1965 Roadster Maximum Rear Tire Size?

[Andy K.]

Currently I am running BFG P215/70R15 T/A Radials on all 4 of my bolt-on knockoff wheels. I am looking to find the maximum size tire that I can install on the rear tires without rubbing. I have a reasonable amount of clearance now and "guesstimate" that P235s would fit.
Any info would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Andy

http://home.comcast.net/~instepdrive/

[Barry K.]

Re: 1965 Roadster Maximum Rear Tire Size?

Andy

for what it's worth, a neighbor of mine had 235/60-15's on his '67 with the rally wheels and no rubbing front or rear but my understanding is that going that large may or may not fit based on the individual car as all seem to have slightly different amounts of clearances.
The wider rubber on his car definitely looked really nice.

I think the "generally accepted" maximum size that will fit on most C2's is a 215/70-15 assuming you are staying with the 15" wheel although I do know others that also run a 225/65-15.

The biggest problem with going with a lower profile tire such as a 60 series is filling the wheelwell so it doesn't have too large of a gap from the top of the tire to the wheelwell arch without having to lower the car

[Paul H.]

Re: 1965 Roadster Maximum Rear Tire Size?

I am currently running 215 70 15 gold lines on knock-offs but over the years have run 235 70's on the rear with 225 70's on the front. 235 70's will rub on the front. I tried that once. Some have reported rubbing with 225 70's on the front. I guess it depends on the car but I never had a problem with 225's. 215 70's seem to be the safe bet on clearance for all cars.

[Duke W.]

Re: 1965 Roadster Maximum Rear Tire Size?

You can run larger cross sections if you reduce profile, but the look can get goofy (both OD and the "pinched" sidewall) and speedo/odo accuracy goes out the window. And as you go lower in profile, the minimum wheel width for a given section increases. A 235/60 on a six inch wheel will neither work well nor look good and violates the Tire and Rim Assc. minimum recommended wheel width.

Given that a Z-rated high performance touring tire and a V-rated DOT legal racing tire are available in the 215/70R-15 size, which is an exact revs/mile match to the OE tire, why look beyond...

A hard compound, low speed rated "cosmetic performance tire" will not come close to the ride/handling, grip, and safety that the best 215/70s can provide.

Duke