tires

98GTI · « **on:** April 01, 2011, 10:42:34 AM »

What is the widest tire I can put on my 66 beetle?

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #1 on:** April 02, 2011, 10:07:03 AM »

Are you using stock rims ?

certdubtech · « **Reply #2 on:** April 02, 2011, 10:37:08 AM »

Quote from: Ret.Bugtech on April 02, 2011, 10:07:03 AM

Are you using stock rims ?

X 2....

Rim diameter, width, stock, raised, lowered height... all make a difference. To quote Johnny 5, need more input....

One thing though... A lot of people want to run big rims and tires on a bug, but keep in mind the already taxed powertrain in it's stock form. Big rims and tires will wear a bug out. You'll feel an even bigger lack of power than you have in a stock set-up, plus wear on things like bearings, etc... just a little FYI...
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98GTI · « **Reply #3 on:** April 04, 2011, 10:39:26 AM »

Looks like I've got stock Chrome rind. Standard height. Stock vehicle.

certdubtech · « **Reply #4 on:** April 04, 2011, 10:47:20 AM »

Stock tire, radial size is 165R15.

Nearest equivalent you will find nowadays is 165/ 80R15

A 175/65/15 would be a bit lower. wider, 185/65/15 will go, similar sidewall, still a bit lower, but is pushing mounting on a stock width rim without "bulging out".

Trouble is finding taller/ bigger tires that aren't A/T tread patterns. If it's a stock application, run the 165s. The 175s i mentioned look cool on a lower car, but leave a silly looking fender gap. Plus, bigger tires on the front will affect handling/ steering to the tune of feeling much "heavier"

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #5 on:** April 04, 2011, 11:28:23 AM »

Sparky, Leave the G.D. thing alone and enjoy. VW spent millions of dollars on figuring out what size rim/tires to use to get max. fuel mileage, light steering etc. When I had my cherry '67 Bug ,I ran 165-R-15's on a 5 1/2 inch rim ( like a wide 5 Porsche 356).

98GTI · « **Reply #6 on:** April 04, 2011, 01:03:15 PM »

Reason I'm asking is because the tire on it are dryrotted and I need to replace them. It has 180r15's on it now. I would like a little more meat on the road since I drive to chatt everyday. Thanks for all the info , you guys are a big help.

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #7 on:** April 04, 2011, 01:50:00 PM »

Quote from: 98GTI on April 04, 2011, 01:03:15 PM

Reason I'm asking is because the tire on it are dryrotted and I need to replace them. It has 180r15's on it now. I would like a little more meat on the road since I drive to chatt everyday. Thanks for all the info , you guys are a big help.

Dang Sparky, You want more meat on the ground just because you drive to Chatt everyday ? Its kind of strange that a few million people drove Bugs all over the country on 155 bias tires and 165 radial tires in complete safety. You ain't lived until you spun your Bug out on wet pavement and tried to gather it up when you are running fat tires. The way I look at it, If VW thought big o' fat tires were better you can bet they would have installed them at the factory. This goes for Hurst and EMPI Shifters also

If you like fat tires go buy a Porsche 930 to play with. They got a set of rear donuts that would make a Boeing 747 blush

Zen · « **Reply #8 on:** April 04, 2011, 02:17:31 PM »

I drove Beetles and Super Beeltes as daily drivers for years. 165R15's were all I ever ran. Stock works as long as it's all stock. You mess with one piece, you normally need to mess with lots of other stuff to make it work. Buy a good set of 165R15 tires and drive it . . . the tires will be the least of your worries.

certdubtech · « **Reply #9 on:** April 04, 2011, 02:22:38 PM »

Quote from: Zen on April 04, 2011, 02:17:31 PM

I drove Beetles and Super Beeltes as daily drivers for years. 165R15's were all I ever ran. Stock works as long as it's all stock. You mess with one piece, you normally need to mess with lots of other stuff to make it work. Buy a good set of 165R15 tires and drive it . . . the tires will be the least of your worries.

Agreed.

Biggest complaints i heard from tire variations on stock set-up were that the handling/ steering became more difficult, and, even though everybody thinks they would be better in wet-weather, the opposite tends to be true. Keep in mind how light the front end is. A wider tire becomes little more than a wider skid-platform when it comes to hydo-planing.

98GTI · « **Reply #10 on:** April 04, 2011, 07:01:35 PM »

I didn't think about the larger skid area. And Godfather....I've been there on the spinout..not once but twice. I have no desire to try for a third!!

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #11 on:** April 04, 2011, 07:10:48 PM »

Quote from: 98GTI on April 04, 2011, 07:01:35 PM

I didn't think about the larger skid area. And Godfather....I've been there on the spinout..not once but twice. I have no desire to try for a third!!

And so---------

98GTI · « **Reply #12 on:** April 04, 2011, 09:04:55 PM »

Those seat buttons sure hurt when you suck them up the rear!!!

certdubtech · « **Reply #13 on:** April 04, 2011, 09:30:08 PM »

Quote from: 98GTI on April 04, 2011, 09:04:55 PM

Those seat buttons sure hurt when you suck them up the rear!!!

Yes, it is possible to stop a car by drawing the entire thing up your butt....

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