Tires: Tires for a Chevy Van, wheel manufacturers, chevy van

Question
Dear Barry or Staff,

We have a '79 Chevy Camper here which needs a complete set of seven new 8.00-16.5 LT tires.

There seems to be a problem dealing with import of such tires into Germany. This may be due to the chemical composition of the tires or for other reasons.  Word here is that shipments are scanned and if such tires are found, they are confisticated.

Please advise as to the purchase of a set as above, to meet EU (European Union)import criteria.

We have a container shipping operation on the Gulf Coast, just want to be sure that the tires can make it all the way.

Bob Tucci-Munich

Answer
Bob,

The problem isn't the chemical composition, it's that 16.5" tires are rapidly disappearing.  I'm advising folks to convert to 16" tires - and although it might be more difficult in your case, I still think it would be easier than trying to import properly identified tires.

I have set up a web site to help with the fitment:

http://www.barrystiretech.com/165tires.html

But you are also going to need help with wheels - and I would advise trying to locate a dealer to work with.  While Tire Rack is in the US, they at least have the expertise and have access to all sorts of wheel manufacturers.