We picked-up a customer’s Bugeye from Chicago this week for a flip nose conversion and service, and one of the additional concerns from the owner was a harsh, uncomfortable ride. The cause of discomfort was hiding in plain sight.
This customer’s car has 14 inch wheels installed, and this is a large part of the issue here. Sprites were never known for having a particularly plush ride. However, 14 inch wheels, while they look cool, reduce the amount of tire sidewall rubber. You need a 60 series tire to make the 14 inch rim fit the wheel arch but less sidewall rubber equals less “give” and the ride becomes harsher as a result.
A Bugeye must have 13 inch wheels installed to retain a modicum of comfort. These were the size of the stock Bugeye wheels, and there are several aftermarket options for 13 inch wheels to suit your taste in rims. Anything wider than a 165 tire on a 13 inch rim will also compromise comfort.
So please resist the urge to have a contemporary low-profile tire on your collectible, and stay with the 13 inch wheels. We don’t sell 14s, and this is why!
If your Bugeye is in need of new wheels or tires, we offer several 13 inch options to suit your needs! Click the links below or give us a call for more information!
