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Years ago the closeset size of tire we could find for our '61 Met was 6.50 13 inch.

The spare on the Met now is a 6.50 and is very tight on the mount and the body. No room to put a cover on it and also being a 6.50 it's too larger for a cover.

So what is the normal tire for the Met and where can I buy a spare tire and the tire cover.

SteveG

The common modern tire replacement is a radial 155-80-13 they are very close in width to the original but are just a little shorter. I think they make the Met handle better and I can live with the height difference. I know there are other folks who really don't think the Met looks right with the shorter tires. I recently added a set of porta walls to my car to give it the wide whitewall, I now believe that a Met just doesn't look right without wide whites. You can purchase 155-80-13's at most tire shops although here in upstate NY they are getting a little harder to find. The spare tire covers can be purchased though www.metropolitan-restoration-service.com or www.metpitstop.com

Marc

Thanks Marc.

According to the Metropolitan Pit Stop Catalog:

All models up to Serial number E-57897 came stock with 5.20x13 tires.
All models beginning Serial number E-57897 came stock with 5.60x13 tires.
"*IMPORTANT! Using the wrong size tire can cause the front wheel spindles to break! The spindles are hollow and susceptible to flexing-cracking-breaking when stressed with a greater static/dynamic load than intended by Metropolitan design engineers.

The radial tires we (they) sell for your Metropolitan are the correct size plus provide all the advantages of radials: Better stability, less "wandering" improved ride, better breaking (sp), reduction of road noise, less roadshock & vibration, improved wet & dry traction, longer tread life. These tires are similar in profile, size (diameter, width), weight as original Metropolitan tires resulting in a similar-to-original load on the suspension and front wheel spindles."


Kip Motor Company says:
NOTE: 540 Series cars were originally equipped with 5.20 x 13 bias belted tires.
560 Series cars were originally equipped with 5.60 x 13 bias belted tires.
WHEN USING MODERN TIRE SIZES: 145/ 80 R 13 is approximately equivalent to 5.20 x 13 (bias or radial); 155 / 80 R 13 is approximately equivalent to 5.60 x 13 (bias or radial); Radial tires provide greatly improved ride and handling.
TECH NOTE: Use of an improper size tire may result in damage to your car.

With that being said...does anyone know what is the actual size of the radials offered by Metropolitan Pit Stop? They don't tell you on the form...but that price OMG! For the 2 1/4" Wide Whitewall are 199.50 each! Blackwalls are 69.90 each!

Mine came with 6.0x13 tires when I bought it (and all are dead). I have been looking online...and have not seen much that is correct or equivalent for my serial number car (5.2x13 per Met Pit Stop).

http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=25283&substring=520-13 5/8" WW for 91.00 each
http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=24443&substring=520-13 blackwall for 106.00 each
http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=24444&substring=520-13 2" WW for 121.00 each
http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=24750&substring=520-13 blackwall for 182.00 each


http://www.universaltire.com/cart.php?target=product&product_id=25048&substring=145R13 145tr13 blackwall for 69.00

Anyone find any CORRECT SIZE or equivalent radial that is cheaper???

Thanks,
Tony

Back a couple of months ago there was a survey asking everyone what size tires they were using. I believe it was close to unanimous that everyone (that is using current radials) is running 155/80/13 tire. I am not aware of anyone having problems with spindles. If folks have had problems please post your experience.

Marc

Thanks for the feedback on the tires so far! Now about sources for NOS 13" metro rims or new versions of the originals outside of Metropolitan Pit Stop or Kip Motors?

Bryan (A383wing) wrote:I'm running 165-80R-13's on the red tomato 61 on the right...bought 4 new ones for $100...they will outlast me, guaranteed

Bryan

Hi Bryan,
Got any close up shots of your tires on the Met?

Thanks,
Tony