1968 911 wheels 5 1/2J x 15 perforated disk wheel
11-06-2009, 01:25 PM
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1968 911 wheels 5 1/2J x 15 perforated disk wheel
I have 165 HR 15 tires on my 1968 911, 5 1/2 J x 15 wheels. This was the factory recommended tire for this car. My tires were new in 1998 and probably have less than 1000 miles on them, but they all probably should be replaced because of age. I am restoring the car and will be driving it a lot more, just street driving, no track stuff. One of the tires recently got damaged while replacing the valve stem, and my tire dealer thoroughly checked all his sources and couldn't find any 165x15 tires (He said he thinks no manufacturer makes this size any longer).
I am not particularly determined to replace my tires with 165x15 but I am not ready to purchase new wheels of a different size. Almost everything on the car is either original or replaced with original, but I am not into concours, just good driving in dry weather. I would not be adverse to using different sizes on the front and rear if it would improve the looks or handling. The 165x15 tires look a little skinny to me anyway.
I would appreciate any and all recommendations for a new set of tires that will fit this car and size wheels, that are easily available nowadays.
I have read a lot of posts on this subject but still not sure what to do. Thanks for help.
Rich Harriss
I am not particularly determined to replace my tires with 165x15 but I am not ready to purchase new wheels of a different size. Almost everything on the car is either original or replaced with original, but I am not into concours, just good driving in dry weather. I would not be adverse to using different sizes on the front and rear if it would improve the looks or handling. The 165x15 tires look a little skinny to me anyway.
I would appreciate any and all recommendations for a new set of tires that will fit this car and size wheels, that are easily available nowadays.
I have read a lot of posts on this subject but still not sure what to do. Thanks for help.
Rich Harriss
11-06-2009, 02:51 PM
#2
I haddah Google dat
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What a special 911! That car is a treat to look at, thank you!
I think store.coker.com may have some tires for you. The best thing to do is just google the search term "165R15" and see what comes up. Stay away from buying antique tires. You want new tires made to your vintage tire size.
The reason that there is no second number after the 165 is that the tires are probably 75 series sidewall aspect ratio. That is why they look so tall. The car was made probably for the taller sidewall. You can get 185/65 to fit, but the tire will be shorter, and the gear ratio will be changed as well. I don't think you'll be happy with that if you intend to drive the car out of town.
I will probably go back to 165 R15 tires on my 914-6. It has the 5.5x15 Fuchs wheels, and it was sublime with Michelin ZX tires, which are unfortunately no longer made. So, I'll be doing the same search as you.
I think store.coker.com may have some tires for you. The best thing to do is just google the search term "165R15" and see what comes up. Stay away from buying antique tires. You want new tires made to your vintage tire size.
The reason that there is no second number after the 165 is that the tires are probably 75 series sidewall aspect ratio. That is why they look so tall. The car was made probably for the taller sidewall. You can get 185/65 to fit, but the tire will be shorter, and the gear ratio will be changed as well. I don't think you'll be happy with that if you intend to drive the car out of town.
I will probably go back to 165 R15 tires on my 914-6. It has the 5.5x15 Fuchs wheels, and it was sublime with Michelin ZX tires, which are unfortunately no longer made. So, I'll be doing the same search as you.
11-06-2009, 03:39 PM
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Vredestein Sprint Classics are great tires, have a nice vintage look, and are more reasonably priced than buying vintage-look Michelin's from Coker. I have their 165R15s on my steelies...
