What size of tire is this?

[Ray Morley]

I currently have a set a 175 70R 13 on my Kadett right now.

This tires in the attached pic have a nice look to them. Does anyone have any ideas as to what size they may be? If the owner of this gem is on the forum I will have to say you have a very nice Kadett!

[hallgeir]

Adjusted light/contrast. Makes it a little easier to see. My guess would be 195/60 R14, maybe?

[opelnut10]

Adjusted light/contrast. Makes it a little easier to see. My guess would be 195/60 R14, maybe?

They look to be on Minilite Wheels and 14" diameter ones at that. You have to be concerned about the overall diameter of the tire. you cannot swing but so big a tire inside the wheelwells of a Kadett or GT about 24-25 inches is the biggest diameter you can run and make any sharp turns. As you go down in aspect (Width) the tire is shorter in the same metric size (example 195-60 is shorter than 195-70 etc.) Most tire manufactures have information as to the overall height of a specific tire, using that guide you can match a tire up to suit your desires within reason.

[2 Fast 4 U]

If you want info on what size that will fit just type "tire size" in at Google, and you'll find a few tire size calculators.
Standard size for the Kadett with 13" rims is 165x13 [I think, correct me if I'm wrong], the only thing you'll have to worry about is the with of the tire.
btw its hard to tell the size at the angle the photo is taken.

[heimue]

Standard size for the Kadett with 13" rims is 165x13 [I think, correct me if I'm wrong

That is confirmed. Kadetts with the 1.1 liter engine might come with 155/13, at least they did in Germany. Some older German models (1965-67), with the 1.0 liter 40HP engine, had 12" wheels.

I have a set of 205/50/15 on 15x7 wheels for my '72 Kadett. The space for the front is maxed out, they are almost touching the frame/wheelwell to the rear/center of the car when steering. The rears are fine, they could be a bit larger. Still lots of room to the inside of the wheelwell.

Dieter

[2 Fast 4 U]

Some older German models (1965-67), with the 1.0 liter 40HP engine, had 12" wheels.

Dieter

I used to have one from 1970 that had 12" wheels

[tekenaar]

That is confirmed. Kadetts with the 1.1 liter engine might come with 155/13, at least they did in Germany. Some older German models (1965-67), with the 1.0 liter 40HP engine, had 12" wheels.

I have a set of 205/50/15 on 15x7 wheels for my '72 Kadett. The space for the front is maxed out, they are almost touching the frame/wheelwell to the rear/center of the car when steering. The rears are fine, they could be a bit larger. Still lots of room to the inside of the wheelwell.

Dieter

In the US, only '64-'65 Kadetts used the 1.0 engine with one single barrel Carter carb and 12" wheels, as I recall. From '66 on, only 1.1 Solex, single or dual one-barrel carb, engines and 13" wheels were used.

[Ray Morley]

What size tire would have the best 'look' on my 70 Kadett while still giving me good wheel well clearance?

[oldopelguy]

the "right" look is purely subjective, so it'll be hard for someone else to tell you how to go. Are you looking for bigger or smaller rims than these:
http://www.opelgt.com/photos/data/50...5kadwheel3.JPG

Those are 16x7's, front and rear, with 205/40/16 tires. I would not use them again on a Kadett myself because the ride was too rough for my tastes and they literally beat my suspension to death. Let us know bigger or smaller and we can go from there.

[tonykim]

Ray,

I have a 69 Rallye Kadett that has widened wheels (probably to 7 in) and 205/60-13s on all 4 corners. I bought the car about a year ago and haven't driven it yet...still collecting parts for some restoration. The previous owner used the car for SCCA and other events besides a lot of street driving and I don't see any evidence of rubbing or contact anywhere. The suspension on this car has also been seriously lowered (at least 2-3 inches). I can send you some pictures of the stance and how the wheels/tires look if you like. I think the widened wheels help keep the tire side walls square and keeps the look fairly stock from the sides. I wouldn't recommend wider than a 185 on a stock wheel.

[Ray Morley]

Thanks for all of the tips. The 'tire sizer' on Google was very interesting.

I think I will go with the same rims which are 13".

Probably 185 70 13 or 195 70 13

Cheers, Ray

[2 Fast 4 U]

Thanks for all of the tips. The 'tire sizer' on Google was very interesting.

I think I will go with the same rims which are 13".

Probably 185 70 13 or 195 70 13

Cheers, Ray

Take the 185/70x13 there the standard bigger size, than your speedometer will give about the same speed [actually a fraction less] as the standard 165x13 tyres, so if your driving on the speed limit you don't have to worry about a speeding ticket

[Ray Morley]

Many thanks!

[oldopelguy]

185 70 13 or 195 70 13

Thos'll be a hard squeeze for the stock rims. I ran 185/75's once, and they did rub on the inner front fender when at full bump, and they were vry difficult to install on the back. Kadetts are supposed to have 155/80's, which is a smaller tire than GT's and Mantas, and which best corrolates best to a 175/70R13 or a 195/60R13.

I very highly recommend the Sumitomo HTR 200 tire tire rack sells in an amazing variety of sizes. They have 195/60R13's in stock for $42 each, and they have been a great tire on 3 of my Opels and on my Scion as well. With as well as they grip, even in the NY and SD winters, and as long as they've lasted, I may never buy another tire. The price is great too. Just my plug.