TheSamba.com :: View topic

Sun Sep 22, 2024 7:17 pm

Hi Guys

Im building a cal inspired 1960 beetle over here in Australia. I have a set of replica BRMs from empi but having a real hard time finding rear tyres that are locally available or without ridiculous lead time. I am after 205/65 r15 tyres and ive tried the following

1: MH racemaster not available possibly early next year
2: firestone as above not available until next year
3: Vredestein as above
4: Michelin XWX 10 week lead time

I can get Nankang NA and BF Goodrich but i am not sure if this is going to achieve the desired look? does anyone run these on a cal look bug? are there any other options i could look at.

i appreciate any help cheers Jason

Tue Sep 24, 2024 9:00 pm

I'm not sure you will find much help from the USA members. Over here that size is as common as bellybuttons. A quick search of one major tire retailer shows they have 87 different results in that size!

I would think that the 65 series tire is not really in the original Cal-Look style as it's a fairly modern size, replacing 13 inch and 14 inch wheels and tires on smaller cars and compact SUVs. I would look at 205/70R15 tires, they are slightly taller at about 26.4 inches. An original size 5.60-15 tire is about 25.7 inches tall.

The Cal-Look Bugs traditionally had those little 135R15 tires up front, but I don't recommend copying that part of the look. The handling with those tires sucks.