Date: Fri, 19 Jul 2002
Glenn,
I just spent an hour reading over the letters from the list archives [the 1800list] about tire sizes for early 1800's, and not only is there no clear consensus, but the tires everyone was buying even six months ago now seem to be no longer available. You seem to be a proponent of the stock size, and Coker does sell a 165-SR15. Obviously there are many more options for 185 and even a 175/65R15 made by Continental. I'm not interested in modifying my fenders or switching to larger rims for my '65S with the stock 4.5" steel wheels. Is there any reason a 175 or even 185 is going to be a mistake for these rims? I'm not a hotrod driver, don't have to deal with snow, and don't want to confuse my senile Smiths speedo any more than is prudent.
Many thanks for any advice you might offer on this beaten to death, but never quite answered topic.
Colin
Colin - The tire topic is never-ending because there are so many options and opinions. P1800 owners run everything from stock to 205-width tires, and they all swear by them. To narrow down your choice, consider why you are buying tires and what you expect from them. Visit some tire company web sites. Many of them have "tire selectors" that can help you choose, or at least show you what's available. The tire selector programs are helpful in defining tire characteristics. Do you want good performance in the rain? Do you want stylish looks? Do you want a smooth ride? At the least, tire selectors can show you whether your chosen size is available in a given line.
Tire sizes generally are not shown to be interchangeable by tire companies. Advising customers to use tire sizes different from the sizes recommended by the car maker could make them liable for accidents caused by tires too big or small for the application. Oversized tires can limit steering ability and cause poor handling and body damage. Undersized tires can add wheel damage to this list.
I take a common-sense approach to tire sizes. For one thing, as you have noticed, stock 165-SR15 tires are not as easy to find as they were when Volkswagen Beetles were found on every street. For another, tire technology does not seem to advance on obsolete sizes. To take advantage of new technology, you have to buy new tire lines that might not come in 165-SR15 size.
If you're not stuck on vintage looks or concourse showing, the best all-around solution is to buy tires that are close to the original size. You'll still have plenty of options for appearance and performance, and you won't risk the hazards of oversized or undersized tires.
Myself, I'm running Michelin Symmetry 185-65R15s on stock rims, and I like them fine. They don't rub the wheel wells, they stick to the road like glue, they're easy to steer, and they soften the harsh ride of my IPD lowering coil springs. They weren't cheap, but they weren't terribly expensive, either.
Hope this helps. -Glenn.