Hi all--as soon as I finish rebuilding the front end of my 544, I have a more enjoyable task to take on:

Have finally obtained a set of 6" wheels for the car and would like to obtain some rubber from the 21st century.

Anybody running modern-size tires they're super-fond of? Would like to retain a semi-vintage look, so not going to go ultralow profile. But want sticky and affordable...please advise! Best, Nate

Have been running FALKEN "ZIEX" ze512 185/65 R15 88H M&S on my 544 for about 1/2 year now with no complaints. The wider (1 1/4" wider than the 165/65 R15 that I had before) foot print makes for much better stability in the wind and behind trucks. The ze512 is Unidirectional which is much quieter than the "old style" tire and it has the Rain Groove which would preclude hydroplaning under most circumstances.

Handles very, very well and there is no noticeable increase in steering effort. I moved to a Volvo P1800 4 1/2" wide rim to accomodate the wider tire and have no clearance issues with suspension components nor fender wells. Hope you can say the same after mounting 6" wheels. Profile of the tire is 1/4" shorter than the 165, thus it does not look out of place on a '65 544

Purchased the tires over the internet from Discount Tire in Grand Prairie, TX. Delivered to my door for $55 ea.

Thanks all. I found a good price on some Pirelli P6s and will give them a shot, should be arriving tomorrow. Now just have to get the crossmember pointed the right way under the car and it's time to go.

Yes, 6" is big. Not crazy big. What can I say? I hope it looks cool. I hope I can steer and drive over speed bumps. Did I mention I hope it looks cool?

I'm another 185/65/15 fan I wouldn't go any bigger than that. A Pirelli P6 is a pretty decent compromise between price and performance.

If I wanted to spend more money, and get something more specific to the characteristics of old suspension, particularly in terms of caster, then I love the asymmetric Michelin XAS. They're available in a 165 a 180 and a 185 I think. A 6" rim is actually a tad on the big side.

I was particularly happy with 185-65-15s on my 544.
Of course those tires don't come in that size anymore; at the Tire Rack, though Kumho Solus KH-16, which I like on the 765, and Bridgestone RE960AS, which are highly regarded (I haven't used them), are available.
195-60-15 Conti Sport Contact made the steering unpleasantly heavy.