Tires on wires

[cozmo4A]

What can I use for tires on my wire wheels? I really don't want to spend a small fortune on Michelins, so what are my options? They are 15x4.5" I believe. Thanks.

 

[Wifesmainwrench]

Hey cozmo. I just got what I think was a good deal on a set of Hancook 185 65R 15's from Coker. I did get a set of Michelin tubes and liners from another source. The liners will have to be modified from 17" to 15", but that's just a matter of cutting and glueing. BTW the tires come w/ an 80,000 warranty, although I doubt I'll need it.
WMR

 

[3798j]

Here's another option. Pep Boys shows this Nexen 165/80 - 15 for under $65.
https://www.pepboys.com/tires/sbs/165/80/15/P/ALL/00017/

 

[tdskip]

Just be aware that the tire quality, and more specifically the sidewall stiffness, will vary a great deal in this price range.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Here's another option. Pep Boys shows this Nexen 165/80 - 15 for under $65.

Those are what I went with...

Seem quite satifactory. Not the last word in handling but a traditional tire means tires that look like a super model -- tall & skinny.

 

[cozmo4A]

I'm looking for something to just get her down the road. Pep Boys it is then.

Forgive my ignorance, but do I need tubes with newer style tires?

 

[Wifesmainwrench]

I mostly based my decision on the improvement in handling and predictability of a new set of Hankooks I put on the Boxter. They are, of course, a totally different design and formulated for much higher speeds, but I think the quality and feel should be similar. I was also suprised by the low price ($76 + tube & liner). Came in 3 days, too. Free.

 

[Wifesmainwrench]

The tires might be "new style", but the WW are "old style". You'll need tubes and liners both.
WMW

 

[Willie_P]

What is the appropriate bias-ply/(non radial) tire size for these wheels?

thks, w.

 

[JohnB]

Willie,

For the TR2, TR3, TR3a and TR3b factory standard was 5.50x15.

As an option, and/or perhaps US export you could also get 5.5/5.90x15 bias or Michelin radials in 165x15.

My TR2 appears to have come with the 5.50x15 originally.

 

[sail]

My 4A Handbook list the following:

Goodyear
6.95-15 G.P.
165 -15 G800
5.90-15 G8S

Dunlop
165-15 SP

Michelin
165-15 'X'

I have 165/80R15 Kumho's on my wires.

 

[martx-5]

What is the appropriate bias-ply/(non radial) tire size for these wheels?

thks, w.

Is there any particular reason why you would want bias-ply tires instead of radials?? The advantages of bias-ply tires over radials is far exceeded by the advantages of radials over bias-ply.

More info here...

 

[TR3driver]

Is there any particular reason why you would want bias-ply tires instead of radials?? The advantages of bias-ply tires over radials is far exceeded by the advantages of radials over bias-ply.

More info here...

It's interesting that they don't address the most believable myth (IMO), that bias-ply tires don't wander as much as radials (due to stiffer sidewalls).

Also, they mention "flat spots", but neglected to mention that they are a problem only with nylon-cord tires. One of the last improvements before radial tires was the use of polyester cords rather than nylon, which among other things greatly reduced that distinctive thump-thump-thump on a cold morning. (Not that it was ever a problem, it quickly went away, but it was noticeable.)

And maybe they do exist, but I've never seen a radial tire that didn't look a bit under-inflated, compared to a bias ply with the same pressure.

All that said, I still wouldn't use a bias-ply if a radial was available.

 

[cozmo4A]

So, what size tire will fit on my 15x4.5? I can't remember if I had 165 or 185 before they were removed.

 

[Geo Hahn]

So, what size tire will fit on my 15x4.5? I can't remember if I had 165 or 185 before they were removed.

I've seen both those sizes (and larger) used but my personal preference is the 165s. IMO wider tires look and perform best on wider rims.

 

[cozmo4A]

Thanks. I'll be ordering them soon.

 

[cozmo4A]

165/80 correct?

 

[TR3driver]

IMO wider tires look and perform best on wider rims.

I agree, but sometimes a wide tire on a narrow rim will perform better than a narrow tire on a narrow rim. I ran a set of 185/65 tires on stock TR3 rims for awhile, and the handling was enough better to convince me to go to wider rims as well. The difference is in the tire construction IMO; no one makes "performance" tires in those old skinny sizes.

And the look wasn't all that bad, IMO. Rather like a "balloon" tire on a bicycle.

 

[Geo Hahn]

Yes, 165/80 is the closest size (very close) to the old 'metric' 165/15.

Isn't is odd that tires and one other car part are generally measured in a combination of both metric and SAE?

 

[Geo Hahn]

...And the look wasn't all that bad, IMO. Rather like a "balloon" tire on a bicycle.

Or maybe Unca Donald's car...