15x6 Fuchs are restored! - Which tires?, I've searched - still confused. Options

[TRP]

Hello Gang,

I picked up 5 - 15x6 'flat 6' Fuchs and had them restored. They are finished in the classic black/anodized paddles design - the should be here tomorrow. Now I need to purchase tires for these beauties. I've spent the last 3 nights looking for tires for my 914 and I'm more confused than when I started. We really need a 'sticky thread' for tires.

I currently have 14" Fuchs on the car with 185/70R14 tires. The existing package looks small and yet also 'tire heavy' - meaning the sidewall of the tire compared to the rim size is 'off'... the sidewall just looks big and not attractive to me; with the 15's I would like to correct that aesthetic.

I would like a tire with 'some' sidewall, so I've ruled out anything with a sidewall shorter than a 60 series tire. I really don't like all the crazy modern tread patterns or spastic looking sidewall designs. I think I'm keen on the more classic sidewall (not busy/crazy looking) and nothing too 'boy racer' (modern tires all look like you're trying to prove something).

I won't be doing any autoX or driving events. The car will have a 2056/Ljet motor, stock brakes, F/R OEM anti-sway bars. Most likely not driven daily, just a weekend and special day kind of car.

I am leaning towards 195/60R15s, I could do 205/60R15s in the rear but I'm not 100% sold that I need 'all that tire'. Should I consider 195/65s or will that get me back into that same issue I have now with the 185/70/R14s?

This is almost as bad as asking 'what oil should I use'... but... What are your recommendations for 15" tires in the 195/60 or 195/65 size? Are Vredestein tires any good? Do I just bite the bullet and get the Michelins? Any suggestions are welcomed.

Ted

[fasthonda]

Definitely consider a 205/50 or 195/55.

I have 205/50 on a 15x7 and I think they look perfect, not stock looking though, a bit on the aggressive side. My car is lowered. For a stock look you would want a taller sidewall. I wouldn't do a 205/60. Then go with 195 or 185. If you want a bit more aggressive look go with a 205/50 imo. Vredestein is a good brand.

[Cairo94507]

It kind of depends on how low your car is. I have 15x6 deep Fuchs on my Six; I am about 1.25" lower than stock ride height (+-). I am running 195x65x15 tires on my car and I think they look just right. I could probably squeeze a 205 in there but do not want to chance any paint damage. (Sorry for the bad lighting in the picture)

[930cabman]

I like 185/70 15, but it's like engine oil

Not much help, can you share the wheel restorer you used?

Thanks

[TRP]

@cairo94507 - that is the look I like! (unfortunately I don't have deep 6's) -- What brand are those tires?

How did you lower the rear? I assume you moved the spring perch clip, which setting are you using?

[TRP]

I like 185/70 15, but it's like engine oil

Not much help, can you share the wheel restorer you used?

Thanks

I used fuchsrestoration.com, we'll see how they come out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

[930cabman]

I like 185/70 15, but it's like engine oil

Not much help, can you share the wheel restorer you used?

Thanks

I used fuchsrestoration.com, we'll see how they come out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Great, thanks. wondering if there are any shops on the East coast up to this task?

[mepstein]

I like 185/70 15, but it's like engine oil

Not much help, can you share the wheel restorer you used?

Thanks

I used fuchsrestoration.com, we'll see how they come out. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/unsure.gif)

Great, thanks. wondering if there are any shops on the East coast up to this task?

Not really. Get two large heavy duty moving boxes from Home Depot. Pack well with cardboard in between the wheels. Parcel monkey or pirate ship for the best shipping rates.

[Jamie]

Hello Gang,

I picked up 5 - 15x6 'flat 6' Fuchs and had them restored. They are finished in the classic black/anodized paddles design - the should be here tomorrow. Now I need to purchase tires for these beauties. I've spent the last 3 nights looking for tires for my 914 and I'm more confused than when I started. We really need a 'sticky thread' for tires.

I currently have 14" Fuchs on the car with 185/70R14 tires. The existing package looks small and yet also 'tire heavy' - meaning the sidewall of the tire compared to the rim size is 'off'... the sidewall just looks big and not attractive to me; with the 15's I would like to correct that aesthetic.

I would like a tire with 'some' sidewall, so I've ruled out anything with a sidewall shorter than a 60 series tire. I really don't like all the crazy modern tread patterns or spastic looking sidewall designs. I think I'm keen on the more classic sidewall (not busy/crazy looking) and nothing too 'boy racer' (modern tires all look like you're trying to prove something).

I won't be doing any autoX or driving events. The car will have a 2056/Ljet motor, stock brakes, F/R OEM anti-sway bars. Most likely not driven daily, just a weekend and special day kind of car.

I am leaning towards 195/60R15s, I could do 205/60R15s in the rear but I'm not 100% sold that I need 'all that tire'. Should I consider 195/65s or will that get me back into that same issue I have now with the 185/70/R14s?

This is almost as bad as asking 'what oil should I use'... but... What are your recommendations for 15" tires in the 195/60 or 195/65 size? Are Vredestein tires any good? Do I just bite the bullet and get the Michelins? Any suggestions are welcomed.

