Looking for staggered tire size recommendations - 1970 Beetle

[Ira Senoff]

I have a 1970 Beetle Convertible. I bought it in 2019 as an older restoration that looked good from 5 feet but had its boogers and flaws once you got right up on it. My wife bought it for me for my 50th birthday as it is a visually identical replica of my first car. It had great bones but the fit and finish was not to my liking and the interior was original and looked its age. Of course, the top did its job but needed some TLC too. Fast forward - everything has been totally redone and is about two weeks from being released from the body shop.

It is sitting on tires that I am surprised still hold air. I will not drive on these tires so they need to be replaced.

The wheels on the car are 4.5 inches wide. The car is stock height. I am looking to buy tires this week and would like something wider in the rear.

What does everyone recommend as a staggered wide set up that does not require new wheels?

Thanks in advance for any information/suggestions.

[Glenn]

You can stuff a 185 on 4.5" but that's about the limit i'd suggest.
_________________
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

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[Ira Senoff]

[pondoras box]

If you don’t lower the front it’s going to look weird on mismatched tires. Too much of a gap between tire and fender. It’s going to have the appearance of the front being raised up think of the old gassers from back in the 70’s
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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
Another 65 hardtop
1973 standard bug
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion

[Glenn]

A 185/70-15 in the rear is about the same size as a 165-15.

A 185/75-15 is a bit taller and will fit.
_________________
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

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[pondoras box]

In my opinion stock height bugs look best with stock size tires. You will see people with slightly oversized tires and they look like cartoonish like on who framed Rodger rabbit. Undersized looks well just weird. Even with the 67’s they are known for sagging in the rear and looks odd. But hey it’s your bug. Check out pics of bugs that are stock height. Ask people to share the specifications of their cars via PM. People will generally share that info if you ask.
_________________
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
Another 65 hardtop
1973 standard bug
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion

[Glenn]

_________________
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

עַם יִשְׂרָאֵל חַי

[OldSchoolVW's]

Use this calculator to help you see how various sizes compare to the stock size:

https://tire-calc.com/comparison/185-65-r15-and-185-70-r15/

I agree with pondora's box. Smaller diameter tires in front will create more space between the tire and the fender without dropping the nose of the car, only modifying the suspension can do that (or a full tank of gas and a couple of bags of cement in the trunk).
_________________
Tom

"Following distance is proportional to IQ."

"It's okay to think."

"If you don't do it this year, you'll be one year older when you do." Warren Miller

'63 Beetle Sedan
'69 Beetle Sunroof
'70 Beetle Sedan
'73 Type 3 Fastback

[pondoras box]

Don’t knock the quickcrete lowering technique
_________________
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
Another 65 hardtop
1973 standard bug
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=804912
1988 Cabriolet VR6 conversion

[Rome]

[Bobs67vwagen]

I agree with Pondora on this , I think 165-80-15 radials fill the wheel wells nicely on stock height bug and if you buy 5 you won't have to worry about mixing sizes if you get a flat tire. Glen. I noticed on the ram truck photo there is snow on the ground in the background. That must be fun driving that with packed snow on the road. Bob

[jinx758]

I recently - in Feb - put 165s on my front wheels to replace the cracked 185s that came with my bug I rescued off Craigslist back about 2015 (used to daily it for 3yrs, too). HUGELY discounted, discontinued tires for $40-ish each or so . Bought back in '16 or '17.


Anywho ...
There's too much space between the front tire & fender now.
It sticks out to me every time I look at the car. It just catches me off guard & seems odd. I got so used to seeing those taller tires.
Yes I have OCD.

I will NEVER own a lowered bug !
I have owned a few in the past & HATED it, only drove 3 that were done right but one had air suspension so doesn't count.

I'll get over myself, maybe ... stay safe

jinx
_________________
" It's not valuable unless you learn something from an experience. " Henry Ford

It's not unlike the same difference ...

My Craigslist rescued 100 footer :
1971 Standard Bug
1776cc dual port
034 distributor
38mm EGAS Carburetor