No VW Van ever came with 185/70/14. That size is much smaller diameter
than the correct size of 185R14. Tires that come in 185/70/14 are much
weaker in general along with making the speedo read higher.

Many tire guys are to new to the business to remember the old sizes and
I have had some say that 185R14 can't be right as there is no middle
number. It is right, as they discover when they look in their book.

The closest 'normal' size is 195/75/14 but even this is slightly smaller
than the old 185R14.
Alloy wheel Vanagons came with 205/70/14 and these are even smaller
still.
I am talking smaller diameter as the 195 is wider that 185, etc.

Mark

Ed Bass wrote:
>
> My 87 Westy (Love Wagon II) has P20570R14 tires and I understand that the
> original tires were P18570R14.  I suppose the only problem with that is
> that it means that the speedometer is reading too low.  Now that I need new
> tires I am considering returning to OEM size but I want to follow the
> advice of the collective intelligence in making the choice.  Some recommend
> reinforced sidewall tires...my local tire shop doesn't stock these and they
> are about twice the price of basic tires.  If my Westy is used only for
> occasional camping, driving stability is fine (huge improvement compared to
> the 78 vintage Love Wagon I) and almost never off road do I really need
> reinforced tires?
> Ed