Wire Wheel Sizes [Tires too!]

[RJS]

Hi

The tires on my TR4A are coming up on 10 years old so I am starting some preliminary research in anticipation of replacing them this spring.

First, I have a question about the width of my painted wire wheels. They are definitely 15" diameter and 60 spoke. When I measure the width from the edge of one rim lip to the other I get 5.5". However, I question that since I am not aware of a 15 x 5.5 in 60 spoke configuration. I can see a 15 x 5 in 60 spoke or a 15 x 5.5 in 72 spoke. See here https://www.britishwirewheel.com/wheels.htm

What do you think - is it possible my rim width 5.5"?

The whole reason I ask is because it will directly impact the tire sizes I will consider. The current tires are 205/70-15. These are fine but, about 3.5% too large in diameter. They are a cheap private label so I can't even tell you what they are.

Thanks

Bob

 

[RJS]

OK, I may have just answered my own question, per this link:
https://resources.coker.com/wheel-tech/wheel-installation/how-do-i-measure-my-rim-width.html

Width measurement is made bead-seat to bead-seat. Not lip to lip. So, I guess I really have a 15 x 5 in 60 spoke.

Any tire suggestions? I would like to go wider than OEM 165/80-15, but close to OEM diameter and decent price. I am strongly considering a 175/75-15 or 185/70-15 (and unfortunately, Tire Rack has nothing in these two sizes).

Thanks again,

Bob

 

[3798j]

Bob, Take a look here: https://www.mintylamb.co.uk/?page=tyre.htm
It lets you compare sizes and then coveniently see the differences.
195/65-15 is reasonably close.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I was thinking that the usual 60-spoke rims were 4.5" wide.

Anyway... NFI but I used these guys for my last tire purchase:

https://www.tires-easy.com/

Tire Rack, et al didn't have what I needed. Those guys did, ordred late on a Tuesday, had the tires on Friday morning.

 

[DaytonWire]

Generaly if you measure the width of rim at the outside edge of the wheel it will be about an inch narrower when measured at the bead seats. The original 60 spoke wheels should be 15x4.5"

Tor

 

[RJS]

Yep, I measured from bead to bead and it is, in fact, a 15 x 4.5 rim. What's amazing (concerning?) is that the PO mounted a 205/70-15 tire on such a narrow rim. I've been running this set up for 10 years/ 7,000 miles without a single issue but, I must admit I am now nervous running such a wide tire on such a narrow rim.

I plan to replace the tires this year since they've probably aged out. My first choice would be a 185/70-15 but the only make/model in that size is the Vredestein Sprint Classic. However, at $130 per corner it's a bit more than I'd like to spend. So, I am strongly considering a 165/80-15 with 185/65-15 a close 2nd.

Bob

 

[CinneaghTR]

I have the Vredestein Sprint + 165/80-15 on my 60-spoke 4.5 wires. They are the closest size to stock and cost about $90 a tire depending on the vendor.

Geo's link is great for a nice selection of economical tires.