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Tyre Sizes? What Type of Tyre?
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hillmanseeker



Joined: 17 Nov 2012
Posts: 54

PostPosted: Mon Feb 03, 2014 9:44 pm    Post subject: Tyre Sizes? What Type of Tyre? Reply with quote

Hi,

Need some help info wise for our 1954 Side valve Hillman Californian.

What type of tyre should be on the car? What size?

What alternative (modern Radial would be ok)?

Also,.... Does anyone have any detailed images of a side valve engine bay (Minx), that I could study? Only I think we are missing a few items from the engine bay area and desperately need to check the area off.
PLEASE CAN SOMEONE HELP US?

Dave and Elizabeth.
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 6:12 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi Dave,

It would have left the factory with 5.00 x 16 crossplies unless it was exported to the US in which case it would have 550 x 15" crossplies.

You can buy taxi radial tyres that are 16" but I think they would be 165 and might be a bit OTT on your 3" rims.

The usual vintage tyre suppliers will certainly be able to sell you correct crossplies.

Peter


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ukdave2002



Joined: 23 Nov 2007
Posts: 4100
Location: South Cheshire

PostPosted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 7:28 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

Hi

I think the tyre decision should reflect in how you want to use the car; radials may make the steering a tad heavier, but otherwise perform better, cross-plys will look original, but tend to follow the road.

so occasional/ show use; cross-ply

Everyday use; radials

I'm sure this will create some healthy debate Smile

Dave
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peter scott



Joined: 18 Dec 2007
Posts: 7113
Location: Edinburgh

PostPosted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 9:18 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ukdave2002 wrote:

Everyday use; radials

I'm sure this will create some healthy debate Smile

Dave


Hi Dave,

I agree but I don't think 16" radials come in a tread width suitable for 3" rims.

Peter
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Rick
Site Admin


Joined: 27 Apr 2005
Posts: 22429
Location: UK

PostPosted: Wed Feb 05, 2014 10:56 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

ukdave2002 wrote:
Hi

I think the tyre decision should reflect in how you want to use the car; radials may make the steering a tad heavier, but otherwise perform better, cross-plys will look original, but tend to follow the road.

so occasional/ show use; cross-ply

Everyday use; radials

I'm sure this will create some healthy debate Smile

Dave


Usually does Smile

My Devon had radials on it when I first owned it, swapping to crossplies lightened the steering with no downsides that I could detect. Admittedly I wasn't using it every day, and if I was given to speedy cornering or heavy use of the brakes, radials would have been preferable (assuming the suspension and wheels could cope with the extra loads being put through them).

I had no regrets with the swap back to original.

RJ
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PAUL BEAUMONT



Joined: 27 Nov 2007
Posts: 1281
Location: Barnsley S. Yorks

PostPosted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 2:03 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

5.00 x 16 are now replaced by 5.25 x 16 (have been for decades!) There are a variety of makes of 5.25 x 16 available, the most period but most expensive is the Avon HM Tourist. I believe that Longstone tyres supply a Michelin X that does not look too out of place if you want a radial. I find Longstone very helpful though I have no connection with the business.

Expect to pay £80 - £120 for cross plies

Paul
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V8 Nutter



Joined: 27 Aug 2012
Posts: 587

PostPosted: Thu Feb 06, 2014 8:13 pm    Post subject: Reply with quote

North Hants Tyres in Aldershot currently have a range of American made radials that look just like cross plies. They come in smaller sizes.
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