Lowered Bus, what size tires?

[Glenn]

So we installed an Airkewld straight axles tranasaxle and and lowered spindles along with their disc brake conversion.

Pete suggested 185/60-15 tires. The customer said when he has 3 passengers in it the front tires rub at times and when making turns.

Any suggestion on smaller tires?

185/55-15?
175/55-15?

What are you guys using front and rear?
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Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

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[Split 66']

I lowered my '66 back in '89, it was recommended by Bus Boys back then to use stock 14" wheels with their stock width adjustable beam (all there was back then).

36 years later and I've never rubbed with 185-60-14 or lower profile tires - but never slammed it. I've had about 450 lbs. in the front seats at a time or two.

Currently have WW babystang disc brakes up front for stock 14", with 185-60-15's in the rear.

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[karl h]

i used 185/55/15 on my sprint stars with a slightly dropped baybeam and it worked perfectly

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arctic alice (63 ragtop on irs): http://cal-look.no/lounge/index.php/topic,27456.0.html
86 Caravelle
04 new beetle vert

[Fleetline15]

My single cab is fairly low, I run 165/50/R15 on the front (no tubs) & no issue with rubbing. Rears are 205/65/R15.
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[pondoras box]

Might have to sacrifice style for function here and raise the beam up an inch. Or tub it. Cheapest way to do it other than new tires. But even then you’re going to running really low profile so the ride is going to be harsh and the danger of blowing a tire and bending rims. Then you have the steering box issue, raising it? A lot to consider here. How far is your customer willing to go for the look? Maybe not putting three people up front?
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Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[Glenn]

[pondoras box]

Probably need a narrowed beam with the disc brakes. Nobody’s disc brakes are zero offset I don’t care what they say. What rims is he running? Rubbing inside or outside of wheel tub? Still a lot of variables. Smaller tires are usually a band aid.
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Looking for anything from Hal Casey Motors out of Hamburg New York, from license plate surrounds to matchbooks.

1961 23 Window (Bobo)
1965 11 Window (Zelda). https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=563183
1965 13 Window (Lucas)
1957 Oval ragtop
1960 hardtop
1964 hardtop
1965 hardtop
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion
Plus a lot of other rusty junk

[Glenn]

[Erik G]

185-60-15 was a dumb suggestion

165-65-15 will work but will drop it lower. We used to use 165-50-15 to get real low. Or don't put 3 peeps up front
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[Airkewld]

[Shoyrtt]

175/65/15s up front and 215/70/15s in the rear.

[Glenn]

[EasyNow]

I have the very same straight axle, flipped spindles kit from Airkewld on a stock front beam. While I haven't tried three passengers in front, no rubbing with two front passengers.

Front - 185/60-15
Rear - 205/60-15

Sits level with no +/- rake.

[Airkewld]

[nandonation]

Very informative post regarding lowered buses and tire size. I'm currently in the process of lowering my 1967 vw bus. My suspension consist of the following. Up front, 4 inch drop spindles on a stock beam, stock shocks. The rear stock transaxle, RGB delete, straight axle conversion kit, adjustable spring plates, stock shocks. Rims African Sprintstars. Front 15x4.5 and the rear 15x6.

My question to you guys is tire size option for this suspension setup. I've been told to run a 155/60 up front and 195/65 in the rear. I don't want to have the bus so slammed so I'm asking for your feedback on other tall tire size recommendations that will work with no rub or hopefully minimal rubbing along with shocks options too.

if anyone is asking why I chose to go with a 4 inch drop spindle? I was constantly told a 4 inch drop spindle keeps the front suspension geometry in the stock position and in addition, you can use all stock components or something along those lines. So that's why. Thanks again in advance for your feedback!


front tire option:
1-155/60/15
2-165/50/15
3-165/65/15
4-185/55/15
5-185/60/15

rear tire option:
1-195/65/15
2-205/60/15

[NUTSFORBUSES]

R:IRS installed w 15" 205/65
F:Flipped spindles w 15" 185/55 - Stock Beam-added sway bar

I used 15" wheels, but Moved the centers OUTBOARD about 5/8"+
Cut the center out, then welded them back OUTWARD to get more meat on the ground & under the Bus. 4 wheel disc's.
Never rubs
Tough to do with custom wheels, but I did not try.
Used Koni's and it rides well. Didn't want to use rubber band size tires also.
Pushing 200 HP so I needed the rubber & a bit closer to the asphalt.
When loaded up w people, dog, and Stuff, she handles pretty good, but high enough to stay away from the front legs & the street< the 15" helped a lot. Gimme an extra 1/2 " and I can do wonders!


I like the OG wheel look w CAP, it just say's "VW"

****FORGOT TO ADD : These are 5.5" wheels all around-Moving the center section allows the wider wheel in front on a stock beam

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[Teeroy]

They also make a 165 60 15, I'm running them on the front and 185 65 15 on my 65 micro with 4.5" front and 5.5" rear wheel

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[Glenn]

Update:

Setting the shocks to a firmer setting and going to a smaller tire solved the problem.
_________________
Glenn
74 Beetle Specs | 74 Beetle Restoration | 2180cc Engine
"You may not get what you pay for, but you always pay for what you get"

Member #1009

#BlueSquare

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[nandonation]

Glenn, what brand adjustable shocks are you using in the front and running in the rear?

[Glenn]