My 1964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

[Michael J.]

I have an extra set of the rare and discontinued Pirelli P4000 215X70X15 tires, if I mount them on my Western Wheel knock-offs, will they work on my '64 'vert without rubbing or interference? Thanks!

[Joe R.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

I think you will have problems with the fronts hitting the frame rail in the rear! 205's are pretty tight even in the rear! The old Michelin185 Redlines fit great on a mid year with steel sheels!

JR

[Ron S.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

Most likely those 215's will at some point, as in turning into a driveway at an angle, rub & damage the top inner lip of your front fender(s). I know this from experience, and resultant body work ! Put on 205 Kuhmo's all around & problem solved. And they look good on the knock off IMO.

[Michael J.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

Thanks guys, I was afraid of that. I have 205s on my '67 with American Mag Torq-Thrust Ds and they bearly make it. I guess I will just try selling those Pirellis then, a shame, the only Z rated tire in a vintage size too.

[Duke W.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

...should not be a problem. That setup on a '67 with the OE 6" Rally or aluminum wheels does not cause fender lip interference, but the tire shoulder can rub the steering gear carriage bolt heads at full lock, which only occurs at parking lot speeds, so it's not a safety issue.

KO wheels including the adapter have the same +.06" offset as '67 wheels, but drum brake cars have about 0.4" less track because the wheel mounting planes are a fraction of an inch inboard relative to disk brake cars, so you should have that fraction of an inch more fender clearance than on a '67, but always use caution entering steep driveways at an angle with the wheels turned near the limit.

Duke

[Michael J.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

Thanks Duke, I will mount them up and give it a go then. I just feel safer with Z rated, or any higher speed rated, tires on my old cars, no matter what speed I am going.

[Duke W.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

H and above speed rated tires will last many, many years, and the spiral wound nylon cap belt will prevent the tire from disintegrating if there is an internal structural failure.

They do no need to be replaced at some arbitrary age, especially if they don't spend a lot of time in the sun or are near ozone producing electrical equipment.

That's why I always recommend H or above speed rated tires, regardless of how fast one plans to drive, and scoff at the Chicken Littles that run around saying you have to replace tires ever six or some other arbitrary number of years, regardless of their quality, performance, and safety features.

Sudden tire failures are not that uncommon, but they are ALWAYS cheap, less than H speed rated tires that lack the spiral wound nylon cap belt.

It amazes me how many guys are only concerned with cosmetic appearance and give no thought to the performance or safety characteristics of tires when it comes time to purchase a set.

You were wise to buy a set of those Z-rated P4000s while they were available.

Duke

[Michael J.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

You were wise to buy a set of those Z-rated P4000s while they were available.

Duke

Thanks Duke, when I heard they were going away, I had my friends at Discount Tire look for a set. After 4 weeks of looking (no one had any), they found a set in the back of their warehouse in New Jersey, that was lucky for me.

[John S.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

Michael,

If you do decide to sell them. let me know. I have these exact same size tires on my 67. Only problem I have encounter is entering a driveway to fast at full steering lock. It ends up hitting the fender lip. that is with 67 DC rims on. The aftermarket ralleys never hit. offset must be just a hair different. IMHO, these are great tires for C2s.

[Michael J.]

Re: My !964 with Western Wheel knock-offs with 215 radials?

Thanks John, I will let you know if they don't work.