13 Inch Tire Options

[alangary]

I'm new to Corvairs and learning as I go. I'm looking at 66-68 coupes and sedans. Tires on the cars I've seen are 185/80/13s.
Will 700-13s fit? There seem to be a few more options with these included. Don't care so much about revolutions, more concerned about any rubbing issues. Appears the 700s are 1 inch taller. Thanks!

[joelsplace]

Where are you seeing 700-13s? That is a bias ply tire size. They would drive horrible. Maxxis is pretty much the only choice for 185/80R13 tires.

[erco]

Several 185/80-13s to choose from at https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=185%2F80R13 but many are trailer tires vs passenger car, if that matters.

I have always run 185-70R13s on my '67 Monza without any rubbing issues. Yes, there are definitely fewer choices in 13" tires these days. I bought 4 Westlake tires that size over the past several months. They look pretty good IMO. Bought 2 from Walmart and 2 from Amazon for $38-43. Total price fixing, they have identical prices which fluctuate daily sometimes, I find that ridiculous. I haven't driven them yet but these Westlakes get good reviews for general use. Ironman branded tires that size are more widely available but those don't have a mileage warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MZB4NVY
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Westlake-RP1 ... e/55180284
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Westlake-RP18- ... 3504252652

Edit: 700-13s are out there for ~$200 each. Pricey for bias-ply tires which will handle poorly. But if you just gotta have whitewalls...

https://www.ebay.com/itm/FIRESTONE-Bias ... 4224758952

[terribleted]

Several 185/80-13s to choose from at https://www.walmart.com/search/?query=185%2F80R13 but many are trailer tires vs passenger car, if that matters.

I have always run 185-70R13s on my '67 Monza, and yes, there are definitely fewer choices in 13" tires now. I bought 4 Westlake tires that size over the past several months. They look pretty good IMO. Bought 2 from Walmart and 2 from Amazon for $38-43. Total price fixing, they have identical prices which fluctuate daily sometimes, I find that ridiculous. I haven't driven them yet but these Westlakes get good reviews for general use. Ironman branded tires that size are more widely available but those don't have a mileage warranty.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MZB4NVY
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Westlake-RP1 ... e/55180284
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Westlake-RP18- ... 3504252652

The only problem with 185/70R 13's is that they are 1.5" shorter and therefore 6.1% too short so speedo and engine RPM at speed will be 6% higher than the correct size tire. Maxxis MA-1 is the choice right now for the correct size. Pretty good tire everyone says they work fine.

[alangary]

Thanks. I will probably go with the Maxxis, since it looks like they are the only choice in the correct size, but I liked the period correct look of the 700s.
Found them here, in addition to other websites. https://www.cokertire.com/tires/700-13- ... -tire.html

[terribleted]

Thanks. I will probably go with the Maxxis, since it looks like they are the only choice in the correct size, but I liked the period correct look of the 700s.
Found them here, in addition to other websites. https://www.cokertire.com/tires/700-13- ... -tire.html

The Coker Bias Ply tires are cool, but, not so great if you intend to really drive the car. They do not grip anywhere hear as well as the currently radials and give a harsher ride as the side wall are stiffer. Great choice for a factory stock restored trailer queen, but pretty expensive (like double the Maxxis which are usually around $105 each.).

[bbodie52]

The 13" diameter tire is pretty-much obsolete, so few tire manufacturers produce anything in that size (except trailer tires — never to be used on passenger cars!) Modern technological developments in tires can only be accessed if you upgrade to wheels in the 14"-17" range, with appropriate outside diameters maintained by switching to narrower sidewalls to match the larger diameter wheels to the appropriate tire diameter to maintain necessary body and suspension component clearances (adjusted with wheel width and appropriate offset/backspacing).

Because of low demand and low sales volume, the cost to buy 13" passenger car tires remains relatively high to cater to a relatively small classic car audience, while technological advances in those 13" tires are somewhat rare. The newer, more advanced tire designs only make it into more-modern, higher-demand tire sizes.

