Hello! Log in or Register   |  Help  |  Donate  |  Buy Shirts See all banner ads | Advertise on TheSamba.com  
TheSamba.com
 
15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors
Page: 1, 2, 3 ... 29, 30, 31  Next
Jump to:
Forum Index -> Split Bus Share: Facebook Twitter
Reply to topic
Print View
Quick sort: Show newest posts on top | Show oldest posts on top View previous topic :: View next topic  
Author Message
Don66bus
Samba Member


Joined: January 11, 2006
Posts: 408

Don66bus is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Apr 24, 2024 1:09 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

I was having trouble finding any tire shop to supply 205 75 15 radials for my 66 bus. Finally, I went to the tire companies, found a tire of the right size and load range (1609 pounds max), looked up the company's local contacts, and had that store order me the tires. They are Hankook Kinergy. They look OK; haven't got them mounted yet. That's the next step: finding a tire shop that will deal with 15 inch VW rims.
I had Cooper Discovers of the same size and load range that have served me well for 7 years. They probably have several thousand miles left but I am contemplating another long trip and do not want to run out of rubber while travelling.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
cdennisg
Samba Member


Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20289
Location: Sandpoint, ID
cdennisg is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 10:19 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

EverettB wrote:
'58 Single Cab wrote:
That pic is from today. I put less than 1000 miles on it per year. It's stored inside a windowless garage that is typically between 60 and 80 deg F all year long. I mounted them when they were brand new.

We hear horror stories of tire failures but I agree with you. Those failures are probably missing key details of how the tires were not taken proper care of.

cdennisg wrote:

If that is a current pic of your Coopers, and that is how much wear/driving time they have had since you put them on when the date codes were fresh, don't bother getting new tires. They will be fine.

If you plan to drive 10K miles on hot summer freeways, then get new ones.


I believe it's when the sidewalls are cracked from age and/or sun exposure.

This is really common here in AZ.

I see people with shredded tires all the time and I had a couple Coker Tire Continentals 6.40x15s rot out in a few years when my Bus was outside a lot more.


Often times a tire failure due to age cannot be seen easily. They may show no outward signs of deterioration at all. But, in this situation, knowing well these tries were made, and how little this vehicle is driven, and then with the info of how the vehicle is stored, I would have no issue continuing to drive on them for many years to come.
_________________
nothing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
EverettB Premium Member
Administrator


Joined: April 11, 2000
Posts: 69835
Location: Phoenix Metro
EverettB is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 9:03 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

'58 Single Cab wrote:
That pic is from today. I put less than 1000 miles on it per year. It's stored inside a windowless garage that is typically between 60 and 80 deg F all year long. I mounted them when they were brand new.

We hear horror stories of tire failures but I agree with you. Those failures are probably missing key details of how the tires were not taken proper care of.

cdennisg wrote:

If that is a current pic of your Coopers, and that is how much wear/driving time they have had since you put them on when the date codes were fresh, don't bother getting new tires. They will be fine.

If you plan to drive 10K miles on hot summer freeways, then get new ones.


I believe it's when the sidewalls are cracked from age and/or sun exposure.

This is really common here in AZ.

I see people with shredded tires all the time and I had a couple Coker Tire Continentals 6.40x15s rot out in a few years when my Bus was outside a lot more.
_________________
How to Post Photos
Everett Barnes - [email protected] | My wanted ads
"Water is the only drink for a wise man" | "Communication prevents complaints"
Stop dead photo links! Post your photos to The Samba Gallery!
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Visit poster's website Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
'58 Single Cab
Samba Member


Joined: December 06, 2004
Posts: 16

'58 Single Cab is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 3:06 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

That pic is from today. I put less than 1000 miles on it per year. It's stored inside a windowless garage that is typically between 60 and 80 deg F all year long. I mounted them when they were brand new.

We hear horror stories of tire failures but I agree with you. Those failures are probably missing key details of how the tires were not taken proper care of.

cdennisg wrote:

If that is a current pic of your Coopers, and that is how much wear/driving time they have had since you put them on when the date codes were fresh, don't bother getting new tires. They will be fine.

