.... to complicate the issue...actual tire widths vary from one manufacturer to another. Just try comparing the same size side by side to see the difference. I know, it shouldn't be that way, but it is! To further complicate the issue, there is tread width, section width, tread contact width, etc. Unfortunately it's NOT an exact measurement, or an exact comparison. If I could fix the inconsistencies I would, but I just I'm just one guy who knows from experience managing a tire shop.

 

The "nice flat sidewall" that I mentioned was referenced specifically to address the issues of a tire that is too wide (bulging away from the wheel) or too narrow (a sidewall that looks like it has to pull in to meet the tread). The tire I installed sits in the same physical position from bead to bead whether installed on a wheel or in a dismounted state, meaning it's not being stressed wider to meet a wider wheel or forced in to fit a narrow wheel.

My complaint (that should have been better stated), is that I'm tired of the "nanny" state mentality that attempts to dummy-proof life for the idiots who decide to push things TOO far and then blame others for their stupidity.

I understand that some people are only permitted to do the accepted, but don't you wish that common sense still came into play sometimes?

 

LOL, too bad we can rid the world of the idiots and those looking to profit, every time something goes wrong. There is probably no real risk with what you are wanting to do, but the business is in a bad position and are forced to watch out for their own best interest.

 

I've got a tire shop that will mount up whatever you want but they do make you sign a waiver, and shake their heads while mounting up your tires!
Last month I was there to have my WV rally's checked for balance and they just finished one of those wide rim skinny tire setups on a year old BMW 3 series, the guy went out of the lot turned left floored it and popped the right side tires off the rims, lost control and smacked a light standard, caved in the right side door.
He wasn't impressed but he did sign the waiver, and the police were happy to ticket him for unsave driving causing property damage, unsafe non stock wheel and tire modifications,
And just cause the burn out marks were there , street racing which means here in Ontario his BMW will be crushed, and his insurance company does not have to pay a thing it's all on him!
How cool are those rims and tires now??

 

When I was a tire buster working for less than $10/hr, I kind of resented people that wanted ME to put MY (literal) neck on the line.

Can you actually measure the angle of the bead where it meets the rim? And then compare it to design specs? Are you a tire design engineer? Personally, I would trust the design engineer before I'd trust you. They do not go around making numbers up just to make your life difficult.

I have seen what happens when a tire is mounted on the wrong width rim. Ambulances and OSHA inspectors can be involved.

 

Same here.
Back in my automotive days, I've done a few of those questionable tire/rim mounts for customers.
Several times I recall hiding behind the corner of the shops brick wall waiting for the bead to seat (or explode ) while I aired it up.

 

Blue, I seen a guy in a vette do a slow corner at high speeds and the same thing happened to him. Ontario, Canada cops do not have much lax to any type of street speed and stupidity at all. Racing = crushed rides and extremely large fines. Not to mention the lawyer fees that go along with it.

 

That's awesome!!! LOL

 

Well that sucks, I know the 245's on my Cobalt wheels looked perfect. 225's just looked narrower than the wheel.

I think the tire should be at least as wide as the wheel, otherwise it just looks odd IMO.

 

Back in the bias ply days, the rule of thumb was the tread was to be as wide as the rim.
I had a set of 8 inch 'Vette rims on my 63 Biscayne the tread width was 7 3/4 . Not much to get the power to the pavement , but it was just a 406 cube truck engine in it.