The Cal-look Lounge

I've decided to use some of this enforced downtime to get my Beetle sorted, and having sat outside all winter, one of the things it needs is a new pair of front tyres. I don't have the inclination to spend a couple of hundred pounds on a pair of Michelin 145s that'll probably dry rot before they wear out, so I've been looking at the Nankang CX668. They're available from a few sellers on ebay and elsewhere, and the best price I've found so far is a few pence over £75 for a pair, which I think is pretty reasonable.
Anyone used these before? What are they like? For that price I could have a new pair every spring!

I have used them, they seem perfectly fine and grip is as what is expected from a skinny tyre, they seem to wear quite well ,
yeah the side wall is not as nice as a Michelin but it isn't to bad, plus mines not a show car so it doesn't bother me, for the price  I will be buying them again when I need a new pair.  Hope this helps

That's pretty much what I wanted to hear! The choice seems to be them,  some secondhand Uniroyals on ebay, Michelins or Firestone F560.  I'll give them a go and see how I get on.

I have them on my 63. I was gutted when Nankang stopped doing the N803 as that was a modern tyre with a good looking sidewall.
I too would love new XZX's but the price is just wrong when you consider what other car tyres cost

Good to hear that you've got them too Lee. I managed to get some NOS xzx 145s many years ago, but they've rotted out. I won't use F560s any more, as they're made from granite and grip just as well, and the Kleber I found about 15 years ago I've never been able to match!

As I say, performance wise I am happy with them. They just look too modern.
I've tried finding some N803's with no success

Lee

I reckon this settles it Neil!!
https://nankangusa.com/passenger-tires/cx668/

(hoping their website isnt too customised but there is an image of a 1303 fitted with BRMs and Nankangs!)

If you want to rely on a skinny 145 front tyre you would want the one with the best grip on the market, period! No matter the 50% extra price tag. I do not know which are the better in that size, but I would rather be able to stop in time or stay on the asphalt over a wrecked front end or worse the entire car, - or me.

  

I have Nankang 165s on the front and like them!
A worthy tread update and felt well built and solid which I noticed right away.
The best tires are the ones that are not old rubber, giving them a modern grippy feel while driving.

I have seen Nankang 205/70's that have the similar sidewalls. At least that way they would match...

Good site, I'd not seen that one. Interesting that they'd used the '03 as the sole image of the tyres on a car.


I know what you are saying, which is why I won't use the F560. I've always liked the Michelin, but they're an old design as well now, even if they are a better rubber than the Firestone. To my mind, a newer design tyre may give better performance, not that a 145 is ever going to be a performance tyre...


Again, thank you for real world experience. I'm looking forward to trying them.


At the moment I've got 195/70 Goodyear on the back, so these could be an option later on.

I use them front and rear. 145/80/15 and 165/80/15. Nothing bad to said about, but I don't have 3.000hp and I don't drive it as much as I used too.

I had Nankangs for a while in my 67 (165s all around) and I'd say they had similar grip to the Vredesteins which I have in my other car.

I'm planning to go 145 front and 165 rear soon, and I was thinking I'd go for the XZX's but I wonder if it's worth it after all if the way cheaper tires drive the same, has anyone run both to compare?

I've heard good things about the Nankangs, and they are much more reasonably priced.  The XZXs sure look the part though!

(https://www.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/1986639.jpg)

Can't argue with you there Steve! That buggy looks great!

Thanks Neil!! ;D