What type & size of tires to use / what fits? / "best" tire?

[Martin Benade]

I remember the XAS as a very good tire, at least at that time. Are they still available?

[Freddy Rabbat]

XAS 165H15 can be a good option for our cars!

[Randy Mittelstet]

Randy,
Discount Tire is carrying the Khumo PowerStar 758 in a 165 x 80 x 15.
This tire received some attention in the past as a replacement choice on 356's then dropped out of site for a while but is back again.

[Randy Mittelstet]

sorry, I omitted the link to the Kumho Power Star 758 in my post below.

http://www.discounttire.com/dtcs/tires/ ... 5&pc=33387

[Bob Forman]

In 2006 I purchased 5 Kumhos from Tire Rack for $30 each. They looked and performed well however now they are beginning to leak air. TR does not carry them currently; in fact, the only thing they have in the 165/80X15 size is an all-season tire that doesn't seem to fit the persona of a 356. At this time I'm leaning toward the Firestone F560.

In fact, it appears Kumho doesn't make the 165 any longer.

[Ron Bastrup]

Does anyone know anything about Hercules tires, they're what the local dealer out here in the desert carries in the right sizes. Made in U.S.A.

[Joe Bakhos]

I've been running the Dunlop SP20 (165SR15) tires and they provide a very comfortable and smooth ride. They are about 10 years old, so it's probably time to get rid of them. I'm looking for a comparable replacement that keeps the comfortable smooth ride and period correct look. I don't ever really push the car, just cruise. Not really performance or price sensitive, just want the "right" tire. Car only sees the sun. Thoughts? Anyone else have any feedback on the Michelin Defender tires?

Thanks in advance!

[Dan Macdonald]

I just recently wore out a set of Kuhmo's on my C car (daily driver)…yes, wore them out in about 5 years. (How many of you guys have worn through a set of tires on your 356 in recent years? Not many I would guess.)

I have ordered a set of Nexen 165-80-15's. About $414 for 4 tires, installed, complete, including tax in NorCal. We'll see how they perform...

Reporting back: After about 500 miles these tires perform similarly to my old Kuhmo's. Not great, not bad...probably not your autocross TTD tire, but for my daily driver they're fine.

[Arnie Fried]

Must replace my great Pirelli Tires on my 62 Super 90 Cab. I have size P185X65X15. They are over 14 years old, but show no dry rot. I am not willing to take these chances as I drive the 356 on 95 Interstate most of the time. I have heard that Vredstein are good & have a great vintage look.
Can someone or many as possible give me the best most quiet tires for the money. Also I can purchase Pirelli P4 in this size but they look too modern. Anybody got some good input ??? BTW, the Pirellis are about $70.00 each + frt of about $15.00 each + mounting & balancing.

Arnie neetfried@gmail.com

[Jules Dielen]

I would go for the vredestein. Nice comfortable tire, and you simply can't beat that period correct look.

[Jim Nelson]

I have the Vredestein Sprint Classics on my '63 S90 Cab, I like 'em a lot.

[Edwin Ek]

+1 for Vredestein Sprint Classics. HR 185/70/15. Speedometer will show correct speed again.

Assume you have 5.5" rims. If you have stock 4.5"ers, nice to go back to original 165/78/15. Better steering feel.

[James Watters]

I have Vredestein's on my 62 and 59. Great driving tires.

[Rosemary Sampson]

A "sticky" in this forum on tires exists. Right now it is a couple of threads above this one. There might be some more info for you there:

viewtopic.php?f=1&t=27101

[Paul Kust]

Coker has Michelin 165 15 XZX for 161 and has the Michelin rebate of 70 on a set of 4, just FYI, they always looked good and felt right.