Suggestions for Thing replacement tire for 14" wheel

[Haupt Strasse Motors]

Hi,
I have the stock 14 inch wheels and would like suggestions for a replacement tire, size and brand that looks rides good. The oe size was 185 SR 14 and is no longer available although Thing shop is working on
a repro of the OE tires, they are not yet available.
Thanks all for all your help,
Bill

[Fun 181]

Have you checked out the sticky thread titled "Wheel/Tire FAQs-Wheel/Tire questions/answers? Start here!" located at the top of the Thing forum page?

Check it out and scroll down a little. You'll find a link to a lengthy and in-depth discussion about purchasing new tires. That should help.
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[erdonline]

I've found 185/14 tires from several online retailers, as well as a few local tire shops. They are the same size as on my Vanagons.

www.tires-easy.com and www.busdepot.com (look under Vanagon) both have them.

Ed in CT

[Alan Smithee]

I asked the same question in the last month, and was also directed to the sticky thread regarding tires/wheels. However, there is not much information for those looking for the closest tires possible to OEM (hence my post on the subject).

There are 185-14 tires out there from various manufacturers (see TireRack.com for some from Continental, Yokohama, and Michelin, to name a few). But unlike the OEM Thing tires, all have round shoulders and car-type tread. I ordered a set of Goodyear Wrangler ATs today in 195/75-14. Not the original size, but they do have an aggressive tread pattern like the OEM tires. They are 3/10-4/10" wider than 185-14s, but more importantly to me, they are within 1/10-2/10" of the various 185-14s in diameter. Downside is that they are ridiculously expensive...over $200 per corner with mounting, balancing, tax, etc.

I should have them mounted by the end of the week. I'll try to post some pictures.

[Fun 181]

This question seems to get asked every month - that's why it was made a sticky. Since you won't be able to find the exact match for the OEM tire that came on a Thing, I had thought that this thread would be helpful...

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2...mp;start=0

So far it seems to have as much info regarding stock tires on this site as I can find. I don't know how much more information you want, but it has photos, links and a decent discussion of "stock looking" Thing tires. While bigger than OEM, I thought Klokard's McCreary tires (215X14s) fit the bill...

and then you have Capt. Spalding's set up which looks like it's right off the showroom floor...

[Alan Smithee]

Well, for the record, the sticky was no help in finding what I believe to be the best option out there for stock looking tires in both size and tread type, the Goodyear Wrangler AT in size 195/75-14 (as indicated above). I just had them mounted, and they look almost identical to the OEM 185-14s.

[Fun 181]

[Alan Smithee]

I stand corrected...the tire is mentioned. I was focusing on tires in the OEM size and/or with photos and first hand forum member feedback. I'll provide the latter at a later date.

[gatorvw]

I run the McCreary tires (215X14s) love the look of them.

Cheers,

Thomas

[Zylinderkopf]

This thread is 13 years old. Can anyone chime in with what’s available today? I’m hoping to hold onto my stock wheels but 14” tires are hard to find.
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1963 Beetle
1966 Beetle 1300
1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe
1971 Super Beetle
1974 Thing


"A lot of people never use their initiative because no one told them to."

[mondshine]

I am very happy with my Vredestein Sprint Classic tires.
Mine are 185VR15, but these tires are available for 14" wheels; 185HR14.

Most tire shops can order them.

They cost more than Chinese tires, but I like 'em.

Good luck, Mondshine

[frogman_94]

[Zylinderkopf]

Thanks guys
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1963 Beetle
1966 Beetle 1300
1970 Karmann Ghia Coupe
1971 Super Beetle
1974 Thing


"A lot of people never use their initiative because no one told them to."

[el_safari]

Nankang FT9 185/80R14C 102/100Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VrIz62ToNCY&t=7s

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La terre n'est qu'un seul pays

[wbailey2112]

I put a set of General Altimax on my Thing last summer and so far so good. These and an upgrade to Bilstein B6 shocks have greatly improved the handling and drivability of my Thing. I went with 195R7014 although in hindsight I may have went with something slightly larger.

Just make sure that your tire shop has the means to balance a wide 5 wheel (assuming you have the stock 14" wheels) as most do not. There are adapter plates available to allow these wheels to be spin balanced on a modern tire balancing machine. You may want to buy or borrow one to take with you to your tire shop.
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'74 Thing
'83 Westfalia

[[email protected]]

If you look in classic car magazines, or just about any Hemmings publication, there are manufacturers remaking bias ply, and radial tires for classic cars. I used Pirrelli CN 36 on my Sports Bug back in the 70's, and have seen them being offered again. Pick up Hemmings Motor News and go thru it, you'll find more than what you want.

[CanStan]

I'm running General Grabber 27x8.50R14 tires. I personally think they have just the right look and amount of aggressive tread to them, and I like the way they ride. The price is also really good from a lot of the online retailers. I got mine from blackcircles.ca for around $100 CAD each shipped.

[MikeScar]

I’m currently in the process of restoring my 74’ Thing. It’s been in storage in my Father’s barn for 30 years. Just discovered that it has the original tires with tubes! Here’s my question. Will these rims work with new tubeless tires or will I need new rims? Thanks in advance!

[wbailey2112]

Yes, tubeless tires will work just fine however you may need to clean up the inside of the wheels where the bead of the tire meets the wheel to ensure a good seal.

Also, before you ask, there are tons of discussions on this forum about tire brands and tire sizes that will fit so use the search functionality to find these posts and learn about what others have used.
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'74 Thing
'83 Westfalia

[Heiferman]

If you are restoring, blasting and powder coating is in order for the wheels imo.
How about posting up some of your work in a new resto thread?
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- 1973 Thing, some LandCruisers and an old Ambulance