Tire size for Fuchs 6Jx14H2 alloys rims

[Berggreen]

Dear All

I have been so lucky to find a set of five (5) renovated and original Fuchs 6Jx14H2 alloys rims for my '70 280SL (man). See pictures attached.

I know the 185R14 is the original tire size and most prefer this for the standard steel rims with hub caps, but what about the Fuchs 6" alloy rims?

I have been searching through both the technical manual and the forum for some clear recommendations for which tire size to use with these Fuchs alloys, but without luck. However, I have found statements that both 185R14, 195/75 R14 and 205/70 R14 have been used, but I don't see that there is a prefered size from what I can find.

SO, what do you recommend to fit on my new Fuchs alloys? 

Best wishes and Merry Christmas,

Christian 

[MikeSimon]

 A lot depends on your personal preference and what is available for a good price. When I replaced my 185R14s for my 6x14 Fuchs alloys, I bought 195/70x14, which may be one of the worst alternatives.
The 185R14 has an aspect ratio of .90, which makes the shoulder height 166.50mm. Of all the sizes you listed, the 195/75 with a shoulder height of 146.25mm will end up the closest to 185R14.
In order to get the same size total height for the wheel as a 184R14, you would need something like a 205/80.

[Jack Jones]

The 185HR14 tire has an aspect ratio of 80 giving it an overall height of 25.65 inches (676.9mm). A 205/70/14 would provide you 25.4 inch height and the closet match to the stock 185HR14 tire. I am not aware of the existence of a 90 aspect ratio tire for a car. 

[MikeSimon]

I am sorry, I always thought the standard tire aspect ratio was "90". I seem to remember there were "80" designated tires out there. My bad!
In that case, a 195/75 with a shoulder height of 146.25mm would be the closest to the stock 185R14
You can still find 185R14s, in a Phoenix radial. In any case, I would try to find a tire with a "Scheuerkante" ( a raised ridge on the sidewall) to better protect your alloys.

[scoot]

Nothing changes with the tire size because you bought alloy rims.

[MikeSimon]

I agree with Scott. Both steel and alloy rims are 6" and they would use the same tire. If you are for originality, the 185R14 is the way to go.

[Berggreen]

Thanks guys!

Currently there is also discussions on the topic of tire sizes for Fuchs rims on several of the Facebook Pagoda groups, and it seems there are preferences for all of the three tire sizes I listed above. Some goes only original with the 185R14's and others want a beefyer look with the 205/70-R14's and other goes in between with the 195/75-R14's.

So I see it is very much up to personal taste and religion. ;-)

Cheers and Merry Christmas,

Christian

[Raymond]

The advantage of the 205/70 is braking distance and cornering.  The extra 20mm of rubber on each corner can make the difference between a near miss and a bad day. 

[stickandrudderman]

the disadvantage is increased fuel consumption.

[MikeSimon]

...and a minor deviation in the indicated speed on your speedometer...

[Berggreen]

The advantage of the 205/70 is braking distance and cornering.  The extra 20mm of rubber on each corner can make the difference between a near miss and a bad day.

Hi Raymond

Do you possibly have a picture of your Pagoda to share with the 205/70's mounted on your car?

Thanks,

Christian

[Jack Jones]

The original size tire with the correct HR speed rating will provide superior handling compared to an SR rated replacement. Vredestein offers a 185HR14 with the tread pattern that suits what originally came with the Pagoda and most 205/70/14's available today will be a SR rated tire. I personally like the original size on our cars unless you are looking for a more aggressive stance. 

[lowpad]

Here is a pic of my 230SL with 205 Vredesteins.  I like the look, but also have a set of more original MXV-Ps on steel wheels.  I find that the Vredesteins have great ride and handling and since my speedo is in km, the speed difference really doesn’t matter!

[Berggreen]

Here is a pic of my 230SL with 205 Vredesteins.  I like the look, but also have a set of more original MXV-Ps on steel wheels.  I find that the Vredesteins have great ride and handling and since my speedo is in km, the speed difference really doesn’t matter!

Thanx, looks GREAT! :-)

[teahead]

These are T-rated:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/gti-15494960000/

Height differences from stock is negligible.

I just picked up some 6" aluminum 502 "steelies" so am in the market as well