skinny tires

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   I'm trying to locate 26" tall tires to fit on the 15" x 4.5" rims on my 1960 American wagon so I can keep the dog dish caps. I want to avoid Coker (price and I'd prefer modern tire technology). I think this has become a fool's errand...

Given the poor choices I might have to ditch these wheels. They need dismounting, sandblasting, probably straightening, and for all that, I might as well by new wheels in another size. I definitely want a lot of rubber, so 70 series may be the way to go.

What have others done here? 

I will visit my local tire shop to ask, as I got tired of playing 'what if' with the TireRack site trying to guess what's available (it can't answer "what rim and widths come in 75 profile").

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tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7544	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Topic: skinny tires Posted: May/08/2021 at 1:33am
	I'm trying to locate 26" tall tires to fit on the 15" x 4.5" rims on my 1960 American wagon so I can keep the dog dish caps. I want to avoid Coker (price and I'd prefer modern tire technology). I think this has become a fool's errand... Given the poor choices I might have to ditch these wheels. They need dismounting, sandblasting, probably straightening, and for all that, I might as well by new wheels in another size. I definitely want a lot of rubber, so 70 series may be the way to go. What have others done here? I will visit my local tire shop to ask, as I got tired of playing 'what if' with the TireRack site trying to guess what's available (it can't answer "what rim and widths come in 75 profile").
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

Trader Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/15/2018 Location: Ontario Status: Offline Points: 6882	Post Options Post Reply Quote Trader Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/08/2021 at 6:18am
	My neighbor, for his Hupmobile's uses: https://www.lucasclassictires.com/ and there is: https://www.kelseytire.com/ I don't know if any are cheaper!

Mopar_guy Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jun/07/2009 Location: Ohio Status: Offline Points: 4828	Post Options Post Reply Quote Mopar_guy Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/08/2021 at 7:43am
	Not sure what size/style you're looking for but try Diamond Back. https://dbtires.com/
	"Hemilina" My 1973, 5.7 Hemi swapped Javelin

Buzzman72 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Sep/15/2009 Location: Southern IN Status: Offline Points: 2725	Post Options Post Reply Quote Buzzman72 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/08/2021 at 12:55pm
	Looking at a standard tire chart, looks like a 195/70R15 is going to be as close as you get. That's a 25.7" diameter, and the recommended rim is 5.0"-6.0" wide. You can likely "fudge" it onto your 4-1/2" wide rims. Here's where i got the data: tire_chart_2010.xls (etmags.com)
	Buzzman72...void where prohibited, your mileage may vary, objects in mirror may be closer than they appear, and alcohol may intensify any side effects.

bigbad69 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List Supporter of TheAMCForum Joined: Jul/02/2007 Location: Ottawa, Ont. Status: Offline Points: 6669	Post Options Post Reply Quote bigbad69 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/08/2021 at 1:27pm
	Have you looked at getting your rims widened? If you are needing sandblasting and straightening anyway, replacing the hoops might not be a big leap from there. The bonus is you get to keep your hubcaps and you can get tire store models which will likely be cheaper.than specialty or reproduction, Another thing to look at if you're replacing the hoops is going up in tire diameter. 15" isn't very popular now. A 16 or 17 inch rim might give you better and cheaper choices of tire .
	69 Javelin SST BBO 390 T10

tomj Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Jan/27/2010 Location: earth Status: Offline Points: 7544	Post Options Post Reply Quote tomj Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/09/2021 at 1:10am
	OMG Lucas etc are expensive! One is close to my entire budget! lol. I'm looking for reliable daily drivers. There's some weird brand, Vehrenstein or something, that are moderate but then warn you to not put any air or load on them at 20F! OK I live in SoCal, but I do drive to Santa Fe NM occasionally, they have actual winter. Etc.. 205/70-15 is the smallest I can buy from tire shops, that seems about it. Couldn't find any non-exotic 195/70 even. Yeah, 15" rims are not popular, even 14 is easier. I happen to have 16 x 7's I just pulled off the roadster. I really wanted to retain the skinny/tall look, but practicality may win. The 16's are in fine shape, and the old the stock wheels are unrestored originals with rust and peeling brown paint. With so many small tasks I may just punt and fall back to what I got. I also wanted a spare that fit in the trunk, but that's a dumb (or very expensive) fantasy. I was trying hint at it's early Nash-can roots but so much for that idea. Maybe later when I'm rich. Thanks for the info -- I think it's an evolutionary dead end now.
	1960 Rambler Super two-door wagon, OHV auto 1961 Roadster American, 195.6 OHV, T5 http://www.ramblerLore.com

ccowx Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Nov/03/2010 Location: Yukon Status: Offline Points: 3510	Post Options Post Reply Quote ccowx Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/09/2021 at 1:20am
	Does 195-65R15 work? www.cip1.com has them and I think you can get them for $60-70 through Walmart. Nankang brand. These are modern radials, often used for old VW's, but should work for you. Chris

Trader Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: May/15/2018 Location: Ontario Status: Offline Points: 6882	Post Options Post Reply Quote Trader Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/09/2021 at 6:12am
	A modern properly weight rated radial trailer tire will handle better then the old original bias ply tires. You just have 2 different systems of ratings. The side wall will be stiffer then the car tire but not as stiff as the original bias ply tire. It will handle close to original. You want skinny look and a cheaper tire, for summer driving, a trailer tire fits that bill. Your jurisdiction may not allow this, but here, if the weight rating is correct, they can be used. Trailer rims cannot! Lots of 15" skinny radial trailer tires, even white and red wall. The tread pattern is even similar to the old bias ply's. Check you DMV rules first.

AMXRWB Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Apr/25/2013 Location: Midwest Status: Offline Points: 1154	Post Options Post Reply Quote AMXRWB Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/09/2021 at 6:43am
	Maybe Wade Kawasaki can help.Give him a call.

Rogue343 Members Profile Send Private Message Find Members Posts Add to Buddy List AMC Addicted Joined: Feb/16/2011 Location: Norwalk, OH Status: Offline Points: 1004	Post Options Post Reply Quote Rogue343 Report Post Thanks(0) Quote Reply Posted: May/09/2021 at 8:17am
	Tom, look for a 165/80R15. They are about 25.5 inches tall and easily fit your 4.5 inch wheel. Use to sell a lot of these at the tire shop I worked at to guys for front drag tires and street rods. Several brands are available, Nexen being one I remember. Should fit the bill for what you need.
	1967 Rambler Rogue 'X' code 343 4 speed 1966 Rambler American 440 4 door Factory 290 (now 360) 4 speed VIN 100003