just bought a mint 1963 220S

[snp8990]

I just got a 1963 220S that has been sitting for about 30 years in a heated climate controlled garage,nonetheless the car is in excellent condition inside and out and I just had a few questions about the car..first off the car has the original size tires on it 175/80 r13 and has been sitting on these tires for years,they need to be replaced but I am having a tough time finding a nice set of tires for it because of the lack of the 13" availability...my question is can I upgrade to a 15" hub cap/rim combo off say a w123 240D and am I looking at any ride differences or driving differences as I am looking to maintain as close to stock as possible,I do not mind putting the original correct 13" tires on it,I just figured the 15" or 14" may look a little better and give me better tire options...also the car has chrome window rain guards on it that appear to be original I haven't gotten to see if it has any stamps or anything on it but it looks to be of 60s era along with the car,today they make these out of plastic and this is genuine metal/chrome and I have never seen this on any other fintails does anybody know anything about these? all help is very appreciated!

[Phil_F_NM]

You'd be better off switching to a 14" rim so you could keep some matching star hubcaps. 14" tires aren't too hard to find in a size which will give your car a good ride and will keep the speedometer correct.
If you want to keep the 13" wheels, then go all the way and get some Michelins or Vredesteins from Coker tire. You could always have two wheel sets, one as a restoration set with 13" wheels and one as a driver or maybe winter set with 14" wheels.

Phil Forrest

[TnBob]

Pics pics pics... WE want pics

Sherley sounds like a lovely rare find

[snp8990]

I will look into Coker I forgot about them...everywhere locally I have talked to including tire rack has only offered either trailer tires (not for cars) or really expensive store brand tires! once I get her cleaned up ill post some pictures should be Wednesday or so...just to give an idea it's ivory over black leather which is pristine in every aspect down to the headliner being unmarked and the sekurit logo on every single window on the car...no rust automatic on the column with the splitting bench seat with all pieces in tact...

[dobrodan]

If the car is mint I would not change the rims, but keep the original wheels and trim rings/hub caps. And if you do change the wheel size chances are your speedometer will not be accurate. You can get 185/80 R13 WW tires from Maxxis tires. The tires are pretty decent riding and handling, although it seems like they are a little rough for the first mile or so. But that's on a car that is not a daily driver and sits for a couple of weeks at a time. This size tire fills the wheel wells nicely and is the closest diameter to the original bias ply tires. I got five tires for $499 with shipping a little over a year ago from Universal Vintage Tire. Here's Maxxis' web site. They have an alert about this size tire, which you can order direct from them. Maxxis Tires
I would just buy tires and use the money you save by not changing rims/trims to pay for some of the other things that will definitely need to be done.

[joshhol]

I second the notion to keep the car as original as possible. The 13's are just part of the quirkiness that makes fins what they are. Also, the rims on 14s are a different design than the 13's. One piece versus separate ring and cap.

My fin has 13" 185/80 Hankooks. Not the best brand but I didn't have access to the car for a long time so I just needed something that worked.

[Mint2Me]

The advice given is solid but we wanted to drive our 230S more than most owners might. So we went with 14" steelies and Michelin Defenders. That is a modern tire that handles well and works in the rain. (yikes, rain!). The overall diameter isn't far off from the 13" set and frankly, accuracy is sort of an elusive target anyway.

[Mark DiSilvestro]

If you want to update your rims for a better selection of replacement tires, try to find some early W108 (66-68 250-280 S-SE) 14" rims. These have the three 'nubs' stamped into the center to fit your small center-caps. However, you would need to get trim-rings like the early Pagoda SL or W108 as I don't think there are slotted ones like your 13s availible in a 14" size.

Happy Motoring, Mark

[TnBob]

Gonna get cold next week.
Be a very nice time this weekend to take P I C S of your new lovely.

HINT HINT

[ATATEXAN]

Would like to see the pictures. First M-B in the family was a Euro delivery 220Sb.

I drive my 1975 350SE almost daily and switched from the original 14" wheels to 16" 8-hole ATS wheels from Tire Rack. Still looks dignified be the ride and handling much better. Don't be scared of a tasteful update.

[Coolvibes]

If you have the original 13 inch rims and tires, I would take them off the car to preserve them for shows, etc. Buy some 14 inch rims and tires, disposables, for "dailyuse".