1966 Caravel: Best New Tires; Old Rims or New Rims???

[divotvance]

I have undertaken to replace the tires on my 1966 Caravel. I have the wheels off and have removed the tires that were on it when I purchased it some years ago. The tires removed, P205/75 R15 M+S, are not usable. It appeared to me that the tires I removed had only inches clearance. Airstream uses 225/75 R15 Marathon ST Radials. Will they work on my rig? If not, what would be the best available tire. Also the rims are pretty rough. Should I have them sandblasted and painted or get new rims? What new rim would be best? I will appreciate any help you can provide.

[clancy_boy]

I purchased new steel OEM (original equipment manufacturer) rims that had the 2600# rating from a trailer supply house. Cost was about $40 each - maybe less. I got three and of course use one for the spare. The old rims on my Caravel were miss match of whatever the PO could find that fit. Since I also upgraded my axle I needed the 6 lug pattern. I'd say toss the rims - by the time you factored in the blasting and painting you could have new. I bought some baby moon hubcaps online - eBay I think, and ended up with the look I wanted.

Tires - do I dare step into the conversation on them - use the search function above. I have the Marathons in the 225/75 R-15 you mentioned in the "C" load rating which is more than enough for the Caravel. I would like some "D"'s but can't seem to find them.

Good Luck - Post pictures, PLEASE.....

Mike

[AirstreamGypsy]

I have a '61 Bambi. I recently replaced my wheels, tires, and axle. You might consider changing out the whole kit and caboodle. I am thrilled I did. 45 years seems a long time to use the same axle. Of course, my airstream used to live in Tenn. and I brought it out to CA and then SW Colorado both desert locations. I a sure that didn't help.

I noticed a hugh difference in the handling and interior performance of the Bambi after I re-axled.

Post some pics, we'd love to see your Caravel!

[rideair]

The "original" tire size, if I remember correctly, was a 7.00x15 bias ply. Many will say a 225/75-15 is the same size, "NOT". The radials 225/75-15 are shorter/fatter. I have three 1966 Airstream trailers, I use 7:00x15 bias plys on "ALL" of the trailers, Globetrotter(single axel), Safari(single axel), Overlander (double axel). The 7:00x15 is a taller/skinny tire (more clearance) and the sidewalls are "stiffer" (less roll/sway). I replace them every five years, no ifs, ands or buts, aways have new "metal" values install and balanced, run at max cold pressure. No problems so far(knock on wood). I'm sure there will be many that will disagree with what I use and say the radial is better, that maybe true(for them). If the rim just has surface rust, sandblast and paint is fine, as long as the "rim lip" is in good shape allowing for a good seal with the tire. Good luck,

[AirConditioner]

I'm also trying to re-rim and re-tire a 72 overlander. Tire matchup seems to really be a problem, but not as much as finding a 15" that hasn't been NHTSA recalled or reported as failures. I have searched but have not yet found any ST tire brand that's not suspect. What brands are you all considering??

[Melody Ranch]

I have a 66 Caravel. I tried the 225's. They do not fit. Had to remount with 205's. Original pic included.