What is the widest width one can get away with on a '72 1800E for tires? and does anybody know a good place to get the original black 15" wheels that came on this model?

Thanks

Peter Jackson

Irv Gordon uses 205/60-15 on his 1800 and has millions of miles to show they work. They are about the same diameter as stock and the speedo will be right on.
Personally I think the section width on any 205 tire is too wide for the 5.5" wheel, even too wide for a 6" wheel, IMHO. The tire sidewall will have spillover and the tread won't sit square with the road surface. The 195/65-15 would be better.

I'll bet Coker tire can come up with the proper Michelin (MXW?), for a fee, of course.

what tire sizes fit my 1972 1800

185/70/15, a hard to find tire size. The only tire I could find are expensive Pirellis. I used to be able to buy Vredesteins, but I can't find a reliable dealer.

I have been suggesting and selling 195/65/15 for the Volvo 1800 and 140 with 4.5" wide rims.

FYI, the only tires I could find in 195/70/15 are for trailers.

205/70/15 are also a viable tire option.
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Eric

Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)

Torrance, CA 90502

Eric, do you really mean 4.5"? Later cars had 5" or 5.5" which are much more compatible with 195/65/15. They are a good match to the ES for example.

You are correct, I meant the 5.5" rims that came on the 1969-1973 1800 and IIRC,on later 140/160 starting in 1972?

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Eric
Hi Performance Automotive Service (formerly OVO or Old Volvos Only)
Torrance, CA 90502

Biggie to remember is that it's very rare to find a car of this vintage with it's original wheels. All too common, folks bought new-used tires on rims. From a 140. And oft times, those are 4.5". They all look the same.

If you got the right 5.5 rims, 195-65 is my choice. 205-60 works fine too, but.. you gotta have the right rims, and 4.5" won't work so well with those.

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-Matt I ♥ my ♂

If you can find them, a 185/70-15 is a good fit for diameter and looks. A 195/65-15 is also a good size.

Peter,

Please drop me a line on email as I may have the wheels you are looking for.

oliver.brown@greenpoint.com

Thanks
Oliver
66 1800S

I'm using 205-75/15s on both my 122 wagon and my 69 164.
I'd guess they will fit on an 1800 too but may not steer very
easily or well.
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George Downs Bartlesville, Oklahoma