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I went to the shop this morning and made some measurements. Right side was 31 CM and left side 30 CM just enough to make it hard to get that big rubber in. I mean 185/70 15 or 205/60 15 big rubber on 6 inch Fuchs, even with disc brakes. Oh my how it sticks and no I do not have diagonal shocks cause they spin like a top. I made the change long ago before anyone wanted thes cars, mayb 45 years ago...drives like a dream

What are diagonal shocks?

Martin On the Pre-A shocks were not installed in a vertical position in the rear like the A and later cars. They leaned forward quite a bit to mount built into the rising portion of the chassis. Maybe there is another description for this I do not know but the shocks lay in an angled position leaning forward.

Dear Pre-A Faithful
Just checking if there is anyone with new information about 16" tire availability in 2021.
From what I can see, the Firestones from Coker are readily available, priced reasonably and at least one member reported success with them.
I am still researching Avons and Heidenau, but I'm located in the US, (CT) and shipping time and cost are factors to consider
Thanks in advance
Nathan

I've seen Albert Haefner (and others) drive in very spirited fashion on the Heidenau tires. I could not keep up in my modern car on twisty mountain roads. I suspect these are very good tires and would trust his judgement. They are bias ply.

i just pulled the trigger on 5 heidenau 16x5.00-5.25. Through there website they referred me to Mototire USA here in St. louis. $215 mounted sounded like a good price. I have a friend who manufactures a lot of the Coker classic tires . He has a brand Auburn that has a 16x5.5 radial that he says runs great . But we thought it might have trouble getting under back fenders and might be a little tall for Spare.

You won’t meet any problem. Sure!
Price is a bit tough but is worth.
Just threw again a set of almost new Firestone whitewalls on the rubbish container. Dangerous tire specially for a some hundred thousand dollars car!
A 60 mph beetle trailer queen may be the target.

We brought the 52 home. The Heidenaus seem incredibly precise. The big steering wheel and narrow tire are so responsive. Still working through some mechanical issues . The steering and handling are a pleasure.

I had an e-mail exchange with someone at Coker. He said they now own the rights to the Firestone 560 tires and have then manufactured. Firestone no longer lists them themselves. He also said the Michelin ZX is made by Michelin not Coker. Made my Michelin may just mean whoever they contract to do it or it might actually be in their own plant.

Mark
Glad to see it under its own power, congrats!!

Mark Todorovich wrote: ↑Mon Sep 27, 2021 8:00 pm We brought the 52 home. The Heidenaus seem incredibly precise. The big steering wheel and narrow tire are so responsive. Still working through some mechanical issues . The steering and handling are a pleasure.

D46390F1-1A1C-4177-A0FA-DF288B35EF31.jpeg

Way to go Mark! Pretty countryside - hope that's a one-way road or the driveway to your castle...

Dirt road leaving from the mechanics. Semi retired ,but still wrenches when he’s not fishen.

I was on Samba the other night and saw these. Anyone have info on them?

https://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds ... id=2481848

I should have posted this in a different thread, the Autobahn tires are 15" not 16" so never mind : )

I have been having fun sorting out some more details on the 52 but I am putting in a garage away from home for the winter. As i stated before I put bias ply /with tubes 16/5-5.25 from Heidenau. Should I do anything to help them maintain their shape. Put up on jack stands beef up the air pressure.
I have really enjoyed them , the car is not very fast but it really seems nimble and precise.
They look great and have raised the stance a little , which fits.
Mark