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Posted by: tcsmoothie Apr 20 2008, 02:07 PM

I just pulled my 73 914 1.7 out of my pole barn which has sat there for 6 years. Needless to say I've been a bad boy and other then drained the gas totally neglected it. It has no rust and 44K miles on it. Before I do anything else to get it back in running order, I need tires just to move it. I know by the google, 165SR15's are hard to find with limited choices. I just want to drive the car and don't have to restore it to precise original condition. Any suggestions including sources or alternative tire sizes would be appreciated. It has the original 15" steel wheels with chrome hubcaps.

Posted by: Spoke Apr 20 2008, 02:53 PM

2 15 inch tire sizes I've run (assuming 5.5inch wide rims) are:

195/55/15
205/50/15

Both are smaller than 165/80/15 (stock tire) but look much better, should handle better, and are readily available. Smaller size throws off your speedo and makes your 1.7L seem just a bit peppier since smaller tires equates to lowering all gear ratios.

Posted by: tcsmoothie Apr 20 2008, 02:57 PM

Thanks, prefer one over the other?

Posted by: SirAndy Apr 20 2008, 03:10 PM

QUOTE(tcsmoothie @ Apr 20 2008, 12:57 PM)

Posted by: McMark Apr 20 2008, 05:06 PM

for a purely street tire 195s fit and are pretty broadly available. What wheels do you have? Aftermarket VW wheels can be a tighter fit than stock wheels.

Posted by: tcsmoothie Apr 20 2008, 05:42 PM

QUOTE(McMark @ Apr 20 2008, 06:06 PM)

for a purely street tire 195s fit and are pretty broadly available. What wheels do you have? Aftermarket VW wheels can be a tighter fit than stock wheels.

Posted by: jsayre914 Apr 20 2008, 06:27 PM

Show us Your Car.............we want to see

Posted by: tcsmoothie Apr 20 2008, 10:14 PM

WARNING CONTAINS GRAPHIC IMAGES. VIEW AT YOUR OWN RISK!









These are the first digital photos ever of this car. Like I said, its been sitting since 02. Took out the gas tank today. All the lines and hoses are shot. Wish me luck.

Posted by: iamchappy Apr 20 2008, 11:22 PM

Your car looks in very good shape, i wish you well in your fixing it up.

Posted by: roadster fan Apr 21 2008, 02:36 PM

Keep us posted on the progress, looks like a nice car. I have 195's on my 71 and they look right and are readily available. Good luck.

oh, and

Jim

Posted by: ericread Apr 21 2008, 02:49 PM

I see the problem! You have flat tires and some lady is stealing your gas tank. You'll need to get both of those fixed right away...