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Thread: 1966 tire size: 165/70/15 or 185/70/15?

  1. 01-13-2017, 09:36 AM #1
    samduhspam
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    1966 tire size: 165/70/15 or 185/70/15?

    Hello,

    I am seeing both sizes, the wheels on the car now are 15x5.5 but I do have the original 15x4.5 wheels.

    What should be the proper size?

    What brands/model do you recommend?

    Thanks!
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  2. 01-13-2017, 09:47 AM #2
    Arne
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    Original size on a '66 was 165-15. (Not 165/70-15, that's completely different and too small.) The 165-15 tires will fit on eithe 4.5 or 5.5 rims.

    The wider 185/70-15 will also fit on the 5.5" rims, but not the narrower rims. That size was not offered on 911's until '68 or '69.
    - Arne
    Current - 2018 718 Cayman, Rhodium Silver, PDK

    Sold - 1972 911T coupe, Silver Metallic; 1984 911 Carrera coupe, Chiffon white; 1973 914 2.0, Saturn Yellow; 1984 944, Silver Metallic
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  3. 01-13-2017, 10:01 AM #3
    Jules Dielen
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    the 165 is closer to an 80 ratio like a bug. 165 is correct for a swb with 4.5 x 15 rims.

    185/70 will fit on a 4.5x15 rim just fine, but is a bit 'balloonish'. I have 185x70 15s on my 356 to get all that power to the asphalt.

    ~J~
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  4. 01-13-2017, 10:57 AM #4
    Arne
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    Jules is correct, and I was wrong. The 185/70-15 is approved for use on the 4.5" rims as well. As he notes, it's not the greatest fit, but it can be done.
    - Arne
    Current - 2018 718 Cayman, Rhodium Silver, PDK

    Sold - 1972 911T coupe, Silver Metallic; 1984 911 Carrera coupe, Chiffon white; 1973 914 2.0, Saturn Yellow; 1984 944, Silver Metallic
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  5. 01-15-2017, 07:41 PM #5
    samduhspam
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    thanks all. Looks like I only have 15x5.5 wheels for this car, 2 sets actually. I've only pulled off the front wheels but there are spacers, is that needed to fit the 5.5 up front? What brand and model is recommended for the 185/70/15?
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  6. 01-15-2017, 08:14 PM #6
    Silverbullit
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    I've gone the other way...165-15 tires on 5.5 alloys on a '67. Looks/rides/handles fine.
    No spacers needed. HTH.
    Brian
    S Reg #1032

    "I measured twice, cut three times, and it's still too short!"
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