Ted

I've been very pleased with the Vredestein 205/65x15" when I had to replace older Michelins on original steelies(5.5"W) 2 years ago. My all original fenders didn't have any rub issues, full lock small rub inside front wheel well and 1/2" spacer solved that occasional problem. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Jamie]

Hello Gang,

I picked up 5 - 15x6 'flat 6' Fuchs and had them restored. They are finished in the classic black/anodized paddles design - the should be here tomorrow. Now I need to purchase tires for these beauties. I've spent the last 3 nights looking for tires for my 914 and I'm more confused than when I started. We really need a 'sticky thread' for tires.

I currently have 14" Fuchs on the car with 185/70R14 tires. The existing package looks small and yet also 'tire heavy' - meaning the sidewall of the tire compared to the rim size is 'off'... the sidewall just looks big and not attractive to me; with the 15's I would like to correct that aesthetic.

I would like a tire with 'some' sidewall, so I've ruled out anything with a sidewall shorter than a 60 series tire. I really don't like all the crazy modern tread patterns or spastic looking sidewall designs. I think I'm keen on the more classic sidewall (not busy/crazy looking) and nothing too 'boy racer' (modern tires all look like you're trying to prove something).

I won't be doing any autoX or driving events. The car will have a 2056/Ljet motor, stock brakes, F/R OEM anti-sway bars. Most likely not driven daily, just a weekend and special day kind of car.

I am leaning towards 195/60R15s, I could do 205/60R15s in the rear but I'm not 100% sold that I need 'all that tire'. Should I consider 195/65s or will that get me back into that same issue I have now with the 185/70/R14s?

This is almost as bad as asking 'what oil should I use'... but... What are your recommendations for 15" tires in the 195/60 or 195/65 size? Are Vredestein tires any good? Do I just bite the bullet and get the Michelins? Any suggestions are welcomed.

Ted

I've been very pleased with the Vredestein 205/65x15" when I had to replace older Michelins on original steelies(5.5"W) 2 years ago. My all original fenders didn't have any rub issues, full lock small rub inside front wheel well and 1/2" spacer solved that occasional problem. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/aktion035.gif)

[Cairo94507]

@TRP - I was asked what tires I am running and what position the clips are on for the Bilstein shocks; here are a few pictures. The Sumitomo tires, though not my first choice (Michelin) perform well; though I am not out "canyon carving" in this car these days. Oh, I am running 140 lb. rear springs and a stock (later) rear sway bar with all rubber Elephant Racing bushings.

[TRP]

Thank you @Cairo94507! Your car is spectacular. I really wish I had held out for a green car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I will look into the tire size you suggested. 205s look good too, just not sure I need all that beef. I'm not out rippin through canyons or chasing cones.

Ted

[porschetub]

Thank you @Cairo94507! Your car is spectacular. I really wish I had held out for a green car. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/sad.gif)

I will look into the tire size you suggested. 205s look good too, just not sure I need all that beef. I'm not out rippin through canyons or chasing cones.

Ted

That extra beef can make the steering a bit more heavy ,noticed this when from 16x6'' to 16x7'' with obviously wider 205/50/16 in the front , car is lowered 1 inch in the front if that makes a difference ? ,cheers.

[TRP]

Thank you all for the replies, I will be going with the 195/65r15s. Now I am looking for that size in a reputable brand.

The wheels arrived today. I have yet to unbox them, I will try to have a look at them tonight. Im hoping they turned into deep 6s while they were away. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

[Patrick_139]

The website below can help you pick a tire. If it matters to you, it can also help you avoid/reduce speedometer error by staying close to 25 inches in tire height. There is also a visualizer on there to see the sidewall height and other measurements of any size you input. Two popular sizes I have seen are 195/65 15 (25 inches) and 205/60 15 (24.7 inches). Mine came with 185/65 15 (24.5 inches) and has speedo error of about 3%, which is tolerable. Another good tool is Bring a Trailer. Just search for 914 and then see which tire size looks good to you. Usually in the car description it will state the tire size. Good luck


https://tiresize.com/height-calculator/

[TRP]

I finally found some time tonight to unpack the wheels. I am pretty pleased with the results. Im still struggling with the fact they aren't a huge difference from my 14x5.5" Fuchs. Maybe once I get some tires on them I will be more excited.











The restoration wasn't cheap, more thw. 2x what I paid for the wheels. All in, not horrible but 2x more than if I had gone with maxilite deep 6s and 7s. I could maybe sell these to someone with a 72 911 and still go with the maxis and tires. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/blink.gif)

[brant]

Are maxis forged?

[mepstein]

Real Fuchs look better. are stronger, lighter and hold their value.
I have used 5.5 & 6 x15 Fuchs with 205x60 tires, on a stock body 914 and no way would they have fit 7" wheels without pulling on the fender and folding the lip - At least on any of my cars.

Your Fuchs look really good. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/beerchug.gif)

[TRP]

Maxilite wheels are cast, but you can actually afford them in deep 6 and 7" configuration. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif)

I am sure I will get more excited once I get some rubber on these and get then on the car. I'm kind of in the doldrums of having the car blown apart with a bunch of work and more spending and uncertainty before it will be back on the road.

@mepstein- thank you. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/smile.gif)

[chmillman]

My car came with 7” Fuchs on all four corners. I have 195/65-15’s and they do not rub in the rear - however, it appears the lips were rolled by the PO. I can just fit my fingers between the tire and the fender lip. 205’s would probably rub.