TheSamba.com :: View topic - Any idea what size tires are on this car?

Wed Aug 22, 2018 4:36 am

I am in need of replacing the tires on my new to me 1960 vw beetle. Stock height now but plan on lowering somewhat in the future. Tires are about 30 plus years old, tread is like new but tires are dry rotted/cracked . Wheels are chrome stock look but wider.
Currently the car has 165/80r15 rear and 155/80r15 front.
Considering 205/70/15 rear 165/80r15 front white walls?
Any ideas what are on this car in the picture?

Sun Sep 02, 2018 4:25 am

I have no idea about tire size on that there bug but it seems to have a narrowed beam. Something to keep in mind when looking at pictures of bugs for ideas.

Tue Sep 04, 2018 4:12 am

If you are planning on lowering the vehicle, 165/80’s are a poor choice for the front. As I mentioned in another thread, you need to look through the lowering thread and get some ideas of how low you plan on going, which will dictate what components you will need to use to properly lower it and in turn what tires will work best. One thing leads to another.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247735
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143094

Tue Sep 04, 2018 8:37 am

Sharp64 wrote: If you are planning on lowering the vehicle, 165/80’s are a poor choice for the front. As I mentioned in another thread, you need to look through the lowering thread and get some ideas of how low you plan on going, which will dictate what components you will need to use to properly lower it and in turn what tires will work best. One thing leads to another.

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=247735
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143094

I did find that one thing leads to another, I have read over many threads and looked over many pics. For now I have replaced the 30 plus year old rear tires with 205/65/15 tires which was very close to the 165. As far as the front I am planning on lowering 2-4 inches and using a 145 or possibly a little wider tire but same height.

Wed Sep 05, 2018 10:07 pm

How do you plan on lowering it? 4” drop using just a beam will ride a bit harsh. If you’re doing dropped spindles, they max at 2.5” and it adds width so you may still rub even with 145’s. If you combine a beam and spindles get a narrower beam. 2” usually will work and allows you to run wider lower profile tires. If you want a lot lower get a 4” narrowed beam. If you’re going to try and keep the rims you have you will need most likely a 4” narrowed beam to avoid rubbing. Best thing to do is find a pic of a car that sits how you want and either ask the owner or post it up and ask if anyone has an idea. A lot of people can give you an idea of what you need to get the look you’re after.

Sat Mar 30, 2019 1:01 pm

I'm thinking about tires on a coming soon to me 1960 VW beetle, The ones on it look like original 5:50's. It's not been lowered it's very original, I was also thinking of running larger tires in the rear with maybe 165X15's I like Michelin however they don't show 165's .
The thing about a bug is it's nice around town with stock size tires but does better on the highway with larger tires. They don't stop as well though.