I've seen old posts on here, but just wondering for Sydney does anyone know a good place to get 165/15 standard beetle/type 3 tyres? Seems like they've become a speciality item these days.

Cheaper to buy some aftermarket wheels and run different tyres it seems!

Cheers

Steve

Steve,

Use the internet!

Google search the tyre size, ie: 165/15/65 or Google search a tyre brand, ie: Continental.
Results: try the link below.

http://www.tyres4u.com.au/brandselector_doc-contiprodcec3sizes_img-cp_show.aspx 

For example: Continental make the following tyre that is perfect for the 4.5/15 rim.
15" 155/60R15 OE Smart Car; T 190, 4.5inch optimum rim, 575mm diameter.

Continental & Michelin make 155, 165 & 175 tyres - OE for many small Euro cars, ie: Smart Car, Renault Clio, Mini Cooper.

The trick of course, is whether those tyres are easily available in Australia! May need to special order them froma tyre specialist or talk to the Service Department at a Mercedes dealer(Smart Car), Renault dealer, Mini/BMW dealer.

Modern tyres are definately available for 4.5 - 5.5 inch rims, no need to drive on ancient Michelins or any other radial relic from the '70's!

Good Luck,
Zayus

ive got some 185/45 15's for sale if anyone is interested.

John

I think the problem isn't the size, there are lots of 165/15 tyres, the problem is the sidewall height is 78 or 80 series. Running a 65 series tyre will reduce your top end speed and the wheels will look a bit small in the wheel well.

I'll give a good year place a call and see.

Cheers

Steve

True, the sidewall of a 165/60 would look terrible when the front is at standard ride height, as for speedo accuracy - no chance!
Otherwise lower the nose, and go for the old raked cal look and forget accuracy!

Zayus

These chaps do list the stand Beetle size tyres, without any prices however

http://www.antiquetyres.com.au/ 

If You look thru the Bob Jane catalog on line...

the only Michelin tyres listed are High Priced low profile large diameter tyres...

165 80 15 are not a common tyre any longer...
as there are too many different sized tyres on new cars..

smart car tyres would be expensive I think...??

Lee

I bought a set of 5 Michelin XZX's for my 356 back in 2004 for $540! Bit rich having to pay 3 times that for the same tyres!

I blew out one of my michelins and had to replace it, the XZX was 300 + so wasn't best pleased, however I got them to find a cheaper tyre and they came up with Maxxis tyre MA-701 I quite like the look of the tyre it has a smoother vintage look to it with a reasonably good radial tread, the price was 110 - 120 per tyre, I got them at Jax's Tyres in Coffs

Ian they look really nice, especally with the chrome dress rings!

yeah those dress rings look pretty special, not the norm

Quote:

Originally posted by desh I was looking at my spare tyre the other day, 5x60 15 Dunlop, made in Australia, antique!

Kumho and Marshall tyres are still available in 165/80x15 for a reasonable price or so the rep told me a couple of weeks ago.