Tire advise steelies 5,5J x15

[egbert]

Hi All,

What is the best tire to choose for my steelies 5,5 x15?
I need them for mountain drives in France/Switzerland and to get there from Holland( about 1100 km's high way).
Any advise would be great.

Rgds egbert from Holland

[Frank Barrett]

Vredestein Classics, 165x15, work for me on a '66.

Frank

[NeunElf]

I believe when Porsche went from 4½ inch wide rims to 5½ inch wide rims they also switched from 165R15 tires to 185/70R15 tires. Vredestein also makes the Sprint Classic in 185/70R15.

I have the Vredestein Sprint Classics in 165HR15 on my 65's 4½ inch wide rims--they're great tires.

[egbert]

Ok Thanks
To be more specific: I am looking for a tire which is comfortable on the highway and in the montains for my SWB in Summer
So anyone else who has good experience with other tire brands and sizes, pls let me know?

Rgds egbert

[andyjboy]

There are lots of existing threads on this topic.

My particular preference is Avon CR6ZZ's - I've used them on 5.5's, 6's, 7's & 8's.

[NeunElf]

Ok Thanks
To be more specific: I am looking for a tire which is comfortable on the highway and in the mountains for my SWB in Summer
So anyone else who has good experience with other tire brands and sizes, pls let me know?

Rgds egbert

I would still recommend the Vredestein Sprint Classics. I like them because they give nice predictable, stable handling on my '65 which their predecessors definitely did not. They are designed for vintage high-performance sports cars. They're also reasonably priced in the USA--maybe there are other competitively priced tires in Europe.

I can't guarantee there's no other tire that won't shave ,831 seconds off your lap times at Laguna Seca but the Vredesteins are good.

[joegt3cup]

I believe when Porsche went from 4½ inch wide rims to 5½ inch wide rims they also switched from 165R15 tires to 185/70R15 tires. Vredestein also makes the Sprint Classic in 185/70R15.

I have the Vredestein Sprint Classics in 165HR15 on my 65's 4½ inch wide rims--they're great tires.

On the SWB cars (1968) they still used the 165HR15's with the 5.5" rims.

[NeunElf]

On the SWB cars (1968) they still used the 165HR15's with the 5.5" rims.

You got me. I don't really know the new cars very well...

Interestingly, I had difficulty finding any sources for tire sizes in 1968. Randy Leffingwell is the only author I found to give tire sizes. Even he is a little suspect: he says in one spot that all 1967-1968 911S cars had 4½" wheels and 165R15 tires. In a different spot Randy says 185R15 tires were optional in 1968.

My knowledge of 1968 Porsches is limited but I do know you can put 195/65VR15 tires on 5½" Fuchs wheels on a 1965 911 (with 5 mm spacers) so 185/70HR15s ought to fit a '68.

[sithot]

Wide tires on narrow rims seldom work well. (as in never)

From all accounts the Vredesteins are good. I'd like Avon's but at present won't spend the money because the car sits so much.

Good luck.

Tom

[egbert]

Ok learned some more about tires
Thanks Jim and Andy for the reply
If I choose the vredestein , what will be the right size 195 or 185?
Rgds egbert