If you plan to drive 10K miles on hot summer freeways, then get new ones.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
cdennisg
Samba Member


Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20289
Location: Sandpoint, ID
cdennisg is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 1:59 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

'58 Single Cab wrote:
I might as well contribute in trying to keep this thread up to date. My Cooper Discoverers in 195R15 are way past due for replacing (44th week, 2006 date code). They have been an excellent tire in that they took me everywhere and never let me down.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Not many to choose from in the US in 195R15... Linglong, Thunderer, Otani, Westlake, Cosmo. The last one I looked into a little closer. Cosmo appears to be a US family owned company that's been around since 1942. The Cosmo El Jefe Van II comes in 195R15. Curious if anyone has run them yet? They are fairly inexpensive at $82 each.

https://cosmotires.com/product/el-jefe-van-ii/


If that is a current pic of your Coopers, and that is how much wear/driving time they have had since you put them on when the date codes were fresh, don't bother getting new tires. They will be fine.

If you plan to drive 10K miles on hot summer freeways, then get new ones.
_________________
nothing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
'58 Single Cab
Samba Member


Joined: December 06, 2004
Posts: 16

'58 Single Cab is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Mar 23, 2024 12:54 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

I might as well contribute in trying to keep this thread up to date. My Cooper Discoverers in 195R15 are way past due for replacing (44th week, 2006 date code). They have been an excellent tire in that they took me everywhere and never let me down.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.


Not many to choose from in the US in 195R15... Linglong, Thunderer, Otani, Westlake, Cosmo. The last one I looked into a little closer. Cosmo appears to be a US family owned company that's been around since 1942. The Cosmo El Jefe Van II comes in 195R15. Curious if anyone has run them yet? They are fairly inexpensive at $82 each.

https://cosmotires.com/product/el-jefe-van-ii/

...but then I see Larmo's last post and dammit, those BFG all terrains in 215/75R15 sure do look nice...

Larmo63 wrote:
I’ve posted these before, no rubbing or issues. My SC isn’t a speed demon, but these take me everywhere.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Larmo63
Samba Member


Joined: May 26, 2015
Posts: 338
Location: SoCal
Larmo63 is offline 

PostPosted: Sun Jan 22, 2023 5:39 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

I’ve posted these before, no rubbing or issues. My SC isn’t a speed demon, but these take me everywhere.
Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
Lawrence
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
‘61 Mango Green Single Cab
'62 Pearl White Ragtop sedan
'66 Ruby Red Cabriolet
'86 Porsche 911 Carrera
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
'40's guy
Samba Member


Joined: February 13, 2021
Posts: 36
Location: Spo-Kane Wa
'40's guy is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2023 8:26 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

I appreciate this good feedback. Thank you all for responding.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
earlywesty
Samba Member


Joined: May 03, 2004
Posts: 2358
Location: In the woods, Ontario
earlywesty is offline 

PostPosted: Sat Jan 21, 2023 7:49 am    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

Unlikely, but it could have the 'mountain gear' ratio reduction boxes. That might effect shifting points.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
mandraks
Samba Member


Joined: November 28, 2004
Posts: 7050
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
mandraks is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:40 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

agreed. It just is loud. they absolutely go 45 in third. and that is without overreving it.

put a full interior in it and it will quiet down. still same revs, but it won't kill your ears anymore.
maybe the exhaust could use some help too?

if you don't go anywhere on the highway, it may make sense to use a slightly smaller tire that allows you to get in 4th.
_________________
regards

Uli

----------------------------------------
'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
cdennisg
Samba Member


Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20289
Location: Sandpoint, ID
cdennisg is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 9:01 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

'40's guy wrote:
I have a 1967 bus with a 1600 DP, RGBs and a big nut transaxle. The trans was recently rebuilt but I don’t know what the gearing is. The bus has 15” wheels instead of 14”. I have 205/75R15 tires mounted. I have reason to believe the speedometer is accurate. I generally drive around town, and don’t venture onto the freeway, so I am not concerned about how fast the car will go. What bugs me is that I am typically going about 30mph around town and the engine sounds like it wants me to shift from 3rd to 4th. I don’t have a tachometer, but it’s noisy at that speed and sounds like it’s spinning pretty fast. The owner’s manual says 3rd gear is good to 45mph. No way! If I do shift into 4th at that speed it is lugging a bit, so I just put up with it in 3rd.

