tyre size

[steve c]

im thinking of fitting new tyres ready for the MOT, as the 145/80/14 -- 155 /80/14 are very limited for choice and expencive, i was thinking of fitting tyres with a 70 profile, ( cheaper and a lot more choice ) i only use the car in and around town, any thoughts please, ta steve

[bmcecosse]

The 70 profile tyres will be too wide for the rims - but you can do it if you wish.

[chrisryder]

if you can find 145 or 155 tyres with a 70 profile, it could be a good idea. Especially as you say you only use it for town driving, the smaller tyres would improve acceleration at the expense of overall speed.

You'll have to be aware that it will affect your speedo reading. It'll make your speedo read higher than your actual speed though, so even if you forget about the inaccuracy, you shouldn't get flashed or pulled.

[mike.perry]

Stick with the 145 or 155/80/14s. If you are only driving around town they will last for ages. And give the car an occasional blast down the open road, it will clean the engine out

[oddbod]

I put 155/65/14 on my standard rims,but I havent done much milage yet,but they seem OK

[steve c]

stuck with the normal size tyres in the end 155/80/14 got some nankang £40 each, they look quite good and much better made than the old nankangs they replaced, but only time will tell.

[JOWETTJAVELIN]

If you want the period look and feel you can't beat Dunlop D75 crossplies. Yes they are expensive (I paid £333 for three) but they are top quality and made in England still. The size is 5.20 - 14.

It's one of those things where you 'use it or lose it'.

[aupickup]

radials are surely better for road handling
i can remeber driving wwith cross plies many years ago yuk

[bmcecosse]

I quite liked crossplies - the problem was as much down to poor tread design - and hard tread compound. Avon produced their 'Avon Wide Safety' low profile crossply tyre with a good tread design and decent compound - and these were GREAT on a Mini. Nice secure/firm sidewalls and very predictable handling in extremis - could throw the car around very nicely. Wobbly sidewall radials - hmmm, they may have greater ultimate grip, but the breakaway is not nearly so predictable.....