Pictures of tire, wheel, and suspension thread for FAQ's

[1966type1]

[TDCTDI]

Yes. The first number (145) is how wide in millimeters the tire is (roughly, where it is measured varies from manufacturer to manufacturer.). The second number is the aspect ratio, what percentage of the first number the height of the sidewall is (80). So the sidewall height is 80% of the 145, or 116 mm.
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[cbdubs]

This is my ’58.
Front is lowered using KCW 3.5” narrowed beam. Standard spindles and drum brakes. Fake fuchs 4.5 x 15’s. 1.5” adapters to Porsche PCD. Tyres are 145 65.
Rear is 7x15 fake fuchs, standard drum brakes and 1.5” adapters.

[suburbanlegend]

[suburbanlegend]

[Danny604]

59 Beetle

front:
Previous owner said 2 leaves were taken out of one of the packs
15 x 5.5 gasburners with 145 nankang, wide 5 to 5x130 adapters, stock drums

rear:
stock height
15 x 5.5 gasburners, with 195/65, wide 5 to 5x130 adapters, stock drums

[Davidee17]

My brazilian 1968 characterized as 1964 vw beetle.
FRONT:6" narrowed beam,14"vw bus wheels 165/60 kumho kh17 solus 75T


REAR: lowered swing axle, 7" wide 15" wheels 185/65 bridgestone 88h turanza er300

[walter kandetzki]

[muravr]

Hello everyone from Italy!

Yesterday I tested my new tires mounted on rear axle, on 6" widened smoothies: Retro Classic 001 (made by Nankang) 165HR15 (165/80R15).
These tires have tread absolutely similar to MIchelin XVS. Available also in 155R15 and 185R15 sizes.

[Stumpjumper19]

I have 185/60/R15 front
With 205/60/R15 on the rear.
Bug is stock room for bigger rear tires.
What size do you think I can go on the rear if I go bigger and tad wider?
My bug below I’m considering changing rims to a black smoothie with center chrome dome or a all black raider with a red line around edge.

[Stumpjumper19]

Few options I’m considering.

[Andrzej]

Current Set

rear 2 outer splines and 15" 6.5J with 185/65 tyres
front adjustable beam with standard spindles and 15" 4.5J with 145/65 tyres

[toxicavenger70]

We need some new tires on the ride. I wanted to stick with as close to stock as I could. I ordered some Nankang CX668 Low Noise tires from Discount Tire Direct. They were $50 a piece.

I have to say combined with an alignment it is rolling really good. I might need to lower the air pressure to get it riding a little smoother.

I will try and remember to do a longevity report on them.

[grenadeAcorn]

[DonHomer]

1970 Standard

FRONT:

Stock beam
EMPI disc brake conversion with 2.5" drop spindle
15 X 4-1/2 INCH ( 4-1/2 INCH BACK SPACING) Wheel
KYB KG4520 Gas-A-Just shocks
155/60 R15 Continental ContiProContact Tire

Rear:

Stock drums
Lowered 2 splines on stock IRS
15 X 5-1/2 INCH (4-1/4 INCH BACK SPACING) wheel
Air shocks(Monroe Max-Air Rear Shocks?) with bike valve for adjustment
195/65 R15 Continental ContiProContact Tire

Pros: Looks great, and I love the look of the additional backspacing on the rear wheel in addition to the wider tire. The air shocks are a great(and cheap) way to get an inch or so of adjustment.

What would I have done different: I would have replaced the 50 year old front shocks before buying front tires.

After I did the front brakes/drop spindle the stock tires were rubbing so I went with the 155/60 tire. After replacing the shocks with the new KYB units it raised the front end up well over an inch, and now the fender gaps are not even. They will settle in over time, so not really a big deal.

[Bryan67]

New shocks will not raise a car. And especially not an inch. Maybe the shocks are bottomed out and keeping the car from sitting lower.
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[jjwdesign]

Tire Suggestions Please:

I have a '74 (regular/standard) Beetle
Stock front beam
2.5” EMPI drop spindles with disc breaks
Rear dropped 1 outer spline; approx 2.3”
I have some new EMPI style 8 spoke 5.5” x 15” wheels I would like to use. 4.6” backspacing.

Right now the level is fairly good. I'm not into extreme low riders. I'd like to keep the vehicle level if possible. I don't care for tiny wheels or tires.

I was thinking of using 175/55R15's on the front and keep my 195/65R15's on the rear.

[DonHomer]

I think you'll be fine with 175/55R15's on the front, I may move mine from the rear to the front and buy another set of 15 X 5-1/2 INCH (4-1/4 INCH BACK SPACING) wheels for the back.

Looking at mine it looks like there is plenty of room for 195/65R15's on the rear.

Post pics when you are done, I'd love to see it!

[bigryanh]

[DonHomer]

I couldn't tell you, if yours is stock and mine is lowered the difference is pretty noticeable, sorry