Here is my question: will I notice a significant difference if I change from my current 205/75R15 tires to 215/75R15 tires? According to the calculators, the 215s turn only 16 revolutions per mile less that the 205s. Will I see any practical difference in RPMs?

Thanks.


The short answer is no. You will likely not notice a difference in felt RPM with the change in tire size.

The big question is, do you have much VW bus experience? To some folks, they feel like they are screaming at everyday speeds. Cruising around Spokane at 35MPH in third gear will be loud, but not abnormal. If you are on flat ground headed out North Division, you can shift to 4th. If you are climbing Southeast Boulevard up to Trader Joe's, keep it in 3rd.
_________________
nothing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
'40's guy
Samba Member


Joined: February 13, 2021
Posts: 36
Location: Spo-Kane Wa
'40's guy is offline 

PostPosted: Fri Jan 20, 2023 8:50 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

I have a 1967 bus with a 1600 DP, RGBs and a big nut transaxle. The trans was recently rebuilt but I don’t know what the gearing is. The bus has 15” wheels instead of 14”. I have 205/75R15 tires mounted. I have reason to believe the speedometer is accurate. I generally drive around town, and don’t venture onto the freeway, so I am not concerned about how fast the car will go. What bugs me is that I am typically going about 30mph around town and the engine sounds like it wants me to shift from 3rd to 4th. I don’t have a tachometer, but it’s noisy at that speed and sounds like it’s spinning pretty fast. The owner’s manual says 3rd gear is good to 45mph. No way! If I do shift into 4th at that speed it is lugging a bit, so I just put up with it in 3rd.

Here is my question: will I notice a significant difference if I change from my current 205/75R15 tires to 215/75R15 tires? According to the calculators, the 215s turn only 16 revolutions per mile less that the 205s. Will I see any practical difference in RPMs?

Thanks.
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bobrk
Samba Member


Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 288
Location: Beautiful Downtown San Jose
bobrk is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 10:29 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

cdennisg wrote:
bobrk wrote:
Back in ‘93 when I put those Pirellis on, I didn’t have the internet to tell me they were a dumb idea. I picked the vancos this time around almost purely on load rating.


The fact that they are literally beetle tires didn't mean anything to you, even back then?


Lol I was a dumbass
_________________
1959 Single Cab “Otto”

1500 single port | 1963 small nut/big brake transaxle | CSP Disc Brakes | dual circuit m/c | Deutsch Polster seats
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
mandraks
Samba Member


Joined: November 28, 2004
Posts: 7050
Location: Lawrenceville, Ga
mandraks is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:19 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

cdennisg wrote:
bobrk wrote:
Back in ‘93 when I put those Pirellis on, I didn’t have the internet to tell me they were a dumb idea. I picked the vancos this time around almost purely on load rating.


The fact that they are literally beetle tires didn't mean anything to you, even back then?


i learned a lot working for a tire manufacturer back in the late 80s early 90s. One of my many jobs that never became careers. we made the molds, had the tires made, sold them, delivered them to customers, raced them, drove them, everything.
Not everybody looks at a tire the same way i do. sand speedway tires all the way to farm tractor tires. we made tires with the valve stem in the sidewall to allow for tube tires slipping on the rim for motocross side car racing.
_________________
regards

Uli

----------------------------------------
'53 3-Fold Oval, L35 Metallic Blue, looking for a narrow hatch panel
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Gallery Classifieds Feedback
cdennisg
Samba Member


Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20289
Location: Sandpoint, ID
cdennisg is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:08 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

bobrk wrote:
Back in ‘93 when I put those Pirellis on, I didn’t have the internet to tell me they were a dumb idea. I picked the vancos this time around almost purely on load rating.


