Practically Classics Forum

Grease Monkey wrote: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.

This, but more importantly, tyres that are too wide for the rim will risk overheating as the walls are softer than they'd be if they were fitted parallel or near as dammit. A wide tyre that is the correct size for the rim will actually provide a lighter steering feel since the car's weight is borne by a larger area. Whether the difference is noticeable depends upon the wider tyres being fitted on wider rims.

175/13s at 80% seem a little less common than when I ran them on the VX, I've had a look since that last post, but how about - as another option to consider - high profile van tyres?
My Bedford CA hard freezer van had radials with a tread width of only 165mm, but had sidewalls that were nigh on 100% of that and those are still available; I saw my old van again recently and the current owner had just fitted four fresh ones. A mere £172 each mind.... Michelin something or other they were, 165x13 @ 100%.

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).

......Arrowspeed, budget kwik-fit brand, not on the shelf but in next day in 13" 165/80...... I've got 'em on the Vitesse, on 5.5J GT6 dunlop rims-they look the part, i.e. not like little rubber bands a but like a proper 60's tyre on a proper 60's wheel. Not gods gift to grip but you want a bit of fun with a rwd car anyway and not expensive either

For the Metro, running as it is on 13" turbo cross spokes, there's a bewilderin choice of low profile rubber. 13" in low fat sizes are popular with the mini people so there's no problems there in getting 13" tyres!

mr rusty wrote:

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).

......Arrowspeed, budget kwik-fit brand, not on the shelf but in next day in 13" 165/80...... I've got 'em on the Vitesse, on 5.5J GT6 dunlop rims-they look the part, i.e. not like little rubber bands a but like a proper 60's tyre on a proper 60's wheel. Not gods gift to grip but you want a bit of fun with a rwd car anyway and not expensive either

For the Metro, running as it is on 13" turbo cross spokes, there's a bewilderin choice of low profile rubber. 13" in low fat sizes are popular with the mini people so there's no problems there in getting 13" tyres!

have yo a picture of them mr rusty?

kev

The tread pattern is modern but they don't look out of place, apologies for the white rims but they're a hangover from the white all over like-a-golf-but-not-a-golf 80's makeover a previous owner did with acrylic coachpaint, alllllll over.....the rims are something I've still got to get round to sorting!

they do look good!
goodyear do a version too, thanks for the advice

kev