Help Please Im stuck - Tire Question

[Classic Finn]

I have F65 15 ST tires on one of my Kit Tears. Im wondering if there are whitewall tires available in this size. Id love to purchase some real wide whites for it if possible.

Does this tire size translate to 205 65 15 by chance into metric

They need to be replaced but I cant seem to locate any in this size.



Dont know whose Kit this is but its a nice one. These tires appeal to me greatly. Its the type Id like to get.

[prohandyman]

Heikki
Check with Coker tire or Diamondback tire here in the states. Both sell wide whites very close to the size you need!
Of course you know me... like them wide whites also!

[aggie79]

Heikki,

I believe that designation is an old bias-ply tire instead of a radial tire. You may want to borrow a tire or purchase an inexpensive tire to see if it will fit your wheels. Then, as Prohandyman said, purchase the equivalent tire from Coker or Diamondback.

Tom

[Classic Finn]

Heikki
Check with Coker tire or Diamondback tire here in the states. Both sell wide whites very close to the size you need!
Of course you know me... like them wide whites also!

Dan thank you. Yup you and I have such good taste I shall check with them.

[Classic Finn]

Heikki,

I believe that designation is an old bias-ply tire instead of a radial tire. You may want to borrow a tire or purchase an inexpensive tire to see if it will fit your wheels. Then, as Prohandyman said, purchase the equivalent tire from Coker or Diamondback.

Tom

Thank You Tom. I,ll let you know what they say once I email them. I believe at least Coker has a online Live Chat as well.

Thanks and All our best to you.

[angib]

Does this tire size translate to 205 65 15 by chance into metric

Yes, exactly. The 205 is the quoted replacmeent for an F.

[Woodbutcher]

Well you could always make you own....check this out-

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkcm3rh60p0


Also I remember when I was young they sold a white wall ring that just mounted under the tire bead. That is how it was held on. I did a quick Google search and it looks like they may have been called Port a Walls. This would be a much cheaper fix then shipping tires over to you.

[vwbeamer]

Port a wall

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lpwUPnzd3jQ&feature=related

[caseydog]

Does this tire size translate to 205 65 15 by chance into metric

Yes, exactly. The 205 is the quoted replacmeent for an F.

I got a conversion of 215-65-15.

Not a big difference.

BTW, a 65 aspect ratio is going to be tough to find in a classic wide WW. A 205-70 would probably be easier.

http://store.cokertire.com/p205-70r15-a ... ewall.html

CD

[Classic Finn]

Does this tire size translate to 205 65 15 by chance into metric

Yes, exactly. The 205 is the quoted replacmeent for an F.

I got a conversion of 215-65-15.

Not a big difference.

BTW, a 65 aspect ratio is going to be tough to find in a classic wide WW. A 205-70 would probably be easier.

http://store.cokertire.com/p205-70r15-a ... ewall.html

CD

Wow this is like telepathy.. I somehow got the same.. Hmmm
Im no expert but do you think that would fit on the rim? Meaning the 215-65-15?

I did send coker an email since the online chat was offline. Im going to try Diamond Tire too.I really like the tires you show CD.

Thanks for the reply.

[Classic Finn]

I just contacted Diamond Tire via telly in the U.S.A. And the gentleman was very nice indeed. He stated the F65 is smaller than what it turns out in metric????
F65-15 ST - ST205/65D15 is a conversion I got as well

However he was about to close so Im going to get the height and width of the tires on the Kit and call him back again tomorrow eveing our time.

I,ll even go out and take one of the tires totally off the rim to get the correct measurements on that too so we can see as to what tire will fit on the rim. Ohh also I guess I need to use my trusty inch tape measure.

I,ll go to a local tire shop with it and we,ll see what exactly will fit.

But I,ll reckon I,ll be wiser again tomorrow. I just gotta have white wall tires on this kit.. jest gotta. And I will have-

[caseydog]

The first part of the size is the section width, which is the width of the tire from sidewall to sidewall. So there is only 10mm difference between 205 and a 215. No big deal.

The second number, the 65, is the ratio of section width to section height. So, on a 205-70-15, the section height is 70 percent of the section width. So, a second number of 50 would be a lower profile than a tire with a second number of 70.

Obviously, the third number is the wheel size.

A 205-70-15 will easily fit the same wheel as a 215-65-15.

Coker Tire is THE big name supplier of vintage tires to car collectors and restorers in America. The owner, Corky Coker, is a big-time car nut. I did a story on him back in 2006 for American Driver magazine.

They bought out a lot of brand names and tire molds, so they could make original equipment tires for concours applications. But, they also have their own brand of classic style tires, for people who want the vintage look, but don't need to be historically perfect. Their brand still isn't cheap, but it is within reach of mere mortals.

CD

[cappy208]

You have one more criteria to think about. Since you have NOT built the TD yet, the real dilemma is how much physical room you have between the trailer frame and the wheel. You may be maxed out already, allowing for tire flex, and shock load while driving.

As caseydog mentioned, a 205 and a 215 are only 10 mm different in width, but measure the existing clearance between your tire and frame to see if you even have extra room there. Don't forget, the tire may be 10 mm wider, so you use half that measurement, since half is outside the centerline, and half is inside.