[jamesq]

I am not finding many options for large 14" whitewall radial tires for my 63 wagon with eight lugs. I can spend $1,200-$1,500 for Coker or Diamondbacks OR buy 15" chromed eight lug rims for BOP for about a grand and get a set of p225/75-15 Hankook whitewalls for about $400.
The diameter appears very close on the 15" conversion (taller by .2"). In the forums' experience, what are the downsides to the 15" rims?
Thanks, James Q

[gary bennett]

I bought 4 Hankook 14 inch W/W for my 63GP fo $381,00 for my 8 lugs. I just wanted to keep it original looking.

[mgarblik]

My 62 Catalina has 15" chrome 8-lug wheels on it. They were on the car when I bought it. So not 100% sure if they are from BOP or not. But I am not sure anyone else made them. I love them. Much better selection of tires available and they look stock. Most people would never know.

[jamesq]

Thanks to you both for the responses.

Gary, the biggest Hankook 14" I can find is 215/75-14. My car came with 8.50-14. I have 215's on it now and they look smallish. If I could find 225 or 235-14 tires in that price range it would be an easy decision!

Mgarblik, your car looks good with the chrome 15" rims, thanks for the info.

As much as I hate to admit it, my wife makes a good point about spending the big money for the big 14" tires - "Have you ever kept a car long enough to have to replace the tires?" - The answer is no, thus defeating my rationale for the 15" rims - "I will have a much wider selection of tires when I go to replace them again."
James Q

[Stuart]

215/75-14 is the tallest tire you'll be able to find anywhere these days, unless you go to Coker or Diamondback. There just isn't enough demand anymore for anything bigger than that in a 14" tire.

There are a number of places around that can add 15" hoops to a 14" center section, if you want to go that way. The big name is probably Stockton Wheel in California, but there are smaller shops around the country as well. If you have circle track racing in your area, there may be shops that can do that sort of work.

[AZ64GP]

One thing to consider is future availability too. You think finding 14" tires now are hard, imagine in 5 or 10 years. Tires are only safe to keep on a car for 5 or 6 years and though you may not wear them out, you will need to replace them due to age later. I'm not running 8 lugs on my '64 GP (though I love the look), but I'll be using a 15" or 16" steel wheel. It's getting hard to even find 15" tires for our cars. I plan on keeping my car forever (has family sentimental value), so I am thinking very long term, but I don't want to buy wheels and then not be able to find tires for it in 5 years.

[jamesq]

Thanks to you both for the replies.

Stuart, I will ask around, but there is not much racing in my area, so there are not many shops. I think I would be more confident of quality and safety with the BOP wheels.
.
AZ64GP, your points are well taken. The longest I have kept a car is 10 years (58 Ford Ranchero), but this wagon will be a long-term project. Still TBD if it's a keeper or not!

James Q

[jamesq]

After finding one more option I hadn't known about, I made my purchase!

I bought HR78-14's with 1" ww from Diamondback, The person on the phone was very knowledgeable and said the lead time would only be about two weeks.
The tires are Auburn Premiums which get good reviews so we'll see how they do.

Thanks for the help,
James Q

[alleyCat]

James please show some pics and let is know how the ride is. I have some 12 year old Coker wide whites on my 61 Safari. The sidewalls are like jello.

[jamesq]

Will do Alley, it will be a couple of weeks before I receive them.

These tires were about $300 cheaper for the set (shipping included) than Cokers' as well.
I have not read good things about Coker, so I avoided them!

James Q

[jamesq]

The tires were at my door in 9 days!

I had them mounted last week and this is how they look. I can't comment on the ride yet, as my wagon is waiting on a few other parts to be driveable,

I am very pleased with this result!

James Q

[alleyCat]

Beautiful wagon. I do like those tires a lot.