Hi-

I am having some trouble finding the 122 tire size on internet sites. Is the tire size different than it was originally? I have standard 15 inch rims on the car, but can't seem to locate the tires.

Also, any recommendations on brands?

Thanks,

Matt

Matt,

Most tire shops can get tires in 165-15, but because they are not a common tire size on modern cars, they don't waste any ink advertising their odd sizes.

I just bought 165-15s for my 122 from Big-O Tires, under $65 each, out the door.

You should probably assess your driving needs before choosing a tire. You'll get a bit better sticking power with wider tread, but the steering will be heavy at low speeds. If you don't treat your 122 as a sports car, keep the original (rather narrow) 165s, and steering will be easier. I do some pretty spirited driving, and the original 165-15 tires are more than adequate.

I just put 185-65X15 Yokohama Avid H4s on my 544.
They're slightly smaller in diameter than stock, but they're certainly better tires than anything available in 165 width(of which there are many).
Tire rack has 'em for $52; they also have some Sumitomos in the same size for $43.

THe 165R15, especially if you can find some Michelins, is a perfect stock size. SOme of the alternatives, like 175/R15, 185/70R15, that used to be available are now VERY difficult to find. The 164 took those types of tires.

A good alternate size that is widely available is the alternate tire size for the 740 with 15" rims- 185/65R15. May be a very slight bit shorter than the original, but it puts a good sized patch of rubber on the road, and is made by many manufacturers.
--
Rob Bareiss, New London CT ::: '86 244DL- 215K, 87 244DL- 230K, 88 744GLE- 198K, 91 244 180K

Like John said, if you want to stick with original, go with a 165R15 (or in todays sizes... 165-80R15). Originally, that might have measured more like a 4.5" x 15 or something...

The tire shops might not be able to find them by your cars make/model, but bring 'em the size you need, and they should be able to find something. If they can't, find a new tire shop.

These are not uncommon, as they were used on all sorts of stuff back in the day... Including the Volvos from....geez, the '50s-1974 or '75, Similar vintage VW models, Saabs, and some silly British cars.

There should be plenty of options still...

-Matt

A friend's dad once discarded a set of firestone 205/75-15's from his garage, which I then had mounted on my 122 original rims, and although the steering was very heavy, they worked okay and didn't appear odd.

Pep boys carries them , spec for original beetles. I put them on my 145 and am v. happy with them.

Firestone makes a vintage sized tire called the F560. It comes in a 165R15 size which is about as close to the original size as you'll find. I had a set on my PV until I got the wide rims and tires, and still have a set on my 1800E. Not amazing handling or traction, but what else can you expect from a skinny tall tire. You can fit up to a 185 width tire on those original rims.

Traction-wise, I don't think the size is the issue ... the issue is Firestone's use of "low rolling resistance" compound. The lack of traction is pretty much across their entire all-season tire line.

-- Kane ... but they yield better gas milage, which is why they're OEM on a lot of makes.
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

I'm running 195-75 and 205-75 tires on both my 122 wagon and my 164.
They seem to work OK and do not look inordinately big. I think they give
me a bit more ground clearance also. I don't EVER drag a bumper on a curb
like I do with our 92 Volvo/Taurus.
--
George Downs, The "original" Walrus3, Bartlesville, Oklahoma