1964 tire size

[Matthew M.]

I have knock off wheels and need tires can i use 205/70/15 or is that to wide. I know these wheels push the tire out a little but i dont want to rub anything or do i have to go to the 205/75. Is 205/70 safe.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1964 tire size

If you want to maintain speedometer accuracy, I advise replacement tires with about the same revs per mile as the OE 6.70-15, which are 760.

The two closest sizes are 205/75R-15 (766 rev/mile) and 215/70R-15 (775 revs/mile). 205/70s are too short, except the Avon CR6ZZ.

The 205/75 size are what I call "van tires"... low speed rating, rock hard compound, and lack the safety of a spiral wound nylon cap belt.

I'm not currently aware that any 215/70s are any better other than the Vredestein Sprint Classic, and I recall there is a "Dunlop" high performance radial for vintage sports car, but don't recall the name or who actually makes it. The tire landscape is constantly changing.

You should not have any fender clearance issues with the above sizes. Drum brake cars have slightly narrower track that disk brake cars, especially with the OE 5.5" steel wheels that have +0.44" offset. KO, including adapters have +0.03" offset, which is the same at the '67 6" Rally wheels.

Clearance can be increased by moving camber in the negative direction if needed.

There are LOTS of tire threads in the archives... worth searching.

Duke

[Matthew M.]

Re: 1964 tire size

good info thanks

[Gary C.]

Re: 1964 tire size

Matthew,

Had 205's on my '64 with knock off tires for over 20 years. Anything larger will rub in the front.

Don't own the '64 anymore and discarded the tire purchase info.

Gary
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Gary
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[Duke W.]

Re: 1964 tire size

Many owners are running 215/70R-15 tires on KOs or 6" Rally wheels on both drum and disk brake models, the later being the most critical on outside clearance to the fender lips.

The only reports I'm aware of have been the LF tire rubbing on the heads of the steering gear carriage bolts at full lock, which can only happen at parking lot speeds, so I don't consider it a safety issue.

Also, camber affects outside clearance. Zero to slightly negative in front is best along with negative one-half to negative one at the rear.

One degree of camber change alters fender outside clearance by approximately one-quarter inch and you can linearly proportion from there.

Duke

[Leif A.]

Re: 1964 tire size

To Duke's point...215/70R15 on 15x6 rally wheels. Absolutely, zero clearance issues. Caveat...front suspension must be in good repair i.e. springs, shocks, bushings, alignment, etc.