After 20 years (but only 11k miles), my tires have given up the ghost. Little did I know you can't find VW tires anywhere. What I've got is 185 SR 15's. They're trying to sell me 165 80 15's, but how will they fit? Will they handle differently? Does anybody sell what I should be putting on my car? Thanks-
Chuck
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Assume the 185s are 185/70x15 compared to the 165/80x15. Both are no longer popular size tires. The radius of the tires is within 0.1" (12.6 vs 12.7")- so no impact on speedometer reading. The 185s offer more tread on the pavement for better handing and the slightly lower profile crisper response. 155 or165/80x15 was appropriate radial size VW tires by in ~1968. They were used on Volvos, MGA, TR3/4, MGC. AH 3000, SAABs and others.
I have 185/65x15" tires on my Speedster with 5.5x14 914 Fuchs 2L 4 bolt rims. Clearance in rear is less than 1/2". They are a popular size now - with many different brands and prices.
There is at least one 185 SR 15 tire still available-the Vredestein Sprint.
It can be found at Universal Vintage Tire:
https://www.universaltire.com/...assic-blackwall.html
Many speedster owners, including myself, shod their rides with a 185/65-15 tire. The diameter is a bit smaller, but the tire selection is much greater.
If you switched to a 185/65-15 tire the slightly smaller diameter (24.47" compared to 25.2") would mean your speedometer would show 60 mph when you were actually doing 58.3 mph.
Hope this helps.
