Tires - Midyear - 215/65R-15

[Dino L.]

Does anyone own or know of a friend who has experience with a set of 215/65R-15's on 15 X 6" knockoff's, that I can email or phone. I am interested in using this size in lieu of 205/75R-15's. The main reason is choice of manufacturer and tread design. The 65's also give a lower and wider tire design. I just don't want to crack fiberglass, or have interference problems. I know I will have speedo issues and also the 205/75's are the no brainer, but I rememeber several members cars with them on them. Any discussion or names would be appreciated!

[Mike S]

Re: Tires - Midyear - 215/65R-15

Dino -

I'm using 215/65R-15 redlines on 15x6 repro knockoffs on my 1966 roadster, and I have absolutely no clearance problems. They've been on the car for at least two years (my period of ownership) and I can see no indication they have ever contacted the fenders, frame, or anything else.

Keep in mind that wheelwell clearances on cars vary somewhat, even from side to side on the same vehicle, and that actual tire dimensions vary by manufacturer. Not a great deal, but enough to matter if you try to cut it too close.

I don't care for the 215/75s either, and as I'll be needing tires this year, I'm in a bit of a quandary. Coker makes redlines but only in a 75 series. Diamondback sells a 70 series redline, but the redline itself is added on to a blackwall Dayton tire. Various manufacturers produce 215/65s, but not in a redline (goldlines may be correct for a '66, but redlines look great on a red car!).

If you plan to purchase your tires from a retailer, why not explain what you want to do and see what kind of agreement you can work out. I think most would be willing to trial mount one or two sizes if they knew they were making a sale anyway. If you are buying by mail or internet, find out the dimensions of the tire you want and purchase and mount an inexpensive used tire of the same size. If you add a generous allowance for the additional rubber of a new tire, you should be able to determine if 215/65s will safely fit in your wheelwells.

Good luck,

Mike S #33053

[Duke W.]

Re: Tires - Midyear - 215/65R-15

Over the weekend I looked at another member's '64 with 225/70-15 BRG Radial T/As on KOs and there seemed to be plenty of clearance, but I think the disk brake cars have a bit more track, which would reduce outside clearance. BTW if anybody out there has a '65 or '66 owner's manual can you post the front and rear track dimensions. I'd like to verify if they are different than the '63-'64 cars with REAL brakes that don't get the KOs dirty everytime you go for a ride.

Duke

[Nick Vigorito]

Re: Tires - Midyear - 215/65R-15

I have a 67 and I have been using 215-65-15s with Bolt-Ons with no clearance problems. The ride and handling are great.

Nick Vigorito