Seeking tire size advice

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I purchased some new chrome 5.5" wide 15" 4x130 smoothie rims that I will be putting on my '76 convertible. June Bug currently has 165R15 tires on 4" stock rims, but I have been wanting to put some wider tires on her. I also would like to lower the front end, and I'm wondering if I can accomplish both goals at once. Seeking feedback on whether this is a bad idea from a mechanical or aesthetic standpoint.

Here is what I'm thinking:

205/65/R15 tires are essentially the same diameter/circumference as stock, but 2" wider. If I put these on the rear axle, the stance would be the same as currently, just wider.

If I put 205/45/R15 tires on the front, I'm essentially achieving a 1.6" lowering of the front spindles, bring the chassis more into a level stance.

Here are the tire size comparisons:

Thoughts? I am aware this would mean that my speedometer would become inaccurate, and that I would be putting additional rpms on the front end. Neither of these variables concern me much. But if these tires would interfere with suspension components or not tuck well under the fenders, I definitely want to know that.

Thank you!
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1976 Convertible Super Beetle, "June Bug".
FI-->34PICT3 carb conversion-->now dual 40 IDFs
Self-rebuilt 1904 (after totally botching a 1641 rebuild, cussing a lot, and throwing lots of cash in the fire)

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Your average stock 4x130 5.5 chrome wheel is going to have quite a bit of the offset to the outside. You may not have an issue with the tires rubbing due to the diameter, but I would imagine the tread will stick out at least an inch past the fender. If you get smaller diameter tires, but don’t lower the suspension, you’ll create a larger gap between the tire fender. Here’s some pics of a common “Cal-Look” 145/80, and a 175/55 on a 4.5 rim. The suspension has also been lowered 2.5 inches with adjustable struts.

[Double-Double]

If you're like me and trying to put 205 or 215 on stock rims, you'll probably find you'll have a hell of a time trying to find a reputable shop to do it for you. They are asking for a 5.5" rim for those sizes, so you may have to go to a one off shop or similar. No Les Schwabs, Costcos, or Discount Tires, etc...

[virusdoc]

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I have a 195/65 on a 5.5 inch rim on the back. A 205 will most likely fit, I’m just more partial to a 195. A 5.5 rim on the back isn’t much of an issue, so maybe get a pair for the back, then install one of just the rims on the front to see how much it may stick out.

[Glenn]

If you just put smaller diameter tires on the front, it will lower the car but also increase the gap between the top of the tire and the fender.

This is a 195/60-15 on a stock height 74 Standard.

This is the same 195/60-15 on the same 74 Standard with the front lowered 3"

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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"

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