• From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Topic: Tires?

Well, I received some sad news but maybe someone can cheer me up and point me in a good direction. The last couple of sets of tires I've run on my '65 Bug have been the Futura euro metric brand from Pep Boys. They wore well and had good handling and traction characteristics, and were a great value for the price of around $30 per tire.  Now I'm told by the Pep Boys stores in my area (Colorado Springs) that they are no longer available in the 165/15 size. Locally I can find the size in Kelly Springfield and Peerless but they run around $50 to $60 each. Since I drive the Bug every day maybe I shouldn't be so picky about the price....but I am a tightwad! And of course there's always Coker Tire for which I could have the pleasure of spending $130 each for the Michelin XZX.....

Does anyone have a personal recommendation (brand, retail dealer, etc.) where I might find a suitable replacement for these tires?  Or does someone have a Pep Boys in their area that still carries the Futura line in the 165SR15 size? I found that the Tire Rack carries a tire known as the Kumho Power Star 758 for $30 plus around $10 each for shipping. They carry a Uniform Tire Quality Grade rating of 400AB. That seems like it might be a good value for the money. Does anyone have any experience with these? Your comments, experiences and suggestions are most welcome.

Thanks.

Clancy

  • TomB
  • Moderator
  • Offline
  • From: Austin, TX
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,095

Re: Tires?

I used Vredestein tires back in the 70s (along with Semperit). They seem to be still available in 165R15 (and 155R15) here:
http://www.tiresunlimited.com/ALL%20TIR … sprint.htm

I haven't used Kumho, but I've seen good comments by others.

  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Tires?

Thanks, Tom: As I think about it in a realistic sense, the difference between a set of $30 tires and a set of $60 tires is really just the difference of around 6 tanks of gas....I really do need to get into the 21st century! What size came on your Mexis? I'm wondering if Antonio can do a good deal on tires or would shipping eat me alive?

Clancy

  • From: Northern Illinois
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,105

Re: Tires?

I now have Kumho's on my Cabriolet, Wife's Chevy van, Dad's Taurus and they are the OEM tires on my 04 red mexi in 155SR15 so someone's bound to have them.  I tried them on my cabriolet as I had square tires and was cash strapped and they were the cheapest I could find. I was so impressed with them (and the price) that I've been putting them on everything that has needed tires lately. The traction in snow and wet is fantastic.
Tire rack has them listed ( I had to look it up as a 1970 beetle) in 165/80TR15 for $30.00 each,

http://www.tirerack.com/tires/Compare1. … 72&y=8



they also list a BFGoodrich raised white letter 155/80SR15 for $56.00 each.

Last edited by DrDarby (2006-03-09 06:54:47)

-Darby
  • From: Chico, CA
  • Registered: 2005-11-03
  • Posts: 320

Re: Tires?

Darby,
On a 165/15, is the aspect 85 when they don't include it?

John

John

"We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give."
    Sir Winston Churchill
  • From: Northern Illinois
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 1,105

Re: Tires?

I assumed the aspect ratio was 80 as it ia listed as a 165/80. E-mail tire rack and see what they have to say.

-Darby
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Tires?

Thanks, Darby and Tom: Right now I'm leaning heavily toward the Kumho unless a better choice is presented.

I am also in the process of getting a bid on the fabrication of an adapter plate to bolt up to my wide-5 bolt wheels so that I can get them balanced on the machines found in most tire shops....Most shops just don't have the adapter anymore. Once I get a bid on the plate I will post here to see if others might want one, because it's usually cheaper to make 10 of those after the setup for the first one. Stay tuned.

Clancy

  • From: King of Prussia, PA
  • Registered: 2005-08-03
  • Posts: 420

Re: Tires?

Clancy wrote:

I am also in the process of getting a bid on the fabrication of an adapter plate to bolt up to my wide-5 bolt wheels so that I can get them balanced on the machines found in most tire shops....Most shops just don't have the adapter anymore. Once I get a bid on the plate I will post here to see if others might want one, because it's usually cheaper to make 10 of those after the setup for the first one. Stay tuned.

Clancy

Take an old front drum and get the brake surface cut off.  They can then use the center to bolt up the wheel and spin it.

Ted Wojton
70 VW Bus Westfalia,  2003 GMC Sierra
  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Tires?

Ted: Great idea! That would be much simpler than having to machine a blank of steel or aluminum. Were you thinking of machining away the inner bearing race along with the friction surface? I wonder if the outer race area is of sufficient diameter to allow it to fit the cones on the balancing machine? Of course I guess it could be milled out, too.  I'll investigate further. Thanks again for the suggestion.

Clancy

  • From: King of Prussia, PA
  • Registered: 2005-08-03
  • Posts: 420

Re: Tires?

I was thinking of taking off the side of the drum where the brake shoes ride.  I don't know about the races.  Let us know what you find.

Ted Wojton
70 VW Bus Westfalia,  2003 GMC Sierra
  • From: California
  • Registered: 2004-08-15
  • Posts: 83

Re: Tires?

Hey Guys! I recently went to Sams Club in my area and purchased the BF Goodrich tires. My 67 Aussie RHD needed tires badly when it arrived here in California but I couldn't find the old 165/15's anymore. Iam running a crossover by BF Goodrich. They are like 56 dollars here each. They had the old adapter to balance the tires. I had Khumo tires on a few of my cars. Remember, made in Korea BUT German company and engineering. Good luck!

Craig in California

12 Reply by kghia70

  • kghia70
  • Guest

Re: Tires?

Anybody have any experience with Nankang? I know a few VW shops around this area that carry them but I haven't heard any comments about them ...

  • From: Colorado Springs, CO
  • Registered: 2004-03-27
  • Posts: 3,622

Re: Tires?

Update: I just placed an order for 4 Kumhos from the Tire Rack. $120 + ~$40 for shipping.  Should be here in about 4 days. I found a place to mount and balance my wide 5's. Will report back on my first impressions....Stay tuned.

Clancy