original-sized "comfort option" 14" tires?

[rgrimm]

Okay, some of you might think this is a strange request, but here goes...

I have a set of 5.5 x 14 Fuchs, presently with 185-70. Their age is questionable, so I'd like to replace them.

I believe the closest to the original 185HR14 would be 185-80. Has anyone ever found these at a resonable price?

I know you can go to a 195 or perhaps a 205 (questionable), but I personally think they look too wide for a period car.

[jhora]

Roger..

Here is a source for the OEM style and sizes

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.ph...ategory_id=340

[Gearbox]

Tirerack.com would be your best bet. I just did a quick search for 185 70 14 and found a number of well priced tires. The Dunlop SP40's http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires....1=yes&place=12 have a nice period look and markings for an early car. Not sure how good it is for HP driving, but it's only 57 bucks if you are on a budget. There are others like Perelli and Kumos in this size for about the same price. Problem I found with Perellis is that the sid walls seem to start cracking after two years. But don't overlook the Kumos, great tire. I assume you have an E and don't really take the car to the limit given the fact that you are not upgrading the wheels and more concerned with originality which is ok. But most tires today are heads and shoulders better than anything you could of gotten back then. Good luck, Allan

[rgrimm]

Universal Tire -- great site. I think a set of 165R15 Vredesteins for my chromed steels are in my future.

What I basically use the Fuchs for are longer-distance touring. The 185 70 14s on the car are a bit on the small side, so I get faster engine speeds (real buzzy, especially if you're trying to make up time), as well as a bit of a "slammed" look (the car has been lowered, and with the 185 70s I have to drive it up on a piece of wood just to get my floor jack to work--a bit too low). So I'd like to stay close to the original aspect ratio (basically, 80, although wasn't it technically 78?).

Just was hoping to do it for less than $100 per...

[jhora]

Roger...

The original 185x14 was an "82" aspect ratio series size tire...the diameter was approximately 25.7in
The other tires that are comparable would be...
P195/75x14, 205/70x14, 225/60x14, and 245/50x14...
The problem is that as you go up in the aspect ratio size...ie 70 to 60 to 50...you will need a wider width wheel...
The Fuch 14's are 5.5in wide so really the only next up size would be the 205/70x14...a few tires in this size on Tire Rack..in the $50 to $70 range
Not easy to find much for the old Fuch 14's...that's why it looks like Universal Vintage Tire is a good choice...the 185R14 Vredestein Sprint+ Blackwall is a good replacement if you want to keep 14in size and they are $107

Good luck on your search.....I know the feeling... the 15in are fast becoming the same way...

John

[runsub5]

Roger -

I have Pirelli P6000 Sport Veloce in 185/65 14in. I only have about 1000 miles on them so I can't say too, much about their durability. I think this is close to the Universal Tire Vredestein Sprint + in diameter. These tires look a little small in the wheel arch with a car that has been lowered 2 inches. I, too, like originality so will probably live with it for now. They seem to handle ok for touring.