KG Tire Survey

[rtroy]

Hi Ghia Guys and Ghia Gals,

In recent years there have been quite a number of new tire makes available for our Karmann Ghias. I've been one of those die-hard fans of the Michelin 165SR15 XZX but when Coker took over manufacturing from Michelin a few years ago, they raised the price to about $250 per tire - about five times the previous cost! Lately, they've seen fit to reduce the price to today's more reasonable but still too high, in my view, $169 ea (plus tax & shipping). I don't really want to pay that much just for old times sake if I can get something as good or better for less - so I came here to see what us Samba-members have to say about it.

...I counted TWENTY NINE threads regarding tires here! I went through _all_ of them! Unfortunately, there was no consistent set of information about all the various recommendations, with many repeats of previous data and many where I wish they'd have given a bit more data - in particular, the fit of the tire in the spare tire well. So, I've decided to ask people to respond to a survey about what folks are actually running. This should help many of us in the future.

One _critical_ question I would like everyone to answer is whether or not a given size on a given rim will fit into the spare tire well! Beetles are NOT Karmann Ghias in this regard, so _please,_ lets keep this discussion _exclusively_ focused on the Karmann Ghia.

Please take the time to provide all of the data you can in the requested format so all entries are about the same so we can scan the responses for a comprehensive understanding of the tire market today as it applies to our cars and our specific needs. Don't worry if you don't have all the information - please post what you do know / have!

This is not the time to go on about all the things unique about your car, please. Let's keep it focused on tires - and no images please!

Just to keep things clean, I'm posting this first to establish the thread and will then immediately follow up with another post that can be "quoted" to provide a form for easy consistency among respondents.

THANK YOU FOR RESPONDING,

Richard

P.S. If you wish to provide data anonymously, just send it to me and I'll enter it for you. Rgds, RT

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand:

Tire Size:

Tire "series" and/ or type:

Approximate cost each (unmounted):

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name:
Diameter:
Width:
Offset:
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall):
Sidewall construction:

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?

White-wall width?
White-wall on both sides of tire?

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)


Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Michelin

Tire Size: 165SR15

Tire "series" and/ or type: XZX radial

Approximate cost each (unmounted): $169 from Coker Tire

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name:
Diameter:
Width:
Offset:
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): 1 Rayon, 2 Steel
Sidewall construction: Rayon

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?

White-wall width?
White-wall on both sides of tire?

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear differ, please provide all data.)

YES, on most undamaged Karmann Ghias, but not absolutely all.


Treadwear: 240
Traction: A
Temperature: B

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

It handles wonderfully and is the benchmark standard by which to measure other tires. This is widely considered the best overall tire for the Karmann Ghia ever fitted for street use. It was an optional size and many prefer it over the 155 version. A great many Karmann Ghias came home new from the dealer with the earlier version of this tire, the X series, which this series replaced.

This tire is a great blend of traction and treadwear - if you ever wear out this tire, it usually means your suspension has a problem!

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Kumho Power Star 758

Tire Size: 165/80R15

Tire "series" and/ or type: all season

Approximate cost each (unmounted): $45

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name:
Diameter:
Width:
Offset:
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall):
Sidewall construction:

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?

White-wall width?
White-wall on both sides of tire?

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)

Unknown


Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

Modern tread design, quiet, very good price. only 500mi on them but so far I love 'em cannot comment on wet driving(windshield seal leaks). I'm planning on getting a second set for our other Ghia.

In any case those were for my car, but the wife got the nice new tires (just got her ghia), I got three off her car and bought one new one (federal brand, doesn't look 1/2 bad but the steering went on my car so I didn't drive on it much) But I know 'Metric' and 'Federal' brand all season radials in 165/80R15 do fit in the spare tire well of both our '74s. Those are on my car now, but once I get new Kumhos for my car I'll be using the federal and metric tires as spares.

Sam M.

[rtroy]

Tim C. responds:

Richard,

I'm running the same Kumho's as Sam. I'm very satisfied.

Tim C.
'64 Coupe

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Yokohama

Tire Size: 165/R15

Tire "series" and/ or type: all season

Approximate cost each (unmounted):

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name: 8-spoke EMPIs
Diameter: 15"
Width: 5.5"
Offset:
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): Steel belts
Sidewall construction:

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?

White-wall width?
White-wall on both sides of tire?

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)

YES.

Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

Modern tread design, quiet, very good price. Nice looking tire

Allen C.

[rtroy]

> TIRE SURVEY
>
> For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
> please provide:
>
> Tire Brand: Diamond Back Classic Radials (General Tire)
> Tire Size: 165-R-15
>
> Tire "series" and/ or type: Radial
>
> Approximate cost each (unmounted): $159
>
> Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
> Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name:
> Diameter:
> Width:
> Offset:
> (If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)
>
> If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall):
> Sidewall construction:
>
> If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?
>
> White-wall width? 3/4"
> White-wall on both sides of tire? No
>
> Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a
> Karmann Ghia? Yes
> (_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims /
> tires differ, please provide all data.)
>
>
> Treadwear: Unk
> Traction: A rating
> Temperature: A rating
>
> Tire Fit:
> Tire Fit:
> Lowered in front by how much:
> Lowered in rear by how much:
> Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
> Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:
>
> Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)
>
I like the tires very much. Handle well in all road conditions. I've only put 10k miles on them in 10 yrs, though. The Diamond Back company will make the whitewall what ever width you want. I had them make the WW to match the original Continental tires which they replaced.


