The 1973 Volkswagen 181 occupies a very specific place in air-cooled VW history, combining military-inspired simplicity with open-air utility in a vehicle better known to many owners as the Thing. Its upright stance and unmistakable body shape make tire choice especially visible, so appearance matters almost as much as fitment. For this model year, the primary tire size is 185R14 radial on a 14-inch rim. That opens the door to blackwall and narrow whitewall choices from brands such as Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. The real decision is balancing the traditional look you want with the rim compatibility, road use, and overall setup of your particular 181.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Volkswagen 181
The 1973 Volkswagen 181 uses one primary tire size: 185R14 radial on a 14-inch rim. The covered sub-model shares that same fitment, so the main choice is not between multiple sizes but between available tire styles, brands, and sidewall treatments, along with confirming that the wheels on the vehicle still match the original diameter and suitable width range.
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size in which 185 refers to the nominal section width in millimeters, R identifies radial construction, and 14 identifies the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated in the size itself and is commonly associated with an 80-series profile. On a 1973 Volkswagen 181, this size keeps the fitment centered on a classic radial rather than an older bias-ply format. Available choices include blackwall and narrow whitewall versions, with Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic among the relevant series for owners comparing appearance and road-use character.
Fitment is straightforward across the covered 1973 Volkswagen 181 sub-model because the same primary tire size is used. Checking the exact sub-model still helps confirm that the vehicle has not been changed to a different wheel setup over time.
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1973 Volkswagen 181 The Thing
The 1973 Volkswagen 181 The Thing uses the same 185R14 radial fitment as the model core. That makes tire selection more about choosing between blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, comparing brands, and confirming the actual wheels on the vehicle before ordering.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1973 Volkswagen 181 Tires for Sale
Available 185R14 choices for the 1973 Volkswagen 181 include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein radials, with blackwall and narrow whitewall presentations. The product range also gives buyers useful points of comparison in tire series and approved rim-width coverage.
Common questions for the 1973 Volkswagen 181 usually come down to the 185R14 fitment, 14-inch wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance, and how to choose among the available radial options for restoration-minded use and regular road driving.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Volkswagen 181?
The 1973 Volkswagen 181 uses a 185R14 radial tire. That is the primary fitment for this model year, and it uses a 14-inch wheel diameter rather than a larger modern rim size.
That makes the first step fairly simple: confirm that the vehicle still has 14-inch wheels and then choose within the 185R14 category. Many 181s have lived long lives and may have seen wheel changes, so it is worth measuring the actual wheel diameter and checking wheel width before selecting between the available blackwall and narrow whitewall radial options.
What size rim does a 1973 Volkswagen 181 use?
The 1973 Volkswagen 181 uses a 14-inch rim with its 185R14 tire size. The tire size itself ends with 14, which identifies the wheel diameter in inches for this fitment.
Wheel diameter is only part of the picture, especially on an older utility vehicle that may have been modified over time. Several 185R14 products are built for different approved rim-width ranges, so checking both diameter and width is important before choosing a tire. That helps avoid mismatching a correct-looking tire to a wheel that falls outside the tire maker's intended fitment range.
Does the 1973 Volkswagen 181 The Thing use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1973 Volkswagen 181 The Thing uses the same 185R14 radial tire size. There is no separate primary tire size for that covered sub-model on this page.
That keeps selection focused on tire style rather than sub-model-specific sizing differences. An owner can compare details such as blackwall versus narrow whitewall appearance, brand preference, and the wheel-width range approved for a given product. It is still smart to inspect the vehicle itself, since replacement wheels or older aftermarket rims can change what works comfortably on the vehicle.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R14 tire for a 1973 Volkswagen 181?
Start with the basics: the tire should be a 185R14 radial for a 14-inch wheel. From there, the meaningful differences are the tire's sidewall style, approved rim-width range, brand, and whether the overall look suits a more stock-appearing or more personalized 181.
