Tire size

[Eddie]

What size tire can I buy for my 71 Super that will fit the stock rims. I can not find any 165 15's anywhere. Something has to be out there that will fit this thing. I just need a common set of tires.

[Chris the Eagle]

I had the same problem and I came to a solution.  The tire shop that I went to said that they could order a set of 4 165/85/R15 tires.  However, they were highly over priced, about $150 a piece!!  So I bought some 185/85/R15 tires and they seem to be just fine.  Mind you my beetle is not a super, but I believe that the 185's would fit yours also.  Good luck.

[Eddie]

Thanks Chris. What is the approximate difference in the size of the 165 and the 185? Are your rims the stock 4 1/2" size?
                               Eddie.

[Bookwus]

Hiya Eddie,

I don't have a problem finding 165x15s.  They can be found at a couple of local retailers in my area.  I'm running Jupiters (a Korean make) bought at Les Schwab.  I don't think that they are that rare.  It's more a matter of retailers carrying products they can turn over quickly (and make a profit in the doing). 

So, what to do if you don't have a cooperative local retailer.  Why don't you point your browser at an online tire seller?  Tire Rack is one well known organization.  Here's one of their 165x15s.................................

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1.jsp?width=165%2F&ratio=0&diameter=15&startIndex=0&search=true&pagelen=20&pagenum=1&pagemark=1&RunFlat=All&x=84&y=2

[Eddie]

Thanks Bookwus. I went there and that is what I need. The price is very cheap. Do you know if the tires are good. How about the dealer? Just seems like too good of a deal.
                                                                                      Eddie

[Chris the Eagle]

The biggest difference was the car sits about an inch higher, but that is about it.  I am not sure about the exact difference, but the difference was not that much.

[Eddie]

Thanks Chris.

[Bookwus]

Hiya Eddie,

The tire listed, a Kumho 165/80x15 is exactly what you need for your Bug.  The "80" in the tire size is its perspective ratio.  The tires originally fitted to your Bug (probably 165x15 Continentals) were an 80 perspective, but the tire sizing practices of the time did not include perspective. 

Take a look at the reviews link.  One of the reviewers is a Bug driver!

$35 seems a fair price to me.  I paid a little over that when I bought my 165x15s locally.  $39 each IIRC.  Do be aware that the Tire Rack is also going to ding you for shipping.  And you'll also have to find and pay a place locally to mount them.

And for what it might be worth, I have only heard positive things about this company.

[68autobug]

$35 for a tire???
$125 for 165 x 15 Hankook tires over here...

I have 165  x 80 x 15 hankooks on the front

but for the rear, I/m going for a larger radius so My engine revs won't be so high
at highway speeds.

I found today Toyo 205 x 70 x 15 tires are 669mm radius..
a bit expensive at $185 each...

Hankook have them at $130.   but I like the toyo tread .

205 x 65 x 15 tires are 649mm diameter...

I have 6 inch rims..

Lee

http://community.webshots.com/user/vw68autobug

Beep  Beep  I'm comig past... Beep Beep 
165 x 15  is 646mm
205/70 R15 669mm
205/65 R15 647mm
215/65 R15 661mm

235/75 x 15 is 733.6mm now thats a big difference...

Lee
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