What would be the factory tire size ona 72 Skylark? Someone told me it could be as small as 195/70-R14, is that true?
G78-14 was the factory size tire. It was 27" tall. The closest P-Metric size is P225/70R-14 which is 26.5" tall. That is also close to a G70-14. 195/70-14 is WAY too small. You are way better off going to 15" Buick Wheels. There is much more choice in tire sizes. The 72 GS used a G70-14, and the G60-15 (P245/60R-15)
What is the modern equivalent of F7814 tires? Also, I saw someone at the local show with an orig. 72 with 205/75R14's, would that size be too small as well?
Go here: www.tirerack.com/tires/tiretech/45_conversionchart.html Another one will give you the actual heights of the various tire sizes: www.angelfire.com/on/geebjen/tires.html Different tire/wheel styles & sizes is an easy way to change the appearance of the car. Don't forget to change the speedo gears to keep your speedo at least close to accurate.
looks lile 195r75 equates to f78. 205r75 would be the size if u do not wish to go to a lower profile. i am running 245r60x15 bfg t/a on 15x7" rallyes. my car came from the factory with G78 tires on 14x6" rims.
F78-14 is 26.5" tall. Best match for that would be a 215/75R-14(26.7") or a 225/70R-14(26.40") The most important thing is to stay as close as possible to the stock tire height. Tire height affects gear ratio and speedometer calibration. Our cars have big wheel wells. Putting smaller tires looks bad IMHO. You will see people put all kinds of sizes on cars because they don't know what is correct.