The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi sits in a practical and beloved part of Volkswagen history, bridging utility, character, and the easygoing road manners that made the Type 2 such a long-running favorite. Whether used as a people mover, hobby vehicle, or restoration project, tire choice has a noticeable effect on stance, ride feel, and overall presentation. This Kombi uses a 185R14 radial on a 14-inch rim, keeping the fitment story straightforward. Within that size, there are still meaningful choices in brand and sidewall appearance, including blackwall and narrow whitewall options. The key is matching the tire to the Kombi's wheels, intended use, and restoration direction.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi uses one primary tire size: 185R14 radial on a 14-inch rim. That same fitment carries across the covered Standard Tire Reinforced sub-model, so the main decision is not choosing between multiple primary sizes but selecting the right tire style, brand, and road-use character within the correct size.
185R14 is a Euro-metric radial size, with 185 indicating nominal section width in millimeters, R identifying radial construction, and 14 indicating the wheel diameter in inches. In this format, the aspect ratio is not stated directly and is commonly understood as a traditional tall-profile metric radial. For a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi, this keeps the sizing language period-appropriate while offering modern radial construction. Available choices include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein, with blackwall and narrow whitewall presentations. This size makes sense for owners focused on keeping the correct overall fitment while still choosing the appearance and product character that suits the vehicle.
Sub-model fitment is straightforward for the 1973 Volkswagen Kombi. The covered Standard Tire Reinforced version uses the same primary 185R14 radial size, so the focus stays on choosing the right tire within that fitment rather than sorting through multiple size combinations.
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1973 Volkswagen Kombi Standard Tire Reinforced
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi Standard Tire Reinforced uses the 185R14 radial fitment. That keeps tire selection centered on wheel compatibility, sidewall appearance, and brand preference instead of deciding between different primary sizes.
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 Kombi Tires for Sale
Available 185R14 choices for the 1973 Volkswagen Kombi include Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein radial tires. Buyers can compare blackwall and narrow whitewall styles, along with differences in tire series and rim-width compatibility across the product selection.
Common 1973 Volkswagen Kombi tire questions usually come down to the 185R14 fitment, 14-inch wheel compatibility, available sidewall styles, and what to inspect before putting a collector-use bus back on the road.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi?
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi uses a 185R14 radial tire. This is a Euro-metric radial size designed for a 14-inch wheel, and it is the primary fitment for the covered Kombi application.
That makes size selection fairly simple, but it is still worth confirming the actual wheels on the vehicle before replacing tires. Many older Volkswagens have seen wheel changes over the years, so checking rim diameter, wheel width, and general clearance helps make sure the new 185R14 suits the bus as it sits today.
What size rim does a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi use?
The primary tire fitment for a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi is built around a 14-inch rim. The 185R14 size uses that wheel diameter, so the first wheel measurement to confirm is that the vehicle still has 14-inch wheels in place.
Wheel width matters too, especially when comparing among available tires in the same size. Some 185R14 products suit slightly different rim-width ranges, so a quick wheel check can prevent mismatches and helps narrow the choice between available blackwall and narrow whitewall radial options.
Does the 1973 Volkswagen Kombi Standard Tire Reinforced use the same tire size?
Yes. The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi Standard Tire Reinforced uses the same 185R14 radial tire size. That means the basic fitment stays consistent within the covered sub-model instead of changing to a different primary size.
Since the size remains the same, the more useful comparison is among tire types within 185R14. Sidewall style, brand, rim-width specification, and overall appearance become the main deciding factors, especially on a Kombi that may be restored, regularly driven, or running wheels that have been changed from original-style equipment.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 185R14 tire for a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi?
Start with the correct 185R14 size and confirm that the tire matches the bus's 14-inch wheels. From there, compare radial construction details such as rim-width range, sidewall style, brand, and any load information that is important for how the Kombi will actually be used.
