<VV> Re: Tires [for '64 Spyder]

[Dale Dewald]

Hello Pete,

This discussion has been addressed at length previously, but here is a 
brief summary of what I have read for the past several years:

At 12:41 PM 8/6/05 -0400, you wrote:
<snip>
>  I would like to get
>something probably wider and lower to give better handling and a sportier
>apperance. I could stick with the 13" size, or go to 14", or even 15" if 
>it is
>not too complicated with all the clearances and offsets.

Unfortunately there are not too many 13" tire sizes made any more that are 
close in outside diameter to the original 6.50-13 tire that came on your 
car.  The 175/80R13 is considered to be the closest replacement, but some 
have argued that the 185/80R13 is closer to the original OD.  Both 
185/75R13 and 195/70R13 would be a good lower profile alternatives if you 
could find them.  The 195/70R13 was recently available at Canadian Tire stores.

Many people have obtained 14" or 15" wheels from RWD Japanese cars that use 
the same 4 on 4-1/2" bolt spacing.  A 14X6 wheel with the same back spacing 
as the stock Corvair 13X5.5 should be a good fit. The usual donors are the 
Nissan Z-car and Mazda RX- series (others?).  After obtaining suitable 
wheels I would first check the fit of some 205/60R14 or 185/70R14 tires or 
maybe try a 195/70R14 if it has a rounded tread profile.  I might suggest 
the Pirelli P4000 195/70R14 as an example of a rounded profile tire.

<snip>

>I've seen different size tires on the front than on the back, is this a
>recommended option? Looking forward to hearing from other Corvair lovers.

Some people like to use larger sizes on the rear, but I like to rotate my 
tires for more even wear.  My suggestion is to keep the same size all the 
way around.

Dale Dewald
Hancock, (UP) MI