so, gonna be getting my new project home in the next few weeks. plan is to go through it over the autumn and winter ready for the spring.
tyres are a must and i want it to look right without breaking the bank.
ive been looking at these, spoke with the manager and will have a look at them in the flesh during my holiday down south next month. question is has any1 run them on their classic.
It seems to be quite hard to get 13" tyres in any size these days so one can't be too picky and I'm sure they'll be fine for sedate classic motoring. 185 seems a bit wide, the original cross plies would have been 5.90x13, so 165 would be more appropriate.
suffolkpete wrote:It seems to be quite hard to get 13" tyres in any size these days so one can't be too picky and I'm sure they'll be fine for sedate classic motoring. 185 seems a bit wide, the original cross plies would have been 5.90x13, so 165 would be more appropriate.
The manager there advised that 185 would give a more authentic look height wise. apparently the o/d would mimic the origional crossplys in o/d. i have still got an origional crossply fitted on the spare so im taking that along with me to compare. they also have 165s in so have a choice of both (same price too)
My 2p worth.... My H120 originally ran 165/13 tyres but when the car was in regular use years ago my Dad upgraded to 185/70/13 which improved the handling. I need to replace the tyres before the car goes back on the road because the Goodyear tyres currently fitted are over 25 years old, they are still in good condition and as they look period I shall keep them for show use.
For replacements I have opted to go back to the oe size, pirelli p3000 are available for around £38 each. This is compared to £50 per tyre for firestone 185/70. Both of these prices are from www.mytyres.co.uk
I notice the tyres in your link are shown as 185/13 which would mean (if 165/13 is oe size) the tyres are the wrong size. Hope that helps.
the singer originally wore 600-13 crossplies. the 165/80/13 would be nearer the correct width but the 185/80/13 would be nearer the correct height but may be a little too fat. we will see eh
Well the overall diameter of the wheel + tyre is more important as that will affect speedo readings, so if 185 will fit without rubbing you should be ok. By the way, dad had to have some spacers welded to the front chassis rail to reduce steering travel with the wider tyres.
185 is too wide for a 4" rim, 165 @ 80% is ideal. It may well be possible to fit 185s but they'll be far too soft, will run hot and will squeal at the slightest provocation. An 80% 175x13 would be safer than a 185, they're available as they were correct for some Sierra Estates and most FE series Vauxhalls.
J "Home is where you park it", so the saying goes. That may yet come true..
I've just fitted some Falken 165x13 tyres to my Rapier (see latest mag) and I also have 165's on my Alpine, 185x13 will be too big & may rub when turned in a lock, they may also catch on rear arches.
John.
1964 Sunbeam Rapier IV
1966 Sunbeam Alpine V GT
1981 Mini City
1983 MG Metro
1997 MGF
2003 MG ZS
2004 MG ZT T
To add my pennyworth .... In their day most of these cars would have been fitted with 165x13 tyres - ie 165-80x13 in todays money. Common as clarts tyre fitted to Cortinas etc etc, but not so easy to find these days (or at leaast less choice).
From my own experience with my old Datsun (albeit on 14" rims" - it had originally 165x14's). I went and fitted new 185-70x14's - but actually feel that they are too wide. Whilst they look good (fatter tyres always do) they make the steering even heavier. In fact many pals who have old sports cars swear by narrowest (135 & 145 section etc) radials for their cars for feel & balance. Admiitedly "feel & balance" is not something to associate with my Datsun ...... So I wish I had plumped for 175-80x14 instead - that size offers more choice than 165-80x14 now. I also wish - with hindsight - that I had bought winter /snow /cold weather tyres as my car does lowish (4-5000 ish) miles each year but is used in winter. They would have cost little more and would have secured the car on winter roads a little, and probably worn out more in summer etc.
Also - consider how many miles you will do with your car. It will be a shame, if your car does 2000 miles a year to have to throw the tyres after 5 years as they are perished. I hear tales that cheap (Chinese etc) tyres last may less well than Michelins & Pirelli's as far as cracked sidewalls are concerned. Some cheap tyres also grip very poorly when compared with decent makes.
So think before you spend your cash - maybe go and talk to your local tyre depot - chaps at my local ATS are always very very helpful and will often price match.
Nice car by the way - maybe think of it as a Rapier 4 door saloon .....?
Ed
some great advice there chaps, thank you all.
i am drawn to these tyres for the white wall feature but will also consider mainstream brands before i plump for the 5 i need, will even enquire bout some 157/80s as i want to get as near as original o/d as is possible
