Gday All
I have a 1965 Bug with the original 165R15 Tyres. These things are hard to get here, and cost upwards of $150 each. Is there aftermarket wheels available that fit the "big 5" stud pattern, retain the original look, but fit a more available tyre size ?
Thanks in advance

165r15's arnt expensive :|

Vintage VW has/had excellent 2nd hand for $59each( I think this price was right), 90% tread left.

i thought they was common

165/15's are prolly the easiest tyre size to find for a vw. Where are you? I got my Michillin 165's for 108 ea from Antique tyres in Heidelberg about a year ago....

N

Depends where you live...I wanted new tyres for my bug last year while in country NSW, only 2 places in town would get them in, they both would order from the same Sydney depot, would take minimum 1 week and probably 2 weeks to come in, could only get Michelin in that size and price was $130-$140 for each tyre. One place also wanted to charge me $10 freight for each due to the non-standard size and having to order them in.

So it can be painful to get them in, depending on where you are. Can't seem to order 'cheap' brands either.

Haven't tried looking for them yet here in Canberra but will have to soon. I have pondered just recently about whether another size would fit on the rim and still work OK.

plus u dont HAV to fit a 165 to stock tires, others will go on ok

Well that was the question placed above....what can you fit instead?

What other wheels (rims) can you fit straight on to replace the later VW config?

Also, in my case, what other tyres, if any, can you fit onto a standard later VW rim, to replace 165 15s? I'd love to know, as I really do not want to pay more for a tyre for my beetle than I do for my family Commodore.

ive got 195's on the back, no worries. unless your bug is slamed they should be fine on the front aswell (maybe not for superbug, as they might hit the springs) 135's 145's 155's 165's 175's 185's 195's will all go on standard rim's, maybe even bigger

195's on a 4.5" rim? That's pushing it a bit isn't it (ballooning sidewalls?)?

Is 4.5 the standard rim size? I suppose we can just consult some tyre retailers, see what they say is the largest size you could safely fit on there, and ponder all the replies?

I think 185 would be the max I would/could go.

Ask ya mother (tyre retailer)...

or just grab a brochure that has rim widths listed in the measurement tables...

the 195's do balloon a little, but not enough to scare me:o:P

hah!

Wow, what a response !!
I am in Cairns, only one place will order them in for me at $158 each. I don't know where anyone gets the idea that they are a common tyre size. Luckily today I got onto a full set of pre-loved for $88 each. This is still more than I think they are worth, but have to pay I guess. But the original question was if there are replacement RIMS of a different width to fit the big 5 pattern, that will give me more options as to tyre sizes. I want to retain the original look of the pizza cutters, so mags / sunrasias are out.
Cheers
Glenn

If you want bigger rims in wide 5 u hafta get them welded,they cut the centre section out its just welded on and they weld on holden rims 5.5- 6in wide,there are plenty of places that do it.

I got new tyres for the beetle quite easily. There was no discussion of them being difficult to get. I had the choice of the Michelin or Kumho. I got the Kumho as they were only $100 a tyre. That is a standard beetle with 15 x 4 inch rims

ok...if ur in cairns do u have a kmart that does tyre and auto. If they do, they have stock for vws in 165r15. I know, I rang our one a couple of weeks ago to compare. They were $95.00 each fitted. Michelins I think.

jst checked thw white pages...there are two in cairns...give them a call

Well you have all restored my faith a bit in tyre availability, but please don't assume that if one shop in a chain has something, all of them will.

Again, in country NSW last year, K Mart was one of the dealers I approached concerning new tyres and a tune-up on my bug. They did not stock 'odd' size tyres and didn't think they could get them in as their distributor would not order them. They were also reluctant to help me with a tune, as they didn't think they could source the parts!

I took the hint and left them fairly quickly. It was only two of the larger tyre chains that wanted to help me with ordering tyres in, albeit only one brand and at a premium.

i wouldn't let Kmart touch my beetle...

Kmart tyre and auto are one of the many that gave me a blank stare when I asked them about the tyres (What size ???, what the hell has that size tyres???). Same with beaurepaires, Quick-fit, and a bunch of others. As phantom says, don't assume that all stores in a chain stock the same range.
And as for them touching any of my Dubs... there is only one guy here I trust, he's a German A grade mechanic, only does VW work, only guy I trust. He got me the tyres in the end, pick em up tomorrow. At the rate of tyre wear of the 65, there is 5 years happy motoring before I have to look again !!
Cheers

Good stuff - stick wth what you know and who you know - it's much better for all parties in the long run. Have fun with ya new tyres! What did you get by the way?

I got the same look of WTF! when i walked in and asked for 165/R15's for my beetle. They just kept asking me what the profile was...... How am i ment to know... be about a 70 i guess?

Whats the going rate on 145's as i need a pair for my beetle as its lowered a little. I am running 205's on the back of mine on a 6.5" widened rim. (mercedes rim).

So yeah, how much should i expect to pay for 145's?