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Mon Jul 19, 2010 3:28 pm

Hey folks

just wondering if anybody has a link for tire size options based on rim width. :?: I have 8 spokes on my 73, I think they are 5.5" in width. I'm wondering how big I can safely go in the back without worrying about sidewall bulge, popping beads, etc. thanks.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 4:03 pm

This calculator allows you to mess with tire sizes:

http://www.rimsntires.com/rt_specs.jsp

on a 5.5" wheel, you probably don't want to go much larger than a 205mm wide tire unless you're willing to run a large aspect ratio. 205/65R15 is pretty much exactly the same height as stock, and fits fine on a 5.5" wheel, although it does bulge out a bit, it doesn't do so unsafely.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 4:08 pm

cool man! thanks. I still wish I could find a site that I could enter the wheel specs into and it would spit out safe tire sizes that can be used on that rim. or maybe I'm just dumb and haven't figured it out on the link you gave me.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 5:46 pm

A 205 on a 5.5 inch wheel?? That's almost absurd. Bet it looks like a chocolate donut. I prefer my tires to actually fit on the rim, so I would use a 185 on a 5.5" wheel.

A 205 fits correctly on a 7" wide rim.

What size are you planning to run on the front? Too large of a difference front to back and your braking is going to suck - the fronts will lock up very easily.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:09 pm

Oh I don't know, I think a 205 will fit just fine on a 5.5 rim.

That would be the ones on the back lupin. :wink:

Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:14 pm

For the rear I use 205 60's and 65's on my Beetles, I currently have 225 70 15's on my Buggy with 8 spokes.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 6:16 pm

TexasAirCooler wrote: Oh I don't know, I think a 205 will fit just fine on a 5.5 rim.

That would be the ones on the back lupin. :wink:
Thanks for the hint! But too bulgy looking for my tastes. Guess I just don't like the look of the fat bulging side walls. Nice looking car though, just needs some bumpers.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:21 pm

I have 215/65's on my 5.5" Sprintstar wheels, no problems...street driving and racing at the track. Also, know of several others with the same size tire on 5.5's.

Having said that, a 205 or even 195 on 5.5's is also a good combo.

Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:28 pm

TexasAirCooler wrote: Oh I don't know, I think a 205 will fit just fine on a 5.5 rim.

That would be the ones on the back lupin. :wink:

pictures are extremely helpful! thanks for the example, bro. I think the 205 might be just a little bit too bulgy on the sides for me, so I will look for 195s for the rear. thanks a bunch!

anybody got a picture of 195s on the rear perchance??

Mon Jul 19, 2010 7:50 pm

neil68 wrote: I have 215/65's on my 5.5" Sprintstar wheels, no problems...street driving and racing at the track. Also, know of several others with the same size tire on 5.5's.

Having said that, a 205 or even 195 on 5.5's is also a good combo.

hey man, I saw a picture of your bug in another tire/wheel thread. ( http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=372808&highlight=195) I LOVE the look, styling, and stance of your bug. I need to know all about you set-up when this picture was taken. AWESOME bug, sir.

Tue Jul 20, 2010 9:34 am

I've got 195/65s on all four with 5.5 wheels...

ps- the tape on the headlights is cuz my hi/low beam switch is stuck on high... not trying to go the "hoodride" route... ;)

Tue Jul 20, 2010 10:47 am

My PO had 225s on the rear with (I believe) stock rims of 5.5". 195s on the lowered front end again with stock rims.

Tue Jul 20, 2010 11:22 am

here are 195/65s front and back on 15x5.5 inch rims...

here are 185/60s all around on 15x5.5 inch rims...

front is lowered 2 1/2" with drop spindles. I'm going to end up going bigger on the back. the gap with the fender is too big and I don't want to drop it. I like the rake.

Tue Jul 20, 2010 1:25 pm

thanks for the reference pictures, guys! very helpful and much appreciated.

Thu Jul 22, 2010 7:40 pm

do you want a HWY friendly size or just driving around town ?

I have a '73 as well and I'm running 195/65r15's ... check out the speed/rpm's

sound like you want to go as wide as you can...

I would suggest 205/65r15 and will be friendly on the HWY

but if your not planning much HWY driving
185/65r15's will "fit" better ... without the tire bulge look

195/65r15 is a happy medium

Thu Jul 22, 2010 8:49 pm

195/65R15 is a perfect size for a 5.5" wheel and is nearly stock in height.