TheSamba.com :: View topic - 195-65-15 on stock 4in rims?

Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:06 pm

Has anyone ever ran a 65 series tire on the stock 4in vw rims? I would like to run 195-65-15 tires on the rear of my 63 bug and the guy at the tire shop said he thought it would work so I thought I would see if anyone out here has tried it.

Mon Aug 11, 2008 7:08 pm

I ran 205/65s on stock 4.5 wheels on my 70 Ghia. Very nice fit.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 9:44 am

I have them on 66 bug rims on the rear of my bus, fit fine.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 12:20 pm

Try 165/80r15 or 186/65r15 , 195 is too big for 4.5"

CARLOS P.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:41 pm

Another size you might consider is 175/65, which come on new MINI Coopers with the base wheel package. I would not recommend going wider on 4's.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:46 pm

I will say again here i am with 195/60/15's on bug 4" wheels, done 88mph in the bus not dead yet. ( Eric likes them too)

Tue Aug 12, 2008 3:51 pm

vw club del peru wrote: Try 165/80r15 or 186/65r15 , 195 is too big for 4.5"

CARLOS P.

bullshit

until about 2 months ago, I've been running 195 60's on my stock 4.5" steel wheels and drove them for the last two years with no problems...

Tue Aug 12, 2008 4:31 pm

Thank you all for the replies it looks like the ayes have it I'll be going with the 65 series, the people driving around with them on there cars is all the evidence I need.

Tue Aug 12, 2008 7:37 pm

You can fit a 125/15 space saver spare tire on a 5.5 inch wide rim, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it looks good, or is save to drive on. I would use a 5.5 inch rim for a 195-65-15 tire. Yes, you can physically fit a 205/65 on a 4.5 inch rim, and it may be safe to drive on, but I think it makes the sidewall stick out making it look too bulbous. Try going to a VW show, and find a car with the tire/rim combo you are asking about to see if you like/dislike it before getting stuff.

Wed Aug 13, 2008 8:28 am

i run 205/60 's on the rear of my super on stock rims with no problems whatsoever...looks tough too

Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:50 pm

Not to hijack the thread, but if those of you who are running these size tires would post some pics that would be cool!!

Fri Aug 15, 2008 8:54 pm

blankmange wrote: vw club del peru wrote: Try 165/80r15 or 186/65r15 , 195 is too big for 4.5"

CARLOS P.

bullshit

until about 2 months ago, I've been running 195 60's on my stock 4.5" steel wheels and drove them for the last two years with no problems...

I call double bullshit, i have ran them on stockers, now I have centerlines, so I don't worry about too wide, but on the 67 bug, they are 205/65/15 due to the transmission gearing, and R&P

Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:22 pm

Bridgestone, Dunlop, Goodyear, Kumho, Michelin, Continental, and General all specify a rim width range of 5.5 to 7 inches for a 195/65/15 size tire.

dan97019 wrote: ....the people driving around with them on there cars is all the evidence I need.

I'm glad you are taking the advice of a few fellow VW enthusiasts, instead of the manufacturers that actually make the tires. :?:

Fri Aug 15, 2008 9:39 pm

The manufactures also recommend 35 PSI inflation, But I run what the manual says

and yes I know what that means!

Sat Aug 16, 2008 2:53 am

c.ruber wrote: Not to hijack the thread, but if those of you who are running these size tires would post some pics that would be cool!!

check our galleries for pics...

Sat Aug 16, 2008 5:52 am

i ran 185/65 federal formoza's on my stock 4.5" rims
it rode fine and being a super that was pretty low it cornered like it was on rails

however my 72 super had 195/65 and was very vague feeling in corners
but i think it may have had 4" rims and standard ride hieght didnt help
but either way the sidewalls buldged out alot and the local tyre guys said it probably wasnt safe to run such wide tyres on a narrow rim