Back at the end of October I posted a query in regards to experience with putting 185 series tires on the PV544 - using the appropriate 4.5" width wheel.

Thanks to (or in spite of) the lucid advice I received, I pressed on and would now like to report on "Results".

First, I obtained a set of 4.5" width Steel wheels from a 1967 P1800 (Same bolt pattern, same offset), Determined them to be unbent and running true, then media blasted them down to bare metal, filled in all imperfections with good primer and sprayed them with single stage Chrysler Bright Silver Metallic and mounted a set of Falken ZE512 185/65R15 88H tires.

Tire size comparison data available on the internet not withstanding, I find that the new tire has a tread width footprint a full 1 1/4" wider than the old tire, LeMans (Firestone) 165R15 86T Metric. This should provide for vastly improved stability, and I do not believe I will have a problem with the extra width in rain as the Falken tread pattern is unidirectional and water dispersing, with wide center grooves.

My road testing thusfar has not indicated any clearance issues for the tire vs suspension or wheel wells. Circumference of the new tire is 2 1/2" less than the old tire which will result in a minimal amount of gear ratio change (828 revolutions per mile vs 802 revolutions per mile). As I am running an M41 with overdrive, my speedometer is already wildly optimistic, so I will just need to accomplish some manual/visual calculations to find out just where "Actual" 70mph really is on the speedometer - Previously at about an indicated 90mph.

Anxiously awaiting the next windy day! How many other PV owners can say that?