1960-1964 Corvairs have some room in the wheel wells for growth, while 1965-1969 Corvairs can accept many larger wheel diameters. For example, on my 1966 Corsa convertible, I use 14" wheels and Front: BF Goodrich Radial T/A P205/70 R14, and Rear: BF Goodrich Radial T/A P235/60 R14.

On my 1966 Corvair Monza 4-door sedan, I mounted a set of 17" x 7" wheels with a 4" backspacing, combined with Goodyear EAGLE EXHILARATE tires in size: 215/45 ZR17 on all four corners. The only clearance issue I had to deal with is shown in the photo below of a similar tire sizing with AZDAVE's 1965 Monza sedan.

viewtopic.php?f=55&t=402&p=34739&hilit= ... els#p34739

Before making the necessary body clearance adjustment, the tire clearance on the right-front could be measured with a feeler gauge, while the clearance on the left-front was only slightly more!






Much of this is discussed and explained in the the website article Sizing Corvair Wheels and Tires.

http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html

Many critical modern tire dimensions and performance reviews/customer feedback comments and availability/pricing information can be found on the Tire Rack website, which helps a lot when trying to decide on a new set of tires while determining correct fitment for your Corvair.

https://www.tirerack.com/content/tirera ... epage.html

[alangary]

Thanks, Brad. Great information! I will dig into these links.

I'm sure this is mentioned here, but for the sake of time, was the Corvair ever offered with anything but 13 in wheels in it's 10 year run?
The more I think about it, I really should eventually move up to 14s. What are some keyword "specs" to use when searching for a compatible wheel?
I read somewhere they made or make 14 in wheel covers just like the 13s? I would love the vintage wire wheel with spinner in a 14 in size. I suppose then I'm looking at purchasing 14 in steel wheels to match? Again, thanks in advance!

[61SuperMonza]

If you aren't going for a stock look then I would definitely look at a 16-17in wheel package will performance radial tires. The LM car look great with the larger diameter wheels and you have a greater tire selection. If you have an EM I like the 13-14 rim diameter. I run 13in ansen sprints on my 61 Monza.
.

[bbodie52]

1960-1969 Corvair passenger cars were always fitted by the GM factory with 13" rims and tires. The trucks and vans were fitted with 14" wheels and tires.

1966 Corvair Corsa Tires and Wheels
(will fit 1965-1969 Corvair passenger cars)

2-Door Convertible/Coupe or 4-Door Sedan)
Front tire sizes can be used on all four wheels to permit tire rotation to maximize mileage and balance tire wear.
Tire and Wheel Upgrade Data
Current Tire Product and Size:
Front: Goodyear Eagle ST P195/70 R14
Overall Diameter: 24.8" Revs per Mile: 839 Sect. Width: 7.9" Tread Width: 6.1"
Rear: Goodyear Eagle ST P235/60 R14
Overall Diameter: 25.1" Revs per Mile: 829 Sect. Width 9.5" Tread Width 8.7"

AVAILABLE SUBSTITUTE REPLACEMENTS
Front: BF Goodrich Radial T/A P205/70 R14 ($145.06 each) 5-7” Rim
Overall Diameter: 25.4" Revs per Mile: 821 Sect. Width: 8.2” Tread Width: 6.2"
Rear: BF Goodrich Radial T/A P235/60 R14 ($162.97 each) 6.5-8.5” Rim
Overall Diameter: 25.1" Revs per Mile: 829 Sect. Width 9.5" Tread Width 7.9"
The ideal tire diameter produces 825 revolutions per mile but can go to 850 revolutions per mile and the speedometer only be 3% fast, or 2 MPH at 60.

Specs for Selected Tire
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSear ... iameter=14

Click on the SPECS tab for detailed tire specifications...
https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... mpare1=yes

A search of eBay for Chevrolet Wire Wheel Covers will reveal a variety of 14" and 15" wheel covers with styles similar to the 13" Corvair wheel covers...

