15x7" rims on a Cabriolet??

[ajrn]

Hey

I bought an '87 Cabby for my girlfriend..

Today I bought some 15x7 rims (online) not realizing they weren't 14's..

Anyone know what tires MAY fit-- or more importantly any that absolutely WON'T?

If these rims won't work on an '87 Cabriolet-- will they fit on an '82 Rabbit Pickup?? I've got 14" rims there, and have not had issues..


AJ

[Mr_Diesel]

Hey

I bought an '87 Cabby for my girlfriend..

Today I bought some 15x7 rims (online) not realizing they weren't 14's..

Anyone know what tires MAY fit-- or more importantly any that absolutely WON'T?

If these rims won't work on an '87 Cabriolet-- will they fit on an '82 Rabbit Pickup?? I've got 14" rims there, and have not had issues..


AJ

There are several different types of tires you can get for one rim... I use 195/50/15's on my Jetta... This means they are 195mm wide, the sidewall is 50mm tall, and they are designed for a 15 inch rim... If you are worried about clearance then make sure you get a "lower profile" tire. Meannig you want a tire with a smaller number in the middle. If I were to get lower profiles, I would want 195/40/15 (or whatever) depending on how much "lower profile" I wanted... I think you would even be good with 16 inch rims, personally... But since you got 15's you should be good... as long as the lug pattern is the same... Just make sure you tell the tire shop that you are worried about clearance, and to show you the "lower profile" tires and you should be okay...

Note: Don't get the "rubber band" tires... Those are sooo low profile, you actually loose performance. I like to call them ricer tires. If you hit a pothole, you can damage your rim, pop your tire or even worse. They do not last long usually cause most tires like that are summer tires with very soft rubber... For handling purposes you want a LITTLE AMOUNT of "roll" in the sidewall, and these stupid rubber band tires won't give you hardly any... Just make sure the tire shop doesnt try to sell you these... They are like.... 195/ 15 or 20 / 15... Ohh and they are rediculously expensive too. Since it is for your girlfriend ask for the lowest profile all season tire, and you should have no problem with clearance on the cabby.

Edit:

7 inches is approx 177mm... You are going to want to look for tires sized:

175/65/15

Ask the tire dealer to show you tires in that size, and you'll be perfect for clearance, and you'll be pleased to see that you can usually get nice all season tires that last 40,000-50,000 miles depending on how much you spend.

[Salteatervw]

whats the offset the wheels?

[ajrn]

...the seller didn't know the offset-- they were off a Corrado..

I was thinking 185 x 60 or 65 aspect.. actually, but wanted to know if anyone was having clearance issues BEFORE I dropped $$'s..

She makes several 70+ mile commutes a week.. So I wanted to steer clear of low profile rubber, for comfort, as well..


http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/ajrn/15x7rim.jpg

Anyone know these rims??

I was honestly hoping to land a set of 'snowflakes' but these were $150 a set, shipped to the door.. Clean/straight (done!)..


AJ

[Gotturbo]

Those are "Sebrings" There a common wheel.

[ajrn]

I liked that the rims didn't have big gaping holes in them, so you can't see my nasty rusty calipers and rear drums! :)

I'm going to try 185 65 15's.. They're a lot more "tire" than the 175 70 13's that are on it.. I'm not looking to race it-- just want to keep it on the road.. :roll:

Thanks for all the help, guys.. :)

AJ

[Mr_Diesel]

I like those wheels... much better than steelies anyway.

[GoodDayForADrive]

I'm considering 16x9's on my car.. :twisted:

Talk about clearance issues :lol:

[ajrn]

Thanks..

They're similar to the 14" Audi spokes I put on my '82 Caddy Diesel..

I'm getting adequate traction with 195 60 14's and no clearance issues..

AJ

[Salteatervw]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/ajrn/15x7rim.jpg


AJ

just put on 195/50/15's thats the size wont rub as much as a 205.

[Mr_Diesel]

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c349/ajrn/15x7rim.jpg


AJ

just put on 195/50/15's thats the size wont rub as much as a 205.

Fuzion makes 195/50/15's... The exact size on my Jetta. I am very pleased with the tread wear and performance.

[Salteatervw]

so does Kuhmo.