Tyre / Wheel Size

[Martyn-ak427]

Guys,

Been searching tonight for posts relating to tyre / wheel sizes & although Ive found some useful info I thought id broach the subject again.

I would like to go down the more authentic wheel / tyre size combo for the AK but am wondering what the options are. The one thing I am sure of is I will be fitting Halibrand type wheels in possibly 15 / 16" but what are the tyre choices; I would like to fit something on the rear with a nice big sidewall but still want a performance tyre. Additionally whats the deal with knock-off's etc?

I personally think wheels / tyres will make the car so dont mind paying that little bit eaxtra for something tha performs & looks good.

Any info greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Martyn

[tarmacscratcher]

The best tyres in 15 inch are Avon CRZ66 had mine from these guys.
BMTR

[ldtopham]

I gave this one some serious thought and research maybe a year ago.
All my own opinion of course....

15" look the most authentic, if you have the offset at the front and rear to take them I would choose Vintage rims. When I checked $1000 got 4 rims, adapters for proper knock ons and spinners. They look just like the originals. With the dollar weak as it is, all in shipping and taxes you would be under £1000 for the rim package.
However at the minute the only real performance tyre for a 15" rim is the Avon Cr6ZZ and they aren't cheap, figure on paying at least £850 fitted and balanced. These are fully road legal for the UK and are soft compound. I've estimated approx 4000miles max before they will be shot, depending on how you drive. Also they pick up lots of stones due to the soft copound which is far from ideal having a bath tub surrounding them

or 16", still have some of that original fat tyre look and much beter choice of tyre/£. I believe that most people run the Toyo Proxy T1-s or similar. 16" rims aren't widely available in the states so UK prices for the wheels (more than say the Vintage 15" last time I checked approx £1400) and cheaper tyres will put you at a similar overall cost.

It then boils down to whether you can face replacing the 15"tyres as regular as above or whether you go the sensible route. Many people run 4x4 tyres on the 15's which is fine if you are not fussed for performance but the Avons are in a total different league.

I went with my heart and fitted 15's. I have not regretted the decision so far but ask me again if I pick up a puncture

Good luck.

[wilf]

I would be concerned about having the choice of just one tyre, and those Avons don't have the best reputation for grip/wet performance etc. 15" rims would be out for me on that basis.

16" rims with 55 or 50 section tyres look "period" enough (IMHO), but even with those tyre choice is diminishing. You can at least have total choice of offsets and rim widths if you use the Crendon style Image wheels (which do look very much like knock-ons).

You pays your money............

[ldtopham]

Wilf,I believe Michellin do a TB15 tyre that may fit some kits with 15" rims, however they make the Avons seem cheap in price!