Tires sizes for air cooled Beetle

« **on:** January 10, 2006, 11:34:28 AM »

I've searched the Web for this, but have come up empty.

My son has a '69 Beetle with the original 4-hole rims. Are the 165 x 15 tires (which no one stocks) the only choice for these rims?

montysano
Huntsville, Alabama

Zen · « **Reply #1 on:** January 10, 2006, 09:03:34 PM »

First off, I'm not a tire expert, but . . .

I know there are some smaller tires avalible. The problem with anything bigger than a 165 is the width of the rim. I was going to put some bigger tires (195s if I remember correctly) on the back of my wife's 75 convertible a few years back. Not 'cause that's what I wanted, but that was the smallest 15" tire WalMart had in stock at the time, and it had to have a couple of tires quick. Anyway, they wouldn't mount them on a rim under 5" wide . . . stock rims are 4.5" If you don't mind buying new rims, there are lots of aftermarket rims avalible that are 5.5" wide. You can even get a "stock" rim that is 5.5." That would open up a whole new world of possibilities to you.

« **Reply #2 on:** January 11, 2006, 07:53:42 AM »

Thanks, Zen. Here's another question: has anyone had experience with the 4-lug to 5-lug adaptors?

I'll probably check a couple of tire stores today and see if they can order in 165/15s.

monty

Ret.Bugtech · « **Reply #3 on:** January 11, 2006, 08:24:42 AM »

Hey, I think Coker Tire here in Chatt. has the 165x15, but they are not cheap. They are a reproduction of the Goodrich tire from the '60s. I like the little wider stock rim that Zen mention. I'm not a fan of adapters as the off-set looks like a Red-Neck Trans-Am. :lol:
The original size that came on your car new at that time was a
5:60x15 ( US size in inchs). A 5.5 stock rim W/165 would look good on your car. The off-set would keep the tire under the fender.

« **Reply #4 on:** January 13, 2006, 12:08:47 PM »

Hey, Monte, I have 165/15's on the front of my Bug that were ordered(by the previous owner) from Discount Tire in Fayetteville. I know the owner. His name is Rick Currin. We have raced together for years at Winchester. He's a really good guy and will help you any way he can. I asked the previous owner if he remembered what they cost and he thinks they were $45.00 each. Discount Tire is located on 110 Hwy. right behind Rachels Restaurant which is on the left as you come into Fayetteville from Huntsville. If I can help let me know! Mike

Zen · « **Reply #5 on:** January 13, 2006, 07:56:55 PM »

Pep Boys used to stock a 165R15 . . . not the greatest tire in the world but they were usually in stock and pretty cheap. I think the last ones I bought there were about $28. On a stock bug with a decent suspension, they're good for about 35-45 thousand miles. Just be aware of the price they charge for mounting, ballancing, valve stems, etc. They will sell you a set of tires for $100 and you'll owe 'em $250 before you can turn around. I just bought the tires there and had a local service station mount them for me.

« **Reply #6 on:** January 13, 2006, 08:19:29 PM »

Thanks, guys :!:

vwherb · « **Reply #7 on:** January 14, 2006, 09:10:04 AM »

On another thread, I mentioned a tire store east of Chattanooga. Jed's Wholesale Tire and his toll free number is 1-800-517-1777.

I recently bought a set of tires from him and it is a great place to do business with plus his prices are great.

It would be a ways to go for you but he may ship. There is also www.tirerack.com who carries a large selection of tires for VWs.

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Topic: Tires sizes for air cooled Beetle (Read 4091 times)

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Tires sizes for air cooled Beetle

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Tires sizes for air cooled Beetle

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