Lower Profile Tires

[jeremywatco]

Helping my father-in-law out with his roadster. One of the things he wants done is to replace the current tires with more low profile tires. He says whenever he hits a bump his tires rub. I've driven the car for about 100 miles and never had this happen, however he is insisting.... so since its his money I want to ask the question.... is there an alternate tire that will fit on the stock wheels and be lower profile? Current tires are 185/70SR14 I love how they look but again, not my call.

[sfdaugherty]

What year car does your father-in-law have? The later cars (68-70) had wider fender flares (the 67 1/2 might have wider flares too but I'll let the experts chime in). I used to run 195/60R14 on my late model cars with no issues. Also, is he running stock wheels (if he's using aftermarket wheels, the offset might be different)?

[jeremywatco]

Whoops. It's a 67 1600.

Pretty sure it's stock wheels.

[mblue97]

Personally I'd go with a 185/65 or 175/70. I actually have 2 sets of wheels for my 67 and those are the sizes I'm running. The overall diameter of the three sizes are as follows:

185/70/14 - 24.2"
175/70/14 - 23.6"
185/65/14 - 23.5"

[bakerjf]

...the 5.60/14 Bias Ply is 24.6” (The original tire)

The current tire on your Dad’s car isn’t too big. Something else is going on.

[bakerjf]

My guess is lowering (competition) springs on the front, but with stock (too big) bump stops...

[jeremywatco]

Sorry for late response back. Crazy thing is my father in law says it happens all the time and its stuck in his mind. I've driven this thing about 100 miles since I've been working on it and never had it rub once. He is very stubborn though... so.. i guess I'll go for the 185x65x14. The tires on it are about 30 years old so I guess its a great time to replace anyways

[Linda]

Simpletire.com has good prices and free shipping. Sumitomo HTR A/S PO1 185/65/14 65ea
Linda

[FergO2k]

If someone put Z car rims on it, then the offset is a bit off, as those are Zero offset. (and very commonly found, so swap-outs are common)
I have 195/60's on my 2 liter, and the wider width does not rub. (although mine is 69, so the slightly wider flares)
If something is rubbing, then there should be polished surfaces where the spinning tire is rubbing. MIght be something else he is hearing (although convincing is another thing altogether, I have been known to be hard-headed from time to time.... depending on who you ask!)

[Linda]

30 yr old tires are scary
Linda

[jeremywatco]

Any specific brand/model of 185/60/14? Price is no option, father-in-law is buying and doesn't care. Want something that going to hold to road.

I really like the Falkin 195/60/14 however I think they will rub in the back for sure.

EDIT:

Ended up just going for it and ordering 185/65/14 Michelin Defenders. Figure cant go wrong with them.