Hi all,
I recently purchased a 1980 265 with totally shot (crack in sidewall) tires, the car has 10 spoke aluminum wheels, Sirius I think. I have searched the archives and found sizing for other cars, but nothing for this old girl. what is the biggest tire I can fit without rubbing? The rims are 14 inches but I don't know how wide. My LTD (local tire dealer) has some Goodyear Eagle's he will clear out for $40 each, but they are 215-60-14 size only. Will they fit?

Thanks, Palmer

215 is prolly too wide on the stock 14" rims - I believe the minimum spec is 6" rim width. For a wagon, if you want to maintain correct speedo readings, you'll need to consider a taller size like 195/75/14 or 205/70/14.

More than tire price is tire quality. Everything that makes a car go, stop, and turn relies on those 4 pieces of rubber donuts. You may want to look into reviews (such as on TireRack) on any particular tire before purchasing.

FWIW, my 745 had GY Eagle HP's which sucked so badly, I had to startup in 2nd gear whenever it was raining. Otherwise, it's all wheelspin. They were ultimately tossed with less than 5k on 'em. All it takes is one mishap to erase any cost savings.

-- Kane ... and sadly, that was their "high performance" tire too.
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

I had T-rated Eagles as the second or third set of tires on my '88 245, and my experience was similar to yours... scary in the wet. Retired them early and went with Yoko Avid T4's.

Hi Kane,
I agree on the necessity of a quality tire. I just need an inexpensive set for a short time to be able to move the car while I am getting her running properly, I may even go for a $50 set of used tires for now and I can get the $ back out of them later. I didn't know the actual rim width. Are you saying a 205/70/14 will fit? I would like to put some Nokian WR's on her eventually, I have them on my 940 and they have been a great in all weather tire here in Michigan.
I knew the Eagles were dubious, I had one of the Eagle incarnations on my Saab and they weren't great just after the rain began.
Thanks,
Palmer

If all you need is a cheap tire, then just get the Euro Metric in 185R14 (stock wagon size) from Pep Boys. Around here, they're $28 and include the mounting too (but not balancing). If you're not going to even care about going high speed anytime soon, skip it.

Now before anyone starts questioning why it seems like I switched sides from the last tire discussion, I did not say that these were just big pieces of crap like I say about Goodyear and Generals. I just said that if you could afford better, then do so.

-- Kane
--
Blossom II - '91 745Ti/M46 ... Bubbles - '74 144GL/BW35 ... Buttercup - '86 245GL/AW70 ... The Wayback Machine - '64 P220/M40

If you are looking for cheap tires try Wal-mart. Up/across here the Wintermark's are on sale for $30Cdn r14-185/75 $35Cdn r14-185/70 while quantities last. Of course mounting and balancing is extra.
--
1980 245 Canadian B21A with SU carb and M46 trans

I think 175/70/R14 would be the size you need. Also 185/70R14 would fit. I have tried both sized on my 79 264GL and have not had any problems rubbing. Keep in mind that the 260 series are basically the same as the 240 series so the same tires that for the 240 14inch rims should fit the 260 14inch rims. Quick question does your 265 still have the V6 engine? How many miles & how much? Been looking for one of these for a while. I'm a V6 nut. Good Luck!

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 122K

Features Added:

BW55 To M46, Central Locking System, 25mm IPD Front Sway Bar, 81+ Dash W/ Oil & Ambient Temp Gauges In C, Oil Pressure, Volts

Next Project:

+Cruise Control

Hi Julio,
My 265 has have a Chevy V8 swapped in, it was a diesel car originally. For me it is kind of a toy that will see limited use. How much did the 25mm front sway bar improve your car?

Thanks for the reply,

Palmer

The IPD Sway Bar was the best thing I had ever did for the 264GL when it comes to the suspension. I had replaced the entire front end (bushings, tie-rods, ball joints) but I was still getting a lot of body roll. When I was at the junkyard getting the M46 for my tranny sway the 264 that I was grabbing the tranny from had the IPD 25mm Front Sway Bar so I picked it up. I paid only $10 for the sway bar including the brackets with the poly bushings. After I installed the sway bar my 264 firmed right up. I think the only thing that will make the car even more stiff would be the firewall braces.

I would highly recommend the IPD Sway Bars but I would never pay the full price for them. I guess I will just hope to luck out at the bone-yard for the rear sways.

Question: Did you do the V8 conversion yourself? I was wondering how you like driving the 2"8"4. Thanks for your time.

Sincerely,
--
Julio Meza

1979 264GL B27F 122K

Features Added:

BW55 To M46, Central Locking System, 25mm IPD Front Sway Bar, 81+ Dash W/ Oil & Ambient Temp Gauges In C, Oil Pressure, Volts

Next Project:

+Cruise Control

Hi Julio,
No I did not do the conversion. I have only driven the car home from buying it, about 8 miles in the snow, so I cannot tell you much. The engine wasn't running great and the tires were barely holding air, one even went flat within 1 block of home. So far am very pleased with the car.

Thanks for the info, I will start checking the boneyards when the snow gets more managable.

Palmer