TheSamba.com :: View topic - 67 with a tire issue 215-70-15

Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:34 pm

I just scored a set of Flat 4 sprint stars with tires from the classifieds. Rear tire size is 215-70-15 I just put them on and took them out for a spin; bad news the drivers side is scrubbing on the fender lip but the passenger side has plenty of clearance. Car is totally stock height with drum brakes no mods what so ever. Any idea why the issue is only on the drivers side? Bad shock? Anyone running this tire size on a stock bug?
Thanks
Sonny

Sat Nov 14, 2015 2:51 pm

A 215 70 15 is way too big. As for rubbing issues,it's possible someone put the wrong axle and tube in your trans

Sat Nov 14, 2015 4:51 pm

215 on the rear will increase your speed on the highway but I wouldn't have that size on the front .
leave the two you have on the back and use the third for the spare .
How old are these used tires ? Do you know how to date a tire ??

Sat Nov 14, 2015 5:08 pm

Thanks for the replies these are the wheels I got http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=1857528 the fronts are 165-80-15

Sat Nov 14, 2015 5:14 pm

Does it measure the same height in the rear? Some times the rear spring plates wear especially on the 67 chassis thanks Ralph Nader. If the bars are not worn. Alignment would be my next guess.

Sat Nov 14, 2015 7:42 pm

It's not unusual for a vehicle to sag on the drivers side due to the weight of the driver and age of the car.

Sat Nov 14, 2015 8:45 pm

Being '67 is long axle and lower in the rear to boot, 205/70's on 5.5" wheels is pushing the limits but they must work because I know of lots of people with '67's using them.

Driver's side only? It's been discussed here before but don't think there is one single cause or answer.

First thought is it's a mass production car with a bolted together two part chassis/body with bolt on fenders. Given there is room for some biased tolerance in the bolt holes, maybe the whole body is shifted or twisted over to the right on the floor pan a few mm's and that's why there is extra room on the right? What ever you take from the left you give to the right.

Maybe the car was previously slid sideways into a curb and it bent the frame horns over to the left a few mm's?

Maybe the left rear fender has been replaced and it has different shape to it?

Maybe the quality control tolerances of the rear trans mount studs, bolts, cradle, rubber cushions etc are all biased towards one end on the +/- scale adding to this result?

All I can suggest is get the tape measure and plumb bob out and start comparing key points from side to side. If you find any great disparity in the basic body/chassis/suspension measurements, you might also have a body shop with a proper frame machine measure it to pinpoint the root cause.

Sun Nov 15, 2015 10:15 am

Thanks for the replies. I will be pulling out the tape measure and see what I can figure out to fix the problem. I really like the look I would hate to go with a smaller tire.
Sonny

Sun Nov 15, 2015 2:46 pm

I'm running 215/70s on my 63. Was told the only way they'll fit under stock fenders is with a short axle set up. Mine don't rub but my drivers side is definitely closer. I can't fit my finger between the tire and the fender, passenger side is no problem.

Fri Nov 20, 2015 5:39 pm

To date tire, right after the size is a 4 digit code something like 3210. That means it was made in the 32 nd week of 2010. Anything over 7 years is deemed unsafe.