Hot Rods Quick 32 full fender Ford question

Hey guys. I have a buddy's full fender Vicky here. Front tires are 205 75 15s on 4 1/2" wide Wheel Vintiques stock look rims. Tires look too big plus a lot of rubbing. I hate to raise the car any for mre tire clearance, I like the stance. What size tires are you all running?

 

I would have thought 165/75/15 on the front. (used to be Michelin XZX)

 

I totally agree! HRP

 

That's what I was running when I first got my 32-5 window on the road (take offs from son's 32 roadster ) I think they were standard for VW Beetles. And back in the 60's Pirelli and Michelin were the only tire companies making radials.

 

A 165R-15 would be approximately 1-3/4” shorter and 1-1/2” narrower than the 205’s and should look just right.

 

Today one has to ask for 165/80/15

 

I run 165/80/15 on my highboy roadster.

 

I'm running 185/70/14 on the front of my 32, no rubbing issues. 14-inch rims do limit the size of disc brake caliper that can be used, due to clearance issues.

 

There are also 155R15 (155/80R15) and 145R15 (145/80R15) sizes if you need a little smaller. The 145 are common on non-fendered roadsters for fronts. A 135 is too small for a fendered car.

 

A 205 tire is too wide for a 4.5" wide wheel. The sidewalls will be bulged too much which can lead to poor handling, bad wear, rolling a tire off the rim, and the possibility of failure due to the extra heat generated in the tire.
The 165R15 (OR 165/80R15) is the widest you should run on a 15" x 4.5" wheel.

 

I like the look of 145's, whether fendered or not, but the performance in terms of ride quality and cornering ability of 165's is most noticeable.

Chris

 

145 sr 15 on all mine with or with out fenders

 

Thanks guys, think I'll order up some 165s.

 

To throw a twist in the subject, anyone with experience putting a 165/80-15 on a 15x6 wheel?

 

My 165/80-15 are on 15x5 wheels.

 

Recommended Rim Sizes
and Rim Widths
for Tyre Size: 165/80 R 15
Min Rim Size 4.0" x 15"
Max Rim Size 5.5" x 15"
Min Rim Width 4.0"
Max Rim Width 5.5"
Rim Width Range 4", 4.5", 5", 5.5"
Measuring Rim
Width 4.5"
Standard
Rim Width 4.5"