The fact that they are literally beetle tires didn't mean anything to you, even back then?
_________________
nothing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bobrk
Samba Member


Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 288
Location: Beautiful Downtown San Jose
bobrk is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 8:38 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

Back in ‘93 when I put those Pirellis on, I didn’t have the internet to tell me they were a dumb idea. I picked the vancos this time around almost purely on load rating.
_________________
1959 Single Cab “Otto”

1500 single port | 1963 small nut/big brake transaxle | CSP Disc Brakes | dual circuit m/c | Deutsch Polster seats
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
cdennisg
Samba Member


Joined: November 02, 2004
Posts: 20289
Location: Sandpoint, ID
cdennisg is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 8:19 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

bobrk wrote:
obus wrote:
my Vanco's run rougher and harder than the old passenger tires i had on the mango before. I'll deal with it for now but id love to sell them and use the money toward 15 inch Autobahn black wall bias ply look radials.


Hmmm. I haven’t turned a wheel on these yet. I guess we’ll see. They have to be better than the Pirelli P3 165-15s I used to have on there lol


I have to wonder of folks are thinking their bus is supposed to ride like their car. Old buses are a little rough. Passenger tires are not the answer.
_________________
nothing
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Send e-mail Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bobrk
Samba Member


Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 288
Location: Beautiful Downtown San Jose
bobrk is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 8:15 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

obus wrote:
my Vanco's run rougher and harder than the old passenger tires i had on the mango before. I'll deal with it for now but id love to sell them and use the money toward 15 inch Autobahn black wall bias ply look radials.


Hmmm. I haven’t turned a wheel on these yet. I guess we’ll see. They have to be better than the Pirelli P3 165-15s I used to have on there lol
_________________
1959 Single Cab “Otto”

1500 single port | 1963 small nut/big brake transaxle | CSP Disc Brakes | dual circuit m/c | Deutsch Polster seats
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
obus Premium Member
Samba Member


Joined: March 08, 2001
Posts: 11073
Location: just off Garden State Parkway Exit 81
obus is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 7:06 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

my Vanco's run rougher and harder than the old passenger tires i had on the mango before. I'll deal with it for now but id love to sell them and use the money toward 15 inch Autobahn black wall bias ply look radials.
_________________
July 1959 Mango Standard Bus aka Obus L346 L347 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=256592&highlight=
June 1973 Pumpkin Orange Thing aka Othing L30H
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=711775&highlight=
1960 Paprika Red Karmann Ghia Convertible aka Schatze L452 built 5/20/60
https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=...highlight=
66 21 window bus built 8/31/65 https://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=777273
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Facebook Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
bobrk
Samba Member


Joined: March 07, 2002
Posts: 288
Location: Beautiful Downtown San Jose
bobrk is offline 

PostPosted: Wed Jan 18, 2023 1:17 pm    Post subject: Re: 15" Radial Tires - Sizes and Vendors Reply with quote

Those wheels seem to have a lot of offset. If you check out my truck, which has 15" bus wheels wearing 195/70-15 Continental VanCos, there is no clearance problem.


Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.



ProvenGuilty wrote:
The thunderer ranger 195R15 did not want to clear the factory front wheel arch at full lock left on the driver's side of my imported brazilian 15 window split front end. I really wanted to run these due to the reviews and the larger size but the 195/65R15 currently on there seem to be all that will fit. They also have an 86 load index and feel unsafe at any speed.

Is it possible that this bus is lowered or the front suspension is not centered correctly in the wheel arch? I wish I had a photo when it was resting on the suspension with the larger tire on it, the only I have is at full droop with the lift off the ground or the current tires on the ground.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

Image may have been reduced in size. Click image to view fullscreen.

_________________
1959 Single Cab “Otto”

1500 single port | 1963 small nut/big brake transaxle | CSP Disc Brakes | dual circuit m/c | Deutsch Polster seats
Back to top
View user's profile Send private message Visit poster's website Instagram Gallery Classifieds Feedback
Display posts from previous:   
Reply to topic    Forum Index -> Split Bus All times are Mountain Standard Time/Pacific Daylight Savings Time
Page: 1, 2, 3 ... 29, 30, 31  Next
Jump to:
Page 1 of 31

 
Jump to:  
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

About | Help! | Advertise | Donate | Premium Membership | Privacy/Terms of Use | Contact Us | Site Map
Copyright © 1996-2023, Everett Barnes. All Rights Reserved.
Not affiliated with or sponsored by Volkswagen of America | Forum powered by phpBB
Links to eBay or other vendor sites may be affiliate links where the site receives compensation.