Author Topic: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???  (Read 2437 times)

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Offline 1blk66

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which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« on: November 03, 2014, 09:41:15 AM »
Hey just looking to see what rubber peeps are putting on the road of their westy's??
From what I've read, 185 R14's is what I'm looking for.
Any favourite's out there?

Hankook, Vredestein, ?????

Thanks Todd

Offline bwaz

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #1 on: November 03, 2014, 10:46:57 AM »
I think bus depot had a good deal on some...
brian waz

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #2 on: November 03, 2014, 10:55:06 AM »
My two cents ...
I do like the stiffness of the 6 or 8 ply tires, but I also like the look of low profile tires.
Right now I run P235/60R14's. A lil softer ride, but smaller side walls help with side way sway.
15 or 16 wheels would have even stiffer side walls, creating even less sway. Just keep over all tire circumference the same, at least very close.
Only problem I've run into is, finding shops that will mount the tires. Some shops will only put on what was recommended , in the 70's. My argument is, technology has changed a lot since then.
I brlieve 8 ply Michelins carry 1800 lbs per tire, and my sport passengers carry 1600 lbs. nit a big difference ...
If your staying stock, for a smoother quieter ride, Michelin.

Ok ok, it was a lil more than 2 cents, lol

Offline finkmobile

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #3 on: November 03, 2014, 11:00:45 AM »
I'm running LT195/75R14/D BF Goodrich all-terrain and I love them. Great tires.
  http://germansupply.com/home/customer/product.php?productid=18203&cat=&page=1 

I went down to Bellingham to get mine put on.  I told the border and I didn't have to pay much in taxes, under $100.

Offline pittwagen

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #4 on: November 03, 2014, 11:58:54 AM »
For this time of the year I run these - Hercules Winter HSI-S.  No need to shop down south.  These are the proper load rating (185R14C) and are available locally and are quite reasonable.  There is a summer version available as well for about the same price.  I also have Continental Vanco 2's for summer.  Again very reasonable.


Offline Oil Phil-M

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #5 on: November 19, 2014, 10:28:55 AM »
I hear the early bay steering boxes dont like fat tires - puts too much strain on them.   I got a set of the 195 Hankook RA08 from Sears in Bellingham - give a very slightly taller ratio on the highway over 185s for a few extra mphs or a hundred less rpm.  Special order but arrived a the store in only a few days.  Went down for a weekend camping trip and no questions asked coming back across the border despite them all being strapped to the roof racks.  I needed a spare tire also so I opted to get 6 tires in total.  I like rotating in pairs and gives me piece of mind if I'm traveling about in Canada as you cant just walk into Crappy tire and buy one if you need a replacement.  I have a front tire mount and utilize the stock location also in my 72 Westy.

Offline pittwagen

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #6 on: November 19, 2014, 04:05:16 PM »
Continental Vanco 8 is available at CT in 185/R14.  Similar pattern to the Hankooks. Available in local warehouses.

Offline bwaz

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #7 on: November 19, 2014, 04:35:39 PM »
not sure of the sidewalls on these? Yes, I know... wrong rims
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/rds/pts/4768101443.html
brian waz

Offline pittwagen

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Re: which tires to run on my 1972 westfalia???
« Reply #8 on: November 19, 2014, 05:50:53 PM »
Load rating of 88 or so vs 102 for the 185/R14 and probably about 8% shorter.  A recipe for disaster on a Westfalia.  I run something similar to that 185/70 14 on my 1900 lb. Rabbit.