Henry, I believe the original size is 6.70 x 16 which is not as big in
physical dimension as 6.50 x 16 - even though the numbers make it seem
bigger. Original Firestone 6.70s had the following dimensions according to
my Coker catalog:
Tread width - 4.75 Sectional width - 6.77 Diameter 28.62. All dimensions
are in inches.
6.50 x 16 tires list as follows - TW - 5.00, SW - 7.53, D - 29.38
I think the 225s might be pushing it. I used 205s from Diamondback on my
Mark VII which work fine. They are based on Yokohama Geolander tires.
225 x 15 (the only size I can find for comparison) have a Tread width of
6.24 and a sectional with of 8.95 which is substantially wider than the
stock tires although the tread width is close. I suggest you get someone’s
wheel and tire from a car with the same bolt pattern, possibly an XJ, and
check clearances. Worry about side loads when cornering while you’re
checking.
The 205s have a sectional width of 8.14 and they do work so the difference
is not huge but I haven’t tried any vigorous cornering with these tires yet.
One very interesting thought is that the 225 x 15" tires have nearly the
same diameter as the 6.70 x 16" ( 28.29 vs 28.62 for the originals. Maybe
the answer is to find a set of Mk. 2 wheels and mount 15" rubber which is
cheaper and easier to find. It will certainly avoid speedometer accuracy
problems.
John
Can anyone confirm the correct original size tires for the Mark 9 (1961)?
Our car currently has 650X16s. But I’m not sure if they are the original size
tires.
Also, has anyone had clearance problems with slightly wider tires than the
orginals? I am interested in buying a set of 225/75 R16s from Diamond Back
Classics. Both the 650X16s and the 225/75 R16s have an outside diameter of
29.3
inches. The widths, however, are 5.0 inches and 6.3 inches respectively. I
can’t remember if there is enough room under the skirts in the rear.
Finally, at least 2 of us (Bob P.) would like to pool our order for a “dealers
discount” of $20/tire. We need one more set of 4 on the order. Is anyone else
interested?
Thanks,
Henry
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