs on them. I have a chart that explains all the measurements so I'll try to get the offset. What is a normal offset for 5.5?

Damn.... I didn't know there was that many options for 1 little car. And the local Discount tire guys haven't a clue unless it's on their computer.
_________________
Blue 1962 Beetle, 12v, 1600dp
Previously owned Bugs... 67,68,67,68,71,72,68.
This will be the last one. LOL

ps2375 · Posted: Tue Jan 31, 2017 3:54 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

I use tirebuyer.com or tirerack.com to research tire sizes. Discounttiredirect.com can also be useful.

luckystiff · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2017 8:42 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

165/60/15 front.......... 195/65/15 or 205/65/15 rear..........

the 185/55/15 is also a nice tire for the front..... I had those on my square before the type1 beam swap and it was my favorite front tire.
_________________
ITMC
Secret Service

eashc · Posted: Sat Feb 04, 2017 11:09 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

I just put some 155/60/15 on my 66. I bought them from Amazon, good deal too. Here's the thread I did.

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=666469&highlight=

MINIack · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2017 9:10 am Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Thanks! I love those rims. I had em on my 83 Targa back when I spent more on insurance than rent. Ha Ha I like em on a bug better.

I found a tire shop that seemed to know more about the size and fit than what the computer says a 62 is supposed to have. I like the way 155/60/15 look on the front but I think I'm going with a taller tire in the back to close the wheel well gap.
_________________
Blue 1962 Beetle, 12v, 1600dp
Previously owned Bugs... 67,68,67,68,71,72,68.
This will be the last one. LOL

ps2375 · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2017 10:39 am Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

If you go too tall in back, that little motor could have a tough time with them.

MINIack · Posted: Sun Feb 05, 2017 10:44 am Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Damn! 1 more thing to think about. Confused

I guess I'll keep the rears to stock 165/15 height and go with just a wider tread.
_________________
Blue 1962 Beetle, 12v, 1600dp
Previously owned Bugs... 67,68,67,68,71,72,68.
This will be the last one. LOL

ALB · Posted: Tue Feb 07, 2017 8:13 am Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

205/60's are 24 3/4" tall (approx same height as 155-15's, which was a stock size), wider, fit 5 1/2" rims and would look good on the back without being "too tall". There are more choices these days for shorter and wider fronts- 175/60's are 23.3" tall, 185/55's are 23", 185/60's are 23 3/4", 175/65's are 24", and there are others.

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/sizes/results.jsp?diameter=15
_________________
On a lifelong mission to prove (much to my wife's dismay) that Immaturity is Forever!!

MINIack · Posted: Thu Mar 02, 2017 3:37 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Well I finally made a decision to what tires to use...

195/55R15 on front 205/60R15 on rear with 5.5in wide rims.
The difference isn't as dramatic as I thought it would be but I like it. In my 1st pic I had the front adjusted down lower and now with the shorter tire I will bring it back down. But I got what I wanted...
A shorter tire in front with wider tread in front and back.

Thanks for everyone's help.
Spencer

_________________
Blue 1962 Beetle, 12v, 1600dp
Previously owned Bugs... 67,68,67,68,71,72,68.
This will be the last one. LOL

sonoma_vw · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 6:04 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Looks great. But 195/55 15 on front, lowered adj beam does not rub at all?
Have you tried turning on bumpy roads with a passenger yet? Just wondering. (I'm having a hell of a time figuring out how wide I can go with a 2.5 drop)

MINIack · Posted: Sun Apr 02, 2017 6:27 pm Post subject: Re: The simple tire size.

Yes. It rubs when I go all the way to lock. Not enough to damage anything, just a little zip zip zip sound. I figure I won't be turning that hard very much so no biggie. I haven't had time to drop the front so idk if it gets worse.
_________________
Blue 1962 Beetle, 12v, 1600dp
Previously owned Bugs... 67,68,67,68,71,72,68.
This will be the last one. LOL


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

	Forum Index -> Custom Wheel/Tire	All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page 1 of 1