White Wall Tires for 05 GT Turbo Covertible

[MimisMom]

First post for me. Hi all.

2005 GT Turbo Convertible, purchased in Chicago, but now in SW Florida.

Have stock 205/50-R17 tires that need to be replaced. I thought I'd like to change to white walls with moon caps for a more retro look. Checked Diamond Back Tires & Coker. Nothing that size because the white wall will be too narrow. The largest Diamond Back offers a 205/55-R16. Checked Tire Size Calculator on Miata.net and the difference will be .8%

When I asked about changing to a different size tire, the person didn't know how big the brakes were on my model to advise me whether this tire will fit on my model.

Also, I'm down here in the part of Florida where rain downpours are daily, speed bumps are plentiful, and there's lots of stop and go traffic at 50mph. I want to be safe, stop in the rain, and think I'd like a cushier ride. Won't need the tires for any snow. I have to admit to a bit of a lead foot, but it's so easy to do with the turbo.

This forum seems to have members with tons of information and advice. Has anyone been through this, and can you make some suggestions?

[Hooligan]

Sorry, I can't help with your question, but, I did want to Welcome you to the Forum.

[MimisMom]

Thanks, Hooligan, for the welcome.

Very sweet car. I especially love the grille. Changing my grille is the next thing on my list of things to do to the car.

[bobs turbo pt]

welcome to the board!!

[Taggert_LOA]

to answer your question form like 3 months ago, if you go with a 16x7 rim you'll be fine with the moons and whitewalls you want. the besy price i've seen for retro wheels is Home Page

[MimisMom]

Thanks for the response, but I did some research, and found Bob at Southern California Cruisers in San Bernadino who provided me with new Baby Moon wheels & tires with the wide white walls as a complete package. The wheels are large enough to accommodate the larger calipers standard on the GT Turbo, and small enough to provide me with an expansive whitewall. They never fail to draw attention when I'm out. I love them.


Of course they weren't on for more than 3 weeks when I picked up a screw in one of the tires. It can't be plugged, so I have now had to order yet another new tire.

I did find out that my tires came from Diamondback Tires out of South Carolina. They are a Dean radials with a white wall attached to the tire. The new tire should arrive in another week.


Now I have the four, 17" Chrysler 5 spoke chrome/alloy wheels to sell.

[Hooligan]

mimi'smom, we need a new picture of the car with new wheels & tires. The one you have must still when you were in Chicago. ,

[PaulieG]

Mimismom. Thanks for the info I have 06 GT turbo that I want to use Baby Moon with red band tires. Who makes the wheels? Love to see picture.

[MimisMom]

Wheels were special because I have a turbo convertible. Purchased them through Southern California Cruisers in San Bernadino. If you don't have a turbo the wheels are easier to find.

[PaulieG]

Looks cool. Yes I have 06 GT turbo. Do you have phone number or website for the dealer so I can give them a call. how is the ride is it smoother.