TheSamba.com :: View topic - Tire preference

Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:20 pm

I'm trying to choose what size of bias ply tires to put on my 54.
I know 550x16 is the original size , but have heard of people choosing 600x16 for a better load rating and beefier looks.

I'll be going with the firestone black-walls ...same as what coker sells.

Any experience with ride difference, handing, acceleration (running 36hp), or preference you can share before I choose?

Thanks!

... here are the specs:

600x16
load: 1400lbs @ 32 psi
dia: 29.91"
tread x-section: 6.26"

550x16
load: 840lbs @ 32 psi
dia: 27.36"
tread x-section: 6.06

Mon Jun 09, 2008 1:54 pm

I run the 5.5s. Haven't tried 6's. Mine are quite skinny and a higher load rating would have been nice. All in all, they are acceptable. Looking at the dimensions you posted, you'd only gain .20 in width and over 2.5" in diam. I think at almost 30 inches you'll really bog down on the hills with
a 36er and much lower RPMs. To me, the higher load range would be the only benefit with the 6's.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 2:21 pm

I had 5.50s on my '55 Kombi. No issues and I didn't have any problem hauling stuff, although I never really got close to the load limit.

I put 6.00s on my '54 Single Cab because it's a truck and I knew I would haul some stuff around. I feel safer with the correct load rating.

For myself, I would run 5.50s on a Passenger Bus or anything I wanted to be original.

I ran the 6.00s on my '63 for a while, for more miles than I have put on my '54, and I like the way the '63 drives with the 6.40x15s better. I don't remember having any issues on hills with the larger tires and I did drive to CA and back a few times. There are a few hills in between.

Mon Jun 09, 2008 4:31 pm

Thanks for the input.
I think I'll stick with 550x16 for originality sake.

BTW one of the rims is still wearing the original "Fulda" rubber ...horrible shape though.

Wed Jun 11, 2008 7:35 pm

6.00 X 16's don't fit in the spare tire tray....so that might make the decision easier.

Thu Jun 12, 2008 9:48 am

campingbox wrote: 6.00 X 16's don't fit in the spare tire tray....so that might make the decision easier.

That is correct.

You can get it in there but when you close the decklid you will smash the brake light bulb holder.

Sat Jun 14, 2008 6:07 am

For some time I have been investigating into another tyre direction - but noting but gripes and no success.
Can anyone help me? Are 550-16 dimension tyres also available as radials? I wouldn´t mind buying even chinese models - if they were available.
For my 53 SC project it would be better to trust rather radials than crossplies.

Kind Regards,

Jurgen

Sat Jun 14, 2008 7:25 am

Bergepanzer wrote: For some time I have been investigating into another tyre direction - but noting but gripes and no success.
Can anyone help me? Are 550-16 dimension tyres also available as radials? I wouldn´t mind buying even chinese models - if they were available.
For my 53 SC project it would be better to trust rather radials than crossplies.

Kind Regards,

Jurgen

Yes. Michelin X.

http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/productPage.php?productID=1718&categoryFilename=radial.php

Peter

Thu Jun 19, 2008 2:12 am

Bergepanzer wrote:
Can anyone help me? Are 550-16 dimension tyres also available as radials?

Yes,

1.as above MichelinX 550 16 ( correct period tyre of choice developed in 49, so good for early 50's) Best price too.

2. Avon ( British) New, but available in a 550 16 equivalent. Used on mostly British cars so not correct on German in my view.

3. Dunlop racing R5 550 16 late 50's ( I think) but beautiful tyre! also much more expensive though.

Thats all your choices I have found in UK/Europe?

Been doing this shopping exercise as we are changing our 55 356 tyres which are currently 550 16 period correct Michelin racing crossplies, correct to 550 Spyder but they rub our coupe on lock. 16" slotted 356 wheels are 3.25 rims. Yes we would stay stock crossplies ideally but will be driving the car to Antibes/Italy and its really hard to handle long distance at speed on crossplies compared to a bus. I would guess same tyres ok for both 3.25 and also 3.50 wheels? But you would need to check with someone who knows more?

Thu Jun 19, 2008 5:46 am

I have 6.00 on my bus. They are 6 ply for small truck, and they ride just fine. I also have a big nut tranny in my bus, so i can't help with speed/RPM info. sorry

Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:03 am

I would cast your eye over those "firestones" made by coker, the ones i saw were very poor, more in my opinion a display tyre for the trailer queen.

I bought avons, very nice and still made from og molds.

Wed Jun 25, 2008 9:25 pm

I have run the 6.00x16 Firestones on the PBR (knobbies on the rear) and after 3,000 miles I have been very satisfied. I run a 5.50x16 for my spare so it fits in the spare tire tray. Good tire wear, relatively low road noise, and they hold up well under a load. With a 36er, I am running 54 mph at about 3,800 rpms. Hope that helps...
Jake