A blackwall tire gives a restrained, utilitarian presentation, while a narrow whitewall changes the visual character of the vehicle more noticeably. It also helps to compare details such as product weight and any stated load figure at its listed inflation pressure. Those factors will not choose the tire for you by themselves, but they help narrow the field once fitment is confirmed.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Volkswagen 181 tires?
185R14 tires for the 1973 Volkswagen 181 are available in both blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. That gives owners a choice between a simpler, more understated sidewall and a brighter vintage-oriented presentation.
The best choice depends on the look you want from the vehicle. A blackwall usually feels more functional and subdued, while a narrow whitewall draws more attention to the wheel opening and can shift the overall appearance of the Thing. Since both styles exist in the correct size, the decision becomes an appearance question after wheel compatibility and general tire fitment have been confirmed.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Volkswagen 181?
Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein all offer 185R14 radial options for the 1973 Volkswagen 181. Within that group, Michelin MXV and Vredestein Sprint Classic are two of the tire series available to owners comparing classic-style radial choices.
Brand alone should not make the decision. It is better to compare each tire's sidewall treatment, approved wheel-width range, and any useful specification differences such as product weight or stated load figure. That approach keeps the choice centered on how the tire suits the vehicle's wheels, appearance goals, and intended use rather than treating every 185R14 radial as exactly the same.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Volkswagen 181?
A period-style 1973 Volkswagen 181 starts with the correct primary size, which is 185R14 radial. From there, the choice usually comes down to whether a blackwall or narrow whitewall better suits the vehicle's intended presentation and whether a classic-oriented series matches the look you want.
Many owners prefer to keep the tire visually in step with the Thing's simple, upright character rather than using a modern-looking substitute in a different size. Exact originality claims should be handled carefully, so buyers concerned with highly detailed restoration work should also compare their choices against marque references, old photos, or other vehicle-specific historical material before settling on a final look.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Volkswagen 181?
On the 1973 Volkswagen 181, the primary fitment is already a radial, so the appearance question is less about choosing between bias-ply and radial and more about choosing the right radial presentation. Sidewall treatment and tread styling will influence the restored look more than construction changes here.
That means details such as blackwall versus narrow whitewall deserve close attention on a restoration-minded vehicle. A narrow whitewall can create a more stylized vintage impression, while a blackwall keeps the look plainer and more workmanlike. Sticking with the proper 185R14 size helps preserve the overall proportions of the vehicle even when appearance preferences differ.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Volkswagen 181?
Yes. Even though the primary tire size for a 1973 Volkswagen 181 is 185R14, modifications can change what works on the vehicle. Different wheels, altered suspension height, brake conversions, or body changes can all affect clearance and wheel compatibility.
A 181 with aftermarket wheels should have its actual wheel diameter and width checked before choosing among available 185R14 tires. Steering clearance, suspension travel, and fender room also deserve a look, especially on a vehicle used off pavement or loaded differently than stock. Those checks matter even when the tire size itself appears to match the original fitment.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Volkswagen 181 on new tires?
Before driving a 1973 Volkswagen 181 on new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire beads are seated properly, and make sure inflation pressure is set appropriately for the tire and vehicle setup. It is also wise to check for any rubbing at the front and rear with the steering turned and the suspension loaded.
An older vehicle benefits from a broader walk-around before regular road use. Look at shocks, steering parts, wheel fasteners, and wheel bearings, and make sure there are no signs of uneven clearance or contact once the tires are installed. A short initial drive followed by a second inspection can catch issues early before longer trips put more stress on the combination.
How should 185R14 tires on a collector 1973 Volkswagen 181 be maintained?
185R14 tires on a collector 1973 Volkswagen 181 should be checked regularly for air loss, sidewall cracking, cuts, bulges, and uneven tread wear. Because collector vehicles are often driven less, age and storage conditions can matter as much as mileage.
Keeping the Thing parked away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the tire over time. It also helps to move the vehicle periodically, maintain proper inflation, and inspect the tires before any longer drive after storage. Low-use vehicles can look fine at a glance, so a hands-on inspection is especially important before returning them to regular road use.
