Wheel and tyre size dilemma

[noparadise]

I have spent some time trawling the forums and archive trying to find the best solution to this, but I haven't yet, so here goes:

My T25 is an Aircooled RHD 2 litre CI Kamper. It came fitted with Porsche-a-like 15" wheels, which do look quite nice, and thoroughly inappropriate 185/65 tyres. The wheels and tyres are only a year old and haven't seen a lot of miles, so could probably help offset the cost of replacements. I see two possible ways forward:

1. Buy some properly rated tyres with a larger circumference - 215/65 R15 is 0.3% (2mm) off standard, but might make the steering unwieldy - has anyone experience of this size? Might the extra width cause the tyre to foul against anything? Anything else to be wary of?

2. Buy some standard size steel rims and standard 185/82 R14C tyres.

Any thoughts on the potential outcome of these options, or alternatives, will be gratefully received.

[California Dreamin]

195/70 R15 is also a very popular VAN TYRE option...and pretty much the same circumference as a standard 185 R14C

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m27b0s515p632 ... _C_104S_TL_" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

http://www.camskill.co.uk/m27b0s515p615 ... _C_100R_TL_" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and even these Conti's which are 97 XL's so are safe and legal.
http://www.camskill.co.uk/m27b0s515p616 ... _97T_XL_TL_" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

The only unknown here is your rim offset, how wide they are etc but if they already have 185's on then these are likely going to be fine.
Martin

[noparadise]

Thanks for your reply. What with spacers, load ratings, and uncertainty over the steering I have decided to just get a set of original VW steel wheels and sell the alloys to cover as much of the costs as possible. I'm not under any illusion that the brick is a sportscar

[California Dreamin]

Well if you put an add in the wanted section you should be able to pick a set of steelies with good tyres for £50 - £75.

Most users take them off and replace them for alloys so advertising a swap might also be an option.

Martin