Author Topic: Are my tires too short?  (Read 2193 times)

teahead

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Are my tires too short?
« on: June 28, 2019, 18:45:42 »
I kind of like the way they look, but from all the research, my tires maybe too short.

PO installed Michelin 185/70R14s.

Maybe 205/70R14s would be better in filling up the gap between the fender and tire?  (of course, seriously considering lowering the front a smidge).

1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

bogeyman

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Re: Are my tires too short?
« Reply #1 on: June 28, 2019, 19:20:22 »
Original was 185r/14 which was about an 85 aspect ratio.
Current replacement would be 195/75r14.
185/70 is to small in circumference.
Rick Bogart
1970 280SL Black(040)/Parchment
1969 280SL Silver(180)/Green
1993 500E
1972 350SL
1995 E320 Cabrio

teahead

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Re: Are my tires too short?
« Reply #2 on: June 28, 2019, 19:30:58 »
Thanks.  I figured.

Maybe if I find some alloy wheels, will get 205-70s on there
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

neelyrc

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Re: Are my tires too short?
« Reply #3 on: June 28, 2019, 20:54:26 »
Rob, many here on the forum strive to keep their cars as original as possible.  Some make changes to make their cars more appealing esthetically, to provide performance enhancements or to improve driving pleasure, generally being careful not to make a change that is irreversible.  There are a very few who opt for restomod treatment.  There is no right or wrong, to each his own.  I place myself squarely in the first group. 

On my last tire replacement a couple of years ago I was careful to try to duplicate the diameter/circumference and look of the originally delivered tires.  The originals of course are no longer available.  The tires I chose are very close even if they are a tad fatter.  See here:

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15847.msg184433#msg184433

Just my two cents worth.




Ralph

1969 280SL, 4 Speed Manual, Dark Olive (291H), Parchment Leather (256), Dark Green Soft Top (747)
1972 Mercedes-Benz 280SEL 4.5
1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SL
2007 BMW 328xi (E90)
Italy
2004 Toyota HiLux D4D Pickup
2008 BMW 330xd Futura Coupe' (E92)

Jowe

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Re: Are my tires too short?
« Reply #4 on: June 29, 2019, 05:21:28 »
In the Technical Manual we have a lot about tires: https://www.sl113.org/wiki/WheelsTires/TireSize
Johan
04/1964 230SL, European, manual 4-sp, power steering, 050/050 white, black leather, Blaupunkt (SOLD)

Jack Jones

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Re: Are my tires too short?
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2019, 02:42:12 »
Original was 185r/14 which was about an 85 aspect ratio.
Current replacement would be 195/75r14.
185/70 is to small in circumference.

Please note that a 185r/14 is a 80 aspect ratio giving this an overall diameter of ~25.7".
Jack Jones                                                                                                   
1970 280SL 4 Speed
1984 280SL 5 Speed

zoegrlh

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Re: Are my tires too short?
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2019, 00:21:00 »
Several years ago I made a study of available tires at that time, that would be a fit to the Pagodas. Please look at treads about tires. I chose the Vredestein Sprint Classic 185HR14 90H. The technical specs of these tires are the closest to the original specs of the Phoenix tires. However they come only in black wall. My SL is a European spec and came with Blackwalls. US models came with whitewalls. For sure these are harder to find as close to original tires.
Bob
Robert Hyatt
Williamsburg, VA.

W113, 1970 280SL, Red leather 242 on Silver Gray Met. 180, 4-speed stick, Euro spec, restored
R172 2012 SLK350, Black Premium leather 801 on Mars Red 590, 7-speed auto
W211, 2007 E320 Bluetec, Cashmere MB Tex 144 on Arctic White 650, 7 speed auto