Getting New Tires

[rexus31]

Well, my 225 75 14 holy grail Cooper Trendsetters are developing cracks on the sidewall near the rim. Time for some new tires! We all know the optimal size, 225 75 14 is no longer available and after some deliberation, it looks like I'm going to go with 215 75 14. I was also considering 205 75 14 but feel they would be too small. Here's what I used for comparison:

205-75R14 vs 215-75R14 vs 225-70R14 - Tire and Wheel Plus Sizing | Tire Size Calculator

I've settled on these tires:

DiscountTireCenters.com with the lowest prices on tires and automotive services in California, carrying all name tire brands, and providing comprehensive automotive services.

I'm a little leery of putting Hankook's on a Classic American Car, but my choices are limited. I'm looking at $345 out the door. Not too bad.

 

[commando1]

I put those Hankooks on my '67 Newport, also a little leery. Turned out to be outstanding tires and I regretted having doubts about them.
I understand how the Hancock label on the side can be disconcerting but it's 2016. Fifty years!
Unfortunately....
You'll love the tires, just not the Asian name.

 

[saforwardlook]

I would end up hating the teeny tiny tires on such a beautiful car. They will be way too small IMO. 235s are needed if radials to achieve the proper height. Yes, I know that means going to a specialty tire supplier, but that is what I would do (they run about $277 each though). Also, side wall cracks might be superficial, as I know some suppliers such as the Gods at Michelin will not replace a tire under warranty even if the sidewalls start showing small cracks, until you "can insert a quarter into the crack". Ask me how I know. Last set of Michelins I will ever buy. Only a year old too.

 

[dude69300]

On my '87 Dakota michelins came standard, within 4yrs started getting checks in the sidewall, got a set of replacement michelins a couple yrs later and before I sold the truck I could see cracks appearing on the newer set. Never used that tire shine crap either, I'll never buy a set of those tires again

 

[Turboomni]

14 inch wheels is pretty small for a full size car isn't it? What car specifically is this?

 

[saforwardlook]

14 inch wheels is pretty small for a full size car isn't it? What car specifically is this?

It is a 1965 Chrysler 300 convertible. 14" rims were the only ones used on those cars and other slab sides of similar years from the factory. If you want to use the original wheel covers, you are pretty much stuck.

 

[rexus31]

I would end up hating the teeny tiny tires on such a beautiful car. They will be way too small IMO. 235s are needed if radials to achieve the proper height. Yes, I know that means going to a specialty tire supplier, but that is what I would do (But they run about $277 each though). Also, side wall cracks might be superficial, as I know some suppliers such as the Gods at Michelin will not replace a tire under warranty even if the sidewalls start showing small cracks, until you "can insert a quarter into the crack". Ask me how I know. Last set of Michelins I will ever buy. Only a year old too.

I hear you Steve but $1,000 for tires on a car that I drive very little is not in the budget. The thing that bothers me about the cracks is the tires are over 10 years old. I'd rather replace them proactively versus getting a blowout at 70 mph on the freeway. Hopefully the size difference will be negligible at best.

Did you get my text?

 

[rexus31]

14 inch wheels is pretty small for a full size car isn't it? What car specifically is this?

This is the car in question:

 

[live4theking]

This is the car in question:

That is not a car. It is an absolutely beautiful piece of American Iron.

 

[Turboomni]

What a lovely car. My compliments to you. If those are 14 inch wheels they look good and I am surprised. If I were to guess I would have thought those were 15s!

 

[live4theking]

I'm sure you're aware that the slightly smaller tire will cause the speedo to indicate a hair fast.

 

[cbarge]

2157514 on the La Chrysler
No problems
Just put 1833 Km's on the tires to and from Carlisle show.
Yes a bit small,but ride is smooth.

 

[Pete Kaczmarski]

Too bad your car is not P23575R15 as Lucas has those with 1.5" WW as blems for $99 per tire.

 

[rexus31]

I'm sure you're aware that the slightly smaller tire will cause the speedo to indicate a hair fast.

Cool! I'll "think" I'm going faster w/o getting a ticket!

 

[rexus31]

Too bad your car is not P23575R15 as Lucas has those with 1.5" WW as blems for $99 per tire.

If there was a way to easily make the 14" stock wheel covers fit a 15" wheel, I'd upgrade in a heartbeat.

 

[Dobalovr]

If there was a way to easily make the 14" stock wheel covers fit a 15" wheel, I'd upgrade in a heartbeat.

Running the Hankooks on the '66 no complaints. The 15" road wheels I just picked up came with 235/75r15 Optimo's as well. I would not be afraid of these tires and I think Wallyworld sells them down your way for cheap.

 

[rexus31]

I put those Hankooks on my '67 Newport, also a little leery. Turned out to be outstanding tires and I regretted having doubts about them.
I understand how the Hancock label on the side can be disconcerting but it's 2016. Fifty years!
Unfortunately....
You'll love the tires, just not the Asian name.

I'm sure I could search for one, but I'm too lazy. Can you post a pic of your car with the Hankook's?

 

[Dobalovr]

I'm sure I could search for one, but I'm too lazy. Can you post a pic of your car with the Hankook's?

Absolutely...any chance to show off Ruby is appreciated lol

 

[commando1]

I'm sure I could search for one, but I'm too lazy. Can you post a pic of your car with the Hankook's?

 

[1978 NYB]

Beautiful cars posted on this thread!

The best of the best!

Thanks fella's!