The Cal-look Lounge

I'm currently running a set of Continental 145/65/15 EcoContact's on the front and and a set of Continental 185/65/15 ProContact's in the rear. These are mounted on a set of 5.5 early Rivi's. They look cool, the profile may be a little low, but they aren't that bad. However I'm not crazy that the tires don't match [I'm being anal]. Well, I'm now in the process of refinishing a set of early alloys, 5.5's in the front and deep 6's in the rear. So I'm putting more thought into what tires I will run with these wheels. I believe Coker is reproducing Michelin 145 XZX and 165 XZX which these tires have a classic look but I feel the 165's are a bit thin for the rear. I would like at least a 185 in the rear, unfortunately they don't make a matching 185. I've been searching around a bit, looking at Continental, Michelin, Pirelli and haven't found matching tires in the sizes I want.

What is everyone else running?

-jeffrey

If it doesn't rain tomorrow, I'll try shoot a few pics. I only found the 65's on tirerack. I would have preferred a taller tire, but I couldn't find it. I'm basically looking for a decent matched set.

-jeffrey

I have some Avon CR6ZZ's 205/70/15 on my Bug when its finished, not decided on fronts yet :)

(http://www.avonracing.com/images/tyres/cr6zz_2_l.jpg)

The GTV is back on 145's and 165's, XZX's all the way 'round including the spare :) I really am liking this look for my car, maybe I wont buck up for the 185/70's XWX's after all. In a perfect world I would have 175/15 XZX's on the back, just a scosche taller and wider...

I can't help it, oldschool all the way.
I have Goodyear Bluestreaks on the rear and 145-15 Pirelli "Rolle" on the front.
Kinda gives it a gasser look.
 :)

I want my car to stick, so I went "modern"
Rears are Goodyear Eagle GT 195/65/15
until they are worn, the fronts are 12 year old Kleber 145's
probably go to 155 up front next time.

Weather broke so I took a couple of shots of the wheel/tire combo on my current hoopty

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/549246.jpg)

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/549250.jpg)

(http://images.thesamba.com/vw/gallery/pix/549251.jpg)

-jeffrey

matching tyres is a pain in the ### these days. unless you go for a 135/165 or 145/165 combo you can use nankang, michelin xzx and firestone f560.
so, i respect people being anal about doing so, but it certainly has its limitations.

i used to run 145r15 f560 up front with 205 good year in the back and the thread was about the same! it was just the brand name on the sidewall that differed ;)
right now, i don't really mind matching the thread but finding a proper tyre with a nice thread. fulda still has the y-2000 series but apparently they lack grip, or so the reviews say...

does anyone still run 215/60 like the cool cars back in the day wrapped around 7" fuchs? i only have 5.5" fuchs for the back, but i do wonder what i will look like! the 205/70s look like a big bubble on a 5.5 wheel. i'm looking for something about as tall as a 165 or 185/70...

The 215/60's will bubble out a lot more than a 205/70, it is 10mm wider (obviously) and over an inch shorter, making the buldge much more pronounced. They look best on a 7" rim.

I tried matching tyres too but gave up in the end >:(
I found some old school race tyres for the front, Mich XAS, but I had to have them in a 155.  They got a bias ply and grip real well, they just feel a bit odd cos of the high sidewall. Reckon they look the dogs tho. 8)
Got Goodrich Macadam 205/70 on the back.  Super sticky and I think you can get them in an old school sidewall still.  I got fed up looking, but want a pair if I can find them ;).  Trouble with the rears is they stick sooo much the rear end just hops like mad on take off :o

I didn't know Michelin XAS was a race tyre.
I may have found some 180 HR 15 tyres. is that a tad smaller than 185r15?

That would give me michelin MX up front and XAS in the back  :-\

Probably more of a "race tyre" if you get my meaning. ;)
They are not bad on the front, but I don't know what they would be like on the back where you want grip to launch rather than steer you around corners.  If I get time/remember I will post a picture so you can admire the tread pattern :D
Yeah 180 would be ever so slightly narrower.
Listen to me.  Sounds like I almost know what I'm going on about!  ;)

My car is currently sporting Pirelli P300 205 65/15 out back and Pirelli Cinturato P3 145/15's in front thanks to a deal made awhile back with everybody's favorite lurker Mr. Schwimmer.

I want!

If its worked there should be some photos of my tyres to please wheel and tyre perverts.  BF Goodrich Macadam 205/70R15 on 6" rims and 155R15 Mich XAS on 3.5" rims.
Yeah I know I should have cleaned them up first, but they will only get dirty again later ;D

I run Firestones 145/15 F 560 at ther front and BF Goodrich 205/15/70 at the rear and I think you should use old style tires at the front and not the Smart car low profile tires to keep that old style look on your car.

Amen to that brother! 8)

Yup, same reason I don't wipe my ass :D ;)

145's, 205/70's

(http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a6/Hotrodvw/0407091925-00.jpg)

continental 135/70 with 4,5J*15 front and no more 165 back , but 185 R15 91H vredestein sprint classic with 5,5J*15.

 ;D

Yes, and your car looks great with 'em, Jason. Thus proving, once again, that not all lurkers are bad.