Tire size question 1986 gt hatchback

Sorry, I’m sure this has been answered on other ppls threads, but I searched the forums and didn’t find an answer, so here it is:

I have a 1986 gt hatchback with stock 15 inch rims.

The tires on there currently are 225/60/15s

The sticker on the inside of my passenger door that shows tire sizes that I can use is unreadable.

The tires I’m looking at (cooper cobra GT) seem to not be available in that size.

I see 235/60/15 and 225/70/15 and 225/50/15…

Would any/all of these work?

It isn’t clear to me if my rims are 7’ or 9’ wide…I seem to see both are possible, though I assume they are 7’ wide.

What’s the widest tire I can use without modifying my fenders? Ideally I’d like slightly fatter rears but my research has been inconclusive as to what to safely get.

Another q:
How will 225/50/15’s ride compared to 225/70/15’s? Will I even feel a difference, or is it an aesthetic choice? Will either or both fit?…

thank y'all sooo much. I did a ton of reading and web surfing and couldn't get a definitive answer. Tire shops around here don't have the specific knowledge that you guys do!

Mustang5L5 said:

A general rule of thumb (but not a hard one) is to target a tire size that is 2" wider than the rim size.

So a 7" wide rim would be 228mm (9") of tire, which is why the OEM size is a 225. You can usually stick pretty close to this so I wouldn't go beyond a 235 or you start getting too much sidewall bulge and flex.

A 235/55 would be just a tiny bit shorter than stock, which might be good if you are lowering the car. A 235/60 is 26.1" in OD. Works out back, but might be tight in the front if you are lowered.

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thank you! I ended up choosing 235/60/15's!