RARE (2) 1964-66 Chevy Impala Chevelle 14" Wire Spoke Spinner Hubcap Wheel Cover



1964 1965 1966 CHEVROLET IMPALA CHEVELLE NOVA OEM OPT. 14" WIRE SPOKE HUBCAP




1965 Corvair with 13" Wire Wheel Covers


You would need approximately a 7x14" or a 7x15" wheel with about 4" Backspacing.

http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html

[66vairguy]

alangary -- The 13 inch tires are only hard to find in the U.S.A. There were several brands of the 185/80X13 automotive tire (not trailer tire) a decade ago sold in the U.S.A., but they have to be DOT approved. Within a few months tire makers decided to drop the DOT version for the U.S.A. due to low sales, although they are still available in other countries. Maxxis was the first to jump back in and with low sales here nobody else will (except Cooker with high prices for low production tires). Due to age restrictions Maxxis only runs off a batch of DOT date coded tires when supplies drop off here. Sometimes you have to wait a few weeks until a new shipment arrives. BTW the old Mercedes and some other 60's compacts use the 185/80X13 tire.

The next logical step is a 14" rim that is 6" wide with a 4.5" backspace. A 205/70X14 tire is nearly the same circumference as the old 7.00X13" tire. This will ensure the correct scrub angle suspension geometry and fit in the wheel well. The 205/70X14" tire is available in numerous brands. BTW the GM 14" wire wheel hubcaps have the same look as the Corvair 13" wire wheel hubcaps. I've seen them at shows and the car looks stock even with the larger 14" tires. Another plus is a good ride. The 15", 16", or 17" tires low profile makes for a rougher ride, but more responsive feel. You have to decide what you want. Just me but a 17" rim with "rubber band" tires has a harsh ride, but they look good to some.

[alangary]

bbodie52; 66vairguy - Great information. Thanks. So I'm thinking 14 in rims with the 14 in wire wheel hubcaps. From your experience, do you recommend buying rims new, or checking ebay, craigslist? They seem cheap enough new to not bother with used and potential issues. https://www.carid.com/replace/black-14x ... url=581649

With a hubcap over them, it doesn't matter what finish they are, right?, you don't see the rim, so why not choose the least expensive I'm thinking.
So, last dumb question. Those 14 in wire wheel hubcaps we see on eBay will fit on any 14 x 6in x 4.5 backspace rim that I might find?
I think I'll have the tires and wheels issue sorted out. Now, if only I can find the car! Looking for a '66-67 automatic, sedan or coupe. Checking various recommended sources regularly now....

[erco]

For anyone running 13's, Amazon just dropped their 185/70R13 tires to $34... I shoulda waited.

https://www.amazon.com/Westlake-RP18-To ... B00MZB4NVY Free ship with Prime.

WM too: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Westlake-RP1 ... 3/55180284

[joelsplace]

That size is really short for a Corvair. I do run them on some cars but it makes the speedometer way off and increases RPM quite a bit.

[erco]

Of course short also means more torque... next best thing to changing your axle ratio.

You got any better tire options... for $34? Hell, grab one for a 'compact' spare.

[bbodie52]

The size radial closest to a stock Corvair specification of 6.50-13 bias ply is 185/80R13. Many tires now offered in this size are for use as trailer tires ONLY! This size has an overall diameter of approximately 24.6" and a Revs per Mile number of approximately 843.

The size you mentioned, 185/70R13, has an overall diameter of approximately 23.2", which translates into Revs per Mile of approximately 862. As mentioned above, this size is pushing the lower limit for a Corvair, and will have your engine running at fairly high RPM numbers at highway speeds. Your gas mileage would also be somewhat worse with the higher average engine speeds.

Amazon.com prices for those Westlake tires are currently showing at $49.82 - $53.95.

References:

http://autoxer.skiblack.com/tires.html

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/TireSear ... iameter=17