For my 1987 Series III, I've beat the horse to death on trying to find some new tires for my wire wheels as my 215/70/15 Michelins on the Kents now are beyond the age limits. I was trying to go with a bit more modern rubber in the 235/60/15 or 245/60/15 kind but found (as everyone was telling me) that the limitations of time are catching up on those sizes on availability and are priced accordingly not to mention the difficulty on that width for the rear wheel tub.

I'm back to the reality that the 215/70/15's size I'm running are fine but I'm still after something that will give a slight 'mod' that isn't really noticeable. As the 205/70/15's were stock on the earlier XJ6 Series III and the XJ12's used the 215/70s, can I mix my sizes? Can I successfully run the 205's on the front and the 215s on the rear? Anyone done this? I'm not as concerned about rotation front to rear.

 

Any tire that fits will work. BUT.....you absolutely must have the same size tires on the driver and passenger sides. Front to back different size is ok within reason. Left to right and the tires must match. On the front this is for handling purposes. On the rear, the last thing...absolute last thing yoi want to do is run two differing sizes as this will cause your differential to rotate at two different rpms, which in turn will destroy...completely and absolutely destroy your rearend. You probably already knew this, but it's better to be safe than sorry to let you know.the icon is what your tires and rear end will do...

 

Planned to replace the old spare tire with the 215's as on the rear. Knew about the damage issue but appreciate you mentioning it. Others who might think of doing the same may not have known. Good point!!

 

How about 215/65x15 or 225/60x15? I think you'll find many more choices (and price ranges) in those sizes. I've seen numerous Ser IIIs with those sizes.



Cheers
DD

 

You've been my biggest supporter of suggestions Doug! But I feel like I'm chasing my own tail and I'm going in circles.

Okay, you're right and will check out the suggestions.

 

Sorry!

Options are good but, then again, with too many possibilities we end up being frustrated

I call it "The tyranny of choice".

Cheers
DD

 

Just did a quick availability search and a size calculation search.

First the 215/65/15's are close but slightly smaller in overall diameter than the 205/70/15's by 0.3 inches. Close but close to the smaller size tire. On Tire Rack there is a fair selection of more modern tires including some V speed rated.

On the 225/60/15 thought when compared to the 215/70s they are 1.25 inches shorter. When compared to the 205/15s they're 0.67 inches shorter.

THEN, when I look up 225/65/15's compared to the 215/70s the size is actually very close with the overall diameter of the 225/65 being only 0.33 inches smaller BUT when I check out available types on Tire Rack I find none available in that size.

I think Doug has given me another path to chase (my tail) down. Just happily headed in one direction and.....

 

Repeat!!!
I've chased my own tail a time or two. I've worked out a rudimentary search system.
Used it to select new tires for the Jaguar and my Jeep. The resultant choice have worked out rather well!!!

Well, I lost my ARF rescue ten year old Cocker Spaniel to Lymphoma!!! Lots of pressure from my kids to get back on the horse!!

I created some new criteria. Coco, a canine mutt is in residence. He like me and I like him. Search formulas work!!! His name at ARF was Koko Loco. I see why!!! But, I altered the name tone that was more becoming!! The techs at the Vet agreed!!!

 

JagCad I think is right. Back to basics. Form follows function. The spare has to match the rear drive wheels as Marvin1960 pointed out. IF I go to an odd size that will be phased out and the spare ends up someday not matching and I haven't replace it I'm screwed. Well, that simplifies things. Back to the idea of 215/70/15s on the rear and 205/15/70s for the front. Will give me enough of a slight mod to give it the uniqueness wanted but not the uniqueness to replace things. DONE!!! Just caught my tail!!!!!! Michelin Defenders are on sale at Costco this week also and come in those 2 sizes.

 

It's done. Last night I ordered my 5 new Michies from Costco on-line. The $70 rebate ran out today so figured I'd capture that. $673 and will be dropped at my nearest Costco for mounting on the new wires. Long trail and lots of input from others to get to this point. Without that information and input of others would never have made what I am certain now the right choice. That's why I not only like this forum but rely on it. Good information and ideas out there from others, many of whom made right and wrong choices along the way willing to give to others to help them on their paths with these great old cars.

 

The Michies arrived at Costco and they refused to mount them on the wire wheels and to install the mixed sizes. Oh well. Got my $70 back for that and hauled the tires in plastic sacks down to my local tire shop. The guy gladly took my $70 to mount them on the rims. He did so and as I wasn't able to bring the car down to have the new wires and tires mounted due to some traveling I was doing he called and said that I was loosing about 3 pounds of air per day in them and recommended I go ahead and put in radial tubes. Another $100 for that. They will be done tomorrow and I can't wait to see what I've gone and done!!! Total everything with my used Dayton 70 spokes, new Michies and now the tubes will total about $1000. OUCH. Sure hope it turns out like I hope. Pics to follow once I get it all together.

 

As I started this thread I thought I'd post what I've gone and done on this question. My wire wheels arrived and it was time to buy the rubber to put on them. Back and forth on the white stripe tires but the only ones I found that were even suitable were some Bridgestones and I just didn't like the thread pattern or looks. Michelin was having a sale so picked up some in a staggered size of 205/70/15's for the front and 215/70/15's for the rear. Pictures below. I happen to like the look and the feel. Gives the car a bit of a slightly lower in the nose look which make it look a bit more aggressive. Color by the way is BRG and yes, those are 7" headlights. 2 of the photos are the after shots and 1 is with the prior chrome Kents. Opinions?

 

Thanks for posting pics, it really puts the whole thread together! NICE LOOK!

 

Nice car ! First I've heard of having different widths like this on a Series 3, but you only have 10 mm difference there anyway, I don't think any harm will be caused. Why the difference anyway, was there no choice ?

 

Just wanted a different look, no other reason. I like the front has a little rake to it now, nothing noticeable, just ever so slight. I thought the 215s filled the front wheel well too much and the 205s do look better there while the 215s look great on the rears. Of course the wires are the real key part of the look. WOW! Now just keeping them clean and tuned is all.

 

Looks good - I like the wire wheels!! Which model Michelin tires did you put on?

 

Costco had a sale on Michelin Defender Xs. Hard to find these size tires an more!!