L Wilson

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Signet Radial YP-821 (made in Korea)

Tire Size: 165 SR 15

Tire "series" and/ or type: All Weather, M+S rated

Approximate cost each (unmounted): $40, I think; about 10 years ago

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock: Stock
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name: N/A
Diameter: N/A
Width: N/A
Offset: N/A
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): 1 Polyester + 2 Steel
Sidewall construction: 1 Polyester

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless? N/A

White-wall width? N/A
White-wall on both sides of tire? N/A

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a
Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims /
tires differ, please provide all data.)
Minor damage in wheelwell area; tire *almost* fits. So, Unknown I guess.


Treadwear: 300
Traction: A
Temperature: B

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much: N/A
Lowered in rear by how much: N/A
Front axle beam narrowed by how much: N/A
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places: N/A

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

Tires have done excellent service, especially considering the price. I
don't know how many miles there are on them; car was a daily driver for
the first 4-5 years, but it's been driven very little since then.
Tread's probably about half gone. Handling is as good as the worn out
suspension allows. Pretty quiet. I'd buy them again.

Rory R.

[mxsjw]

Just a thought, but why not add...
overall tire diameter?
speed rating?
mileage warranty?
Any web links to the tire manufacturers and/or retailers?

Tires will be the first thing my ghia needs before she gets back on the road...wrong size on stock rims now (Toyo 600+4 185/65R15...made in 1991) and the car hasn't been driven since 1997. Tires are weather checked, cracked, and bulging badly on the stock rims (PO did it, not me)

I'll be watching this thread closely.

[rtroy]

Richard,

I had Diamondbacks on my Ghia and vouch that they wear very well. I
think much better than the BF Goodrich tires from Coker. I've been told
that the BF Goodrich tires use an old rubber compound that is softer
than modern tires.

Larry E.

[rtroy]

Richard,

I had Diamondback 165R15 with 3 1/2 inch whitewalls on my 58 coupe. Most of their whitewalls are made to order, so you can
get any width you want.

Jim G.

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Summit Mega Metric

Tire Size: 165R15 86S

Tire "series" and/ or type: mudd and snow "M+S"

Approximate cost each (unmounted):

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name:
Diameter:
Width:
Offset:
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): steel belted radial
Sidewall construction:

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?

White-wall width?
White-wall on both sides of tire?

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)


Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

seems OK. i had some problem with rubbing when the
steering wheel is all the way one side or another.


Sam L.

[InSaNeBoY]

[rtroy]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Kelly Metric

Tire Size: 165R15

Tire "series" and/ or type: All season

Approximate cost each (unmounted): $58 (2006 purchase)

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock:
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name:
Diameter:
Width:
Offset:
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): Steel belts
Sidewall construction:

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless?

White-wall width?
White-wall on both sides of tire?

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia?
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)

NO, damnit, it does not! I have an old (I've had it for the nearly 30 years I've had it!) bald that may even be original. It still holds air, but so far I've not needed it.


Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:

Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)

Like? Well, yes--the price is right. :-)
Durability: I have less than 10 K on them, but see no signs of wear. Handling is okay. They're good in town and on the
freeway at 75-90 mph. No problems in snow or rain. I run them at 32/42psi F/R, but I don't like (really)high-speed cornering
on mountain roads. Perhaps the added weight of the 1776? Perhaps just the tire.

Stephen W.

[John Moxon]

TIRE SURVEY

Tire Brand: Firestone
Tire Size: 560/15
Tire "series" and/ or type: Vintage style whitewall
Approximate cost each (unmounted): £127 + tax (UK, 2009) $148 Coker, USA
Wheel:
Diameter:
Width:
Offset: (If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.) If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall):
Sidewall construction:
If bias-ply: Tube or Tubeless. (personal preference)
White-wall width? 2-3/4" or 70mm
White-wall on both sides of tire? Yes
Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia? Inflated, No. Half inflated Yes.
Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:
Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:
Additional remarks:

These Firestone bias ply tyre have an authentic Vintage high profile appearance. In the UK you pay a heavy price if you are looking for that authentic look, in that they were at the time of buying (2008) nearly double the US sticker price.

I have about 4000 miles on these tyres and they show little signs of tread wear although there is feint fine crazing of the white wall. Grip is good for a bias ply tyre but you should obviously be aware the grip in wet weather isn’t up to radial standards…drive accordingly.
_________________
John.
Judson Supercharger Information on The Samba
My 1958 Shorrock Supercharged Karmann Ghia
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!

