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Stupid tire question

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NutmegCT

NutmegCT

Great Pumpkin
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Can I mount a 14" tire on a 13" rim?

For classic cars using 13" wheels, the 13" tires are nearly impossible to find. No longer shipped to USA, so you have to go to "classic" (i.e. really expensive) tires like Vredenstein, Coker, etc.

Will a 14" tire mount on a 13" rim?

Edit: as 13" trailer tires are still available, can they be used on passenger cars?

Thanks.
Tom
 
I haven't really had much trouble finding 13" street tires (it's the racing tires that are getting hard to find).

~Here's Plenty~

(assuming 185 is a good width for your MB. Otherwise, the more narrow tires are out there too. I would not use trailer tires)

~Here Is~ a 165 width.
 
Thanks Nial. Truth be told I've been looking for 185/80R13, which is the size equivalent to the original bias ply 6.70/13 for the car. I've found several online sources, but when I call them, they say "those are on back order - no idea when we can get them".

I'm not good at guessing what other sizes might work; I don't care about speedometer "error" - just want a good touring tire that will fit the 4.5" width, 13" rims.

The Mercedes guys all say to get the original size from Coker or Vredenstein so they'll "look right". But they also say those don't handle very well - not to mention the $200/tire cost.

Thanks.
Tom
 
I'd stick with Coker or Vredenstein but obviously it's your choice. Just be sure ts is SAFE! The cheap usually turns out to be expensive. (****, I'm full of opinions today. Probably because I've been absent from the forum far too long.)
 
Tom I run 175/80R13s on my Spitfire and have no problems with ride or handling. They are also pretty easy to find, at least in Oklahoma.
 
Trailer tires would be bad. The sidewalls are made super stiff and are not really made for high speed or handling. Think concrete tire.
 
In addition to BCF members, I talked with some M-B owners, then called TireRack. Settled on P185/70R13 Kumho Solus KR21 blackwall. Good reviews, and the shape/size is close to the original 6.70/13. Should end up similar to:

Mercedes_190_b_1959-1961.jpg



One step at a time, but ever onward through the fog!
Tom
 
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