A bus kept close to period style may call for a traditional-looking sidewall, while a more driver-focused vehicle may push the decision toward a particular series or brand presentation. Wheel changes, added cargo use, and suspension modifications can all affect what feels like the right choice within the same basic size.
What sidewall styles are available for 1973 Volkswagen Kombi tires?
185R14 tires for the 1973 Volkswagen Kombi are available in both blackwall and narrow whitewall styles. That gives owners a choice between a cleaner utility-oriented look and a more styled presentation while staying in the correct primary tire size.
Sidewall appearance can change the visual character of a Kombi more than many buyers expect, especially on a vehicle with a lot of side profile. The best choice depends on whether the goal is a restrained original-era feel, a slightly dressier restoration look, or simply matching the existing appearance of the bus.
What brands offer tires for the 1973 Volkswagen Kombi?
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi has 185R14 tire options from Michelin, Phoenix, and Vredestein. Those choices all stay within the correct basic fitment, but they differ in sidewall treatment, tire series, and some wheel-width specifications.
Brand choice is best handled as part of the whole fitment decision rather than as a ranking exercise. A buyer comparing these options should look at how the tire will be used, whether a blackwall or narrow whitewall suits the vehicle better, and whether the wheel dimensions line up with the tire's intended rim range.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1973 Volkswagen Kombi?
A period-style 1973 Volkswagen Kombi starts with the correct 185R14 size and a traditional tall-profile radial look. From there, the decision usually comes down to whether a blackwall or narrow whitewall presentation better suits the bus's restoration direction and overall visual character.
For a preservation-minded vehicle, appearance matters almost as much as size because the tire has a strong effect on stance and personality. Exact originality questions are best settled with marque-specific references or vehicle history, but staying with the proper size and a restrained vintage-style sidewall is a strong foundation.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1973 Volkswagen Kombi?
The 1973 Volkswagen Kombi uses a radial tire fitment, so the visual discussion is more about profile and sidewall presentation than about choosing between radically different constructions. A proper 185R14 radial keeps the Kombi's tire shape in line with the intended fitment while allowing some variation in branding and sidewall detail.
Appearance shifts most noticeably when the sidewall changes from blackwall to narrow whitewall, or when a different series gives the tire a distinct visual character. On a restored bus, those details influence whether the finished vehicle reads as utilitarian, refined, or more personalized without moving away from the correct primary size.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi?
Yes. A 1973 Volkswagen Kombi may still use the correct 185R14 tire size, but aftermarket wheels, altered wheel widths, suspension changes, or body modifications can change how that size works on the vehicle. Even a correct nominal tire size should be checked against the bus's present-day setup.
That is especially important on older vehicles that have changed hands several times. Verifying wheel diameter, measuring wheel width, and checking steering and fender clearance can prevent surprises, particularly if the Kombi sits lower than stock or carries accessories and loads that affect suspension position.
What should I inspect before driving a 1973 Volkswagen Kombi on new tires?
Before road use, inspect the wheels, valve stems, lug hardware, and overall clearance around the new 185R14 tires. It also helps to check alignment-related wear patterns, brake condition, and whether any rubbing appears at full steering lock or under suspension compression.
Collector vehicles often spend long periods parked, so the rest of the tire environment matters too. Make sure inflation is correct for the tire being used, look for any signs of air loss after installation, and inspect suspension and steering components so the new tires are not being asked to mask underlying mechanical issues.
How should 185R14 tires on a collector 1973 Volkswagen Kombi be maintained?
185R14 tires on a collector 1973 Volkswagen Kombi should be kept properly inflated, inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, and uneven wear, and monitored for air loss during periods of storage. Low-use vehicles often age tires by time and environment rather than by accumulated mileage.
Storage habits make a real difference on a vintage bus. Keeping the Kombi away from prolonged sunlight, moisture, and ozone sources helps preserve the sidewalls, and periodic movement can reduce long-term flat spotting. A pre-drive walkaround remains worthwhile even when the tires still show strong tread depth.
