What size tires for my front skinnies?

[emagdnim]

Hi there Stangnet,

I don't currently trust the 15 year old skinnies on the front of my car so is there any recommended brands and size for replacement? They are currently 165r15 centreds which are discontinued. Any guidance would be appreciated! Doesn't seem like an easy replacement.

Thanks
David

 

[96pushrod]

I believe mine are 165/80r15 and they’re a cheaper brand like Nankang. They’re rated to 130mph and I doubt it’ll ever see that on a 1/8 mile track. You can spend a bit more for sure and probably get a better quality tire.

What is your wheel width?

 

[emagdnim]

Thanks. My rim is 15" and 3.5" wide I believe.

 

[revhead347]

I have the same rim, and I'm in the same boat. I paid $88 for the pair of 165R15 front runners I have at Firestone 15 years ago. It's a tire size that was for some old 70s BMW that has since been discontinued. Just go ahead and shoot your wad on a set of Mickey Thompson front runners and get it over with. There isn't much else on the market I would trust at any speed.

Kurt

 

[MustangIIMatt]

https://www.summitracing.com/search...adial&SortBy=DisplayPrice&SortOrder=Ascending

Coker and Mickey Thompson seem to be the only guys left making tires for wheels that skinny.

 

[CarMichael Angelo]

The M/T front runners are the only ones that actually come in different heights so as to better match the rear, and not look so unbalanced.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

Is this also the best way to replace a compact spare?

 

[MustangIIMatt]

Is this also the best way to replace a compact spare?

It's not a terrible way, that's for sure. You can have your cake and eat it too, a wheel/tire that's small enough to hide in the trunk and has enough of a speed rating to not be limited to 50mph.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

I am thinking a 30 year old spare might not be safe at even 50 mph. My ‘61 had it’s original spare that looked great, and it was so hard that tire pressure did not matter. It has been replaced with a import tire that’s shorter but safer. I was going to save the old one in case it was needed for a show, but I think it cracked badly when removed.

 

[MustangIIMatt]

I am thinking a 30 year old spare might not be safe at even 50 mph. My ‘61 had it’s original spare that looked great, and it was so hard that tire pressure did not matter. It has been replaced with a import tire that’s shorter but safer. I was going to save the old one in case it was needed for a show, but I think it cracked badly when removed.

You can get replacement mini spare tires from Summit and Discount, among others, in various sizes, but upgrading to an actual road tire makes even more sense.

 

[General karthief]

I think the 'space saver' spares don't rot like the conventional tires do

 

[MustangIIMatt]

I think the 'space saver' spares don't rot like the conventional tires do

Only because they're not exposed to UV. They do harden (just as bad, just takes longer) due to heat and humidity exposure.

 

[7991LXnSHO]

Ozone and heat will eventually get them. They will not have had the road or stationary weight issues of normal tires. There are times an old, hard tire is better than a flat one. But if the spare is cracked or petrified, it better be a short trip.

 

[revhead347]

I think the 'space saver' spares don't rot like the conventional tires do

I put myself through college mounting tires. My right knee clicks when I move it from cracked cartilage due to the experience. The space savers absolutely rot just as fast as conventional tires.

Kurt

 

[emagdnim]

I ended up picking up some lower cost 165/80/25 tires. They are made in china but should get the job done for what I need and much better then what I have currently.

 

[revhead347]

I ended up picking up some lower cost 165/80/25 tires. They are made in china but should get the job done for what I need and much better then what I have currently.

If I was using a condom that was made in China, then I'm going to pull out. Just saying. The most relevant safety feature of a car is the quality of the tires. Don't skimp on this one.

Kurt

 

[marcelo]

I run this from LMR.. 165/80-15 but they dont sell thisones anymore??!