'63 Replacement Tire Size Options

[Norm B.]

I am looking at replacing the tires on my '63 coupe. Currently I am running 205/75R-15 on original '63 wheels. I remember trying a few different ones when I last got tires as the 205/75R-15 size were virtually touching the frame when the steering was turned hard. I am finding now that there is not a lot of choice any more in that size so I am looking to see what other options are out there. The car is a stock Sunday driver so I really don't need anything exotic, regular everyday tires will do. I would like to go to 215/70R-15 but that would result in a wider tread width and just exacerbate the issue. I was wondering if there was any difference in the offset of the wheels starting in '65 when the OEM tire size changed disc brakes were introduced that might add just enough clearance for a wider tire. I would like to keep the revs per mile around the same to keep the speedo in the correct range.
Has anybody had any experience using 205/70R-15's on a '63 that they can comment on?
Has anyone out there used a different size than the ones I am contemplating?
Anyone have any other tire/wheel combination suggestions?

[Michael B.]

Re: '63 Replacement Tire Size Options

I’m running 215/70R-15 on my 63. Not a single problem on stock 63 wheels. Good Luck.

[Duke W.]

Re: '63 Replacement Tire Size Options

'63 to '66 steel wheels have +0.44" offset. '67 Rally, aluminum, and prior KO wheels (with adapter) have +0.03" offset, so the inside sidewall of any size tire is 0.41"more inboard with the early steel wheels. At full steering lock the shoulder of a 205/75 or 215/70 might rub the frame, but that only happens at parking lot speed, so just be aware of that and backoff slightly from full lock it you hit it.

The 215/70 might offer a bit more clearance because they are slightly smaller OD than 205/75s.

Duke

[Thomas B.]

Re: '63 Replacement Tire Size Options

I am running 225-70R-15 on what I believe to be stock wheels. Tires rub on frame if I turn wheel too far. I thought there was a way to adjust the turn stops to avoid frame rub but not sure.