Time for new tires. Recommendations?

[aircap]

So I'm sniffing around looking for a set of tires for my '68 220. I believe the original size was the now-discontinued 175SR14, and from my research, it sounds like 195-70R14 is about the right replacement size (with 185-75R14 a close second).

So...recommendations for a good all-around tire, ideally less than $70 apiece? I can't afford much more than that. I've been looking at BF Goodrich Traction T/A and Yokohama Aegis. Pros? Cons? Alternatives?

Hit me. And thanks in advance!

[lovethydiesel]

Research your tires for your car here. Get an unbiased opinion. Then print off the tire price, take it to Discount Tire or other reputable place and have them match the tire price. I saved $150 on a set of Conti-pros all season with the price match gaurentee.

[aircap]

I've actually been perusing Tire Rack, as well as every tire-related thread I could find here. And I definitely have noticed that Tire Rack's prices seem to beat list at most places...that's a good idea, taking their price around locally.

Any brands/types I should specifically avoid?

[Arthur Dalton]

>>175SR14, and from my research, it sounds like 195-70R14 is about the right replacement size (with 185-75R14 a close second).
>>

185/75 is closer to original SR size.
195/70 is a shorter tire due to aspect ratio of 70%

[alabbasi]

Avoid continentals at all cost, I put them on my 6.9. Every time it rains, I end up going arse backwards towards oncoming traffic when i try to overtake.

[Tomguy]

I have the BF Goodrich Traction T/A's on my 4.5 in 205/70R14 (or is it 75?) - they have great traction dry, low road noise, good snow traction (great for an all season) and wonderful wet traction! Their treadwear isn't that great but, for the price, definitely go for them.

[Since66]

I have BFG Traction TA (H rated) my '86 300E and like them a lot. I never drive at 9/10ths any more and they handle just fine in everyday situations. Keep in mind that (....and I do like TireRack) Costco's price, about $8.00 more per skin (this month) includes lifetime balance and rotation.

[aircap]

Hey, thanks, folks. I appreciate the input.

[hill]

Sumitomo HTR 200. Not good for snow but great for dry and good for wet. $50 Currently have a set on 350 sl and 450 sel. Wil install on 250 sl when needed.

[blueeagle289]

Your best bet in tires is to go to local reputable dealers and get their best price ...... Tire Rack does have good basic prices, but by the time you pay shipping and then pay the inflated mounting rates that local companies charge for tires they did not sell, you are usually behing the eight ball regarding total cost. Also, getting someone to match Tire Rack prices locally should include the delivered price, including shipping, to be fair. Again, the variance will then probably be minimal. My experience, Ben Carter

[t walgamuth]

I have been using michelins for over twenty years, i have had others and always come back to them, for about ten or fifteen per tire more you can have michelins, you will find they are cheaper in the long run,

Tom W

[Benzcrusher]

I use a local independant.
Sam's and Wallyworld and whatever dot com are cheaper but:
He'll dismount and dispose all the crap junk car tires I bring him.
He'll charge me a fair price.
When I need to pick up our car after hours he'll leave it on the lot with a invoice on the dash; just slip a check under the door or pay him in the next few days...

[JimFreeh]

Originally Posted by aircap

So I'm sniffing around looking for a set of tires for my '68 220. I believe the original size was the now-discontinued 175SR14, and from my research, it sounds like 195-70R14 is about the right replacement size (with 185-75R14 a close second).

So...recommendations for a good all-around tire, ideally less than $70 apiece? I can't afford much more than that. I've been looking at BF Goodrich Traction T/A and Yokohama Aegis. Pros? Cons? Alternatives?

Hit me. And thanks in advance!

When I had my 69 and 73 220D with stock steel wheels, I ran both 195/70-14 and 205/70-14, and both worked ok with the original rim. IIRC, the W115 steel wheel is not as wide as the 14" bundt wheel (6.0" and 6.5").

The best fit is to look for tires made for the old Volkswagen Transporters. They use 185-14, with a tall aspect ratio, and also have a higher weight capacity than is typically found in the cheaper tires.

I've currently got a parts car W114 250 with 185/70-14 tires and they look undertired for the car.

Jim

[aircap]

I've currently got a parts car W114 250 with 185/70-14 tires and they look undertired for the car.

My 220 is probably a little "over-tired" at present, as I've got 215/75-14s on there now, leftovers my old '61 Thunderbird. Plus I just swapped my rear end (long story), and my final gear ratio has changed from 4.10 to 3.70. So I don't mind erring on the side of a tire that's not quite as tall.

According to my research, the original tire for the car (175SR14) had an aspect ratio of .82. So here's the math on the sidewall height:

175SR14 = 143.5 (original size tires)
215/75R14 = 161.25 (current oversize tires)
185/75R14 = 138.75
195/70R14 = 136.5

Does anybody here think that the 195/70 is too small? Again, my final gearing is steeper than it used to be, so I don't mind terribly losing a little extra tire size...but I also don't want the car to look like a Hot Wheels car, with little tires rolling around in vast, empty wheel wells.

Thanks for the advice, everybody...keep it comin'!

[Arthur Dalton]

Aspect ratio of the original tire was 80%, so the 185/75 is very close ..and with that gear change ,I would use them...many guys do a rear change b/c the original was actually too high for modern roads.
If you want a little more tire , use the 195..I wouldn't.