[thom]

TIRE SURVEY

Tire Brand: Firestone
Tire Size: 560/15
Tire "series" and/ or type: Vintage style whitewall
Approximate cost each (unmounted): $125 Coker, USA
Wheel: stock
Diameter: stock
Width: stock
Offset: (If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.) If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall):
Sidewall construction:
If bias-ply: Tubeless
White-wall width? 2-3/4"
White-wall on both sides of tire? No
Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia? Inflated, Yes. Half inflated Yes.
Treadwear:
Traction:
Temperature:
Tire Fit:
Lowered in front by how much:
Lowered in rear by how much:
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places:
Additional remarks:
I have about 3300 miles on them, with a mix of short highway trips and city driving.

Link to Coker page: http://store.coker.com/560-15-firestone-2-3-4-ww.html

Construction: 4 ply polyester
Load Capacity: 970 @ 32 psi
Tube Type: Tubeless
Overall Diameter:25.79
Cross Section: 5.96
Tread Width: 3.8
Tread Depth: 11
Max Inflation: 32
Rec. Rim Width: 4--5.5
_________________
-Thom
1956 Single Cab
1957 Porsche 356A Sunroof
1957 23-Window Deluxe
1957 Mercedes Westfalia single cab
1963 Unimog 404
1965 E-Type

[sactojesse]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Nankang CX668

Tire Size: 145TR15

Tire "series" and/ or type: P-metric (should be 82 series, although published diameter seems to indicate that it's actually an 80 series)

Approximate cost each (unmounted): $90

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock: N/A
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name: N/A
Diameter: 15"
Width: 4.5"
Offset: unknown, stock rim
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): steel
Sidewall construction:

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless? N/A

White-wall width? N/A
White-wall on both sides of tire? N/A

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia? Yes.
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)


Treadwear: 400
Traction: A
Temperature: B

Tire Fit: Is used as a spare only. Approximates the rolling diameter of my 185/65HR15s on the car, but fits nicely in the spare tire well.
Lowered in front by how much: 1 3/4" inches via adjustable beam
Lowered in rear by how much: N/A
Front axle beam narrowed by how much: N/A
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places: N/A

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)
N/A. Tire used only as a spare.
_________________
1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible

[ripreston]

Hi Richard,

I'll keep it simple. Like you, I'm a die hard Michelin XZX user. I still swear by them — despite Coker's substantial price increase. I have 4 165SR15s mounted on aftermarket stock-style 5½" rims, but I have a 145SR15 mounted on a stock rim for a spare. As many of us know, it's hard to properly close the bonnet/hood with the larger sizes. The 145 fits quite nicely in the spare tire well.

[Bruce Amacker]

I'm also a Michelin XZX user, 165SR15s on stock style chrome wheels put on by the PO. They won't fit in the spare tire well, I bought a space saver at a swap meet for $5 for that task.

Soooo, What's the general consensus- should these be rotated regularly on an IRS car, or not? I did search the Ghia and Late Beetle forums, and surprisingly did not find an answer. My gut feeling is to rotate them regularly like any other car, but I think John Muir said not to in his book (not that it means anything, and he was probably talking swing axle).

Thanks!
_________________
'66 Deluxe Bus
'65 Standard Bus
Build threads:
'66- http://www.leakoil.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=2888&sid=54d8dedfb3822f99c7f2ea430cb4e856
'65- http://leakoil.net/forum/viewtopic.php?f=23&t=4263

[sactojesse]

TIRE SURVEY

For each brand and size tire are you running on your Karmann Ghia(s),
please provide:

Tire Brand: Ultra HP4 Radial GT (Goodyear Republic Brand)

Tire Size: 185/65R15 88H M&S rated

Tire "series" and/ or type: 65 series, M & S rated

Approximate cost each (unmounted): $47 in December 2004.

Wheel: Please respond only if non-stock: 2-liter alloy replicas
Wheel manufacturer & / or wheel name: American Eagle Series 073
Diameter: 15"
Width: 5.5"
Offset: +35 mm
(If front and rear are different, please provide both sets of data.)

If Radial: Belt material (from sidewall): 3-ply tread (1 polyester cord, 2 steel cords)
Sidewall construction: 1 ply polyester cord

If bias-ply: Tube or tubeless? N/A

White-wall width? N/A
White-wall on both sides of tire? N/A

Does this tire mounted on this wheel fit in the _undamaged_ nose of a Karmann Ghia? No. I use a 145R15 as a spare.
(_Please_ answer either yes, no, or unknown. If front and rear rims / tires differ, please provide all data.)


Treadwear: 380
Traction: A
Temperature: A

Tire Fit: Fits without rubbing at stock height. Very minimal rubbing in front at extreme ends of steering travel with front end lowered 1 3/4 to 2 inches via adjustable stock width beam. No rubbing in rear.
Lowered in front by how much: Approximately 1 3/4 to 2 inches via adjustable stock width beam.
Lowered in rear by how much: Not intentionally lowered, but appears to be about 1 inch lower than stock due to sagging torsion tubes.
Front axle beam narrowed by how much:
Tire rubs coachwork in all the following places: See above re: tire fit.

Additional remarks: (Do you like the tire? Durable? Handling? etc.)
Seems to work fine.
_________________
1966 Karmann-Ghia convertible