Tires

[usroute66]

Fully realize this subject is covered in literally hundreds of responses/replies, in fact more than enough to ware down the patience of this old man to read through every one. Many replies have special circumstances (lowered front end, shortened beam, offsets, e.g.). Because there are so many responses/replies, I'm asking for a simple (e.g. short) answer to the following:
Are there suggested brands/sizes of tires to replace the 165R15's, on my 69KG coupe.

Ghia has what I believe are the original wheels, is not lowered, original (restored) beam. Will consider dropped spindles in the future, depending on how new tires sit in wheel well, clearance, e.g. but not a major factor.

Thanks in advance for any/all responses.

[iowegian]

Short answer:
Michelin XZX.
https://www.cokertire.com/165sr15-michelin-xzx.htm...20by%20SKU

[Era Vulgaris]

I agree, Coker tire is the place.
Although I put the 155r15 size on my car. PO had 165's on the car when I bought it, but they looked too bulgy to me on the little 4.5" wide wheel. Also the 165 doesn't fit in my spare tire location.
https://www.cokertire.com/155r15-firestone-f560-blackwall-tire.html

I've already logged about 1,000 miles on them since I bought them in May of this year, and I'm quite happy with them.
_________________
Currently own:
66 Karmann Ghia, L390 Gulf Blue, under construction, here: www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=760505&highlight=
99 Mazda MX-5 10AE, Sapphire Blue Mica, 6 speed, LSD

Previously owned:
98 Porsche Boxster, silver, 2.5L -- 67 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1500sp -- 98 BMW Z3, Atlanta Blue Metallic, 2.8L I6 -- 75 Porsche 914, Laguna Blue, 2270cc -- 72 Porsche 914, Signal Orange, 1.7 FI -- 74 Karmann Ghia, Black, 1600dp -- 74 Triumph TR6 with O.D., sapphire blue

[Angus Dowrie]

I have a stock height/suspension '63 with the Michelin XZX tyres and I'm very happy with them. I am using BRM wheels which are 15"x 5" all round, and they look right bearing in mind the comment above regarding standard 4.5" wheels.

The 165 radial tyres are considered the modern equivalent of the original cross-ply tyres. However radial tyres just by the different construction have more 'bulge' than the cross-ply. I think that the extra .5" width of wheel perhaps brings it back to the original proportions.

I do have a CSP zero offset disc brake kit on as well at the front, but it doesn't alter the track of the front wheels. I bought the BRMs years ago, they seem to be generally wider now so not sure if the 5" ones are still available.

_________________
1963 Australian Delivery RHD Coupe
Build thread;
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=610414

[sactojesse]

There are some other good options to consider for stock or near stock size tires.

Vredstein Sprint Classic 165HR15, probably the only HR (130 mph) rated tire in that size:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=...ngsReviews

BF Goodrich Radial T/A 155/80R15:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=...mpare1=yes

Keep in mind that either 165R15, 165/80R15, 155R15, 155/80R15 are radial analogs to the original 5.60 x 15 bias ply tires that came with your car. There's not an exact size equivalent. However, the 155s do fit in your spare tire well better.
_________________
1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible

[mxl556]

I replaced 165/80R15's with BF Goodrich Radial T/A 155/80R15 approximately 7 years ago, if not longer. Had the tire shop put white letters on the inside. They have been great and holding up well. The handling is good and these tires do not wear out much. I have approximately 15K miles on them and will probably end up replacing them when they will start showing age and not because of wear.So far they look new and rubber does not have any cracks or signs of aging.

I think 155 size is closer to the original because the car rides, handles and turns better than with 165's. Speedometer is accurate too. My car is stock (73 coupe). Using original steel wheels (4.5x15) with hubcaps.

It is possible that BF Goodrich sold today is not the same quality as what I bought back in 2009-2010, but I am very happy with the ones on my car. Can't beat the price too.

Max

[usroute66]

Thanks for all replies. I bought some 165/80/15s and should have them on by next week.

Thanks again.

[doregan]

Question on Ghia handling and tires.

I recently purchased a 74 Ghia vert with very nice Pedrini rims and 205/60-15 Patriot (?) tires.

Some 45 years ago I had a 67 Ghia coupe with stock tires and rims.

The 67 seemed to handle much better and seemed sportier. Is that due to the 74 having wider tires? The 74 seems so "flat-footed" and almost difficult to drive when cornering.

Am I off base here or would tires close to the original size give me better road feel?

[sactojesse]

[KGCoupe]

[c21darrel]

I think these fine gentleman are just trying to diplomatically say that you are older now, your memory has faded and you drove the 67 with a heavier foot.
Car looks great with the Pedrinis!
_________________
GhiaBuild
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=481184
1967 DC build
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=693583&highlight=67+dc
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[doregan]

Thanks for the replies.

Maybe it is my memory.''

Since I was single, in grad school, and it was the early seventies, I did have a lot of fun with the 67 Ghia. Maybe it is just the memories.

On the difference in weight between the 67 and 74 (~200 lb), that seems negligible and the VW recommended tire went from 5.60-15 to 6.00-15. The load range would have gone up but probably not substantially (I can't find any info for the old VW tires).

I may swap out the Pedrinis and the 205/60-15 tires for the original 4.5j-15 painted steel rims and something close to the original tire sizes (which are apparently hard to come by). Part of this idea is that I like the classic stock look of the KG. So if you are looking for Pedrinis, they may be available.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[Era Vulgaris]