Tyres

[Bluebell1968]

The tyres on my 1968 Morris Minor Saloon Convertible are 145x14 I was also told 155x14, but apparently the 155x14 spare will not fit in the boot on a saloon?

I have been quoted £58 each for Budget 155x14 and £70 each for 145x14

I am also looking to get the Brake pads renewed..any idea on a reasonable quote I should get?

I am in Tamworth Staffordshire

Thank you for all your help

Regards
Jools

[chesney]

155/80/14's fit just fine in the boot, if anything they fit a little better as they are more snug, so less room for them to move around! However, some prefer the 145's in terms of handling. If it's a weekend/rarely used car, makes sense to use the 155's as these are so much cheaper, if used more regularly the 145's may be a better idea, though my 4 door saloon handles well enough for me on 155's, used 80 miles daily for commute ;)

[bmcecosse]

There are no brake pads on a standard Minor - or has it been converted to discs? 155 tyres are MUCH better but must be run at 30+ psi. Just keep a 145 as spare if you think a 155 won't go in.

[Bluebell1968]

Thank you bmcecosse and chesney

Maybe I should have said Brake Shoes, I am still learning about the Morris Minor

Another question if you do not mind...I was told I should replace the rear little rubber riders, it would make for a smoother ride. Well I think thats what they called them??

Thank You for all your help

Regards
Jools

[Trickydicky]

Here is a good price on the Nankang's £31.65 + delivery.
http://www.camskill.co.uk/m4b0s381p1171 ... se%3A_72dB

[chesney]

They could be referring to the bump and rebound stops, on the inner wing and on top of the rear axle. My advice? if they're all fitted leave them alone, if they are not replace them!
Do, however, consider changing the suspension bushes, preferably to poly, which will indeed make a difference to the ride!

[bmcecosse]

Who are 'they' who advised about 'rubber riders' ? And - how do you know it needs new brake shoes? The only way to know is to take the drums off - clean out the dust (care...) and inspect the shoes.... Put up pictures if you can !

[simmitc]

Welcome to the forum. If you go the 155 route then Nankangs are one of the best available. If you stick with 145s then Bridgestone is the tyres of choice. It is personal preference, but I run only Bridgestone and find that the 145 is a far better tyre. One thing about this forum, there are often friendly differences of opinion Mind you, we also agree on many things too.

I suspect that the "rubber riders" are actually the bump stops. If they are broken or missing, then yes, replace them. If not, then don;t. The car should not be sitting on them, it should be on the springs, with a gap between the rubber and the body. The function of the bump stop is to prevent the axle from hitting the body when the car goes over uneven ground and the axle moves up and down. Another place where rubber is used is in the suspension bushes - that's a whole other subject as to whether to use rubber or polyurethane or other similar materials.

The price for having brake shoes replaced will depend on what is found when the wheel is taken off. If all brakes are good, then it is the price of the shoes plus some labour. If other parts are worn or seized then they will need replacement too.

If you fancy a drive this weekend, then pop over to the National Rally at Kelmarsh (A14 J2). Plenty of traders with spares, free technical advice, and loads of Minors to look at and owners to chat with, plus other entertainment.

[chickenjohn]

The very best tyres I ever had on my Traveller were 135/14/80 Michelin ZX radials (sadly no longer available), the car steered and drove superbly on 135 tyres. Sadly that size is no longer available. Although the crossplys my car came with were a lot of fun as well.

Next best bet as said above are the Bridgestone Ecopia 145's, I wouldn't bother with 155 tyres as they are at the maximum size for the Minor rim and make the steering feel "squidgy" as well as being heavier.

It is a total myth, probably started by the boy racer fraternity that wider tyres are better.

[mark t4]

So the 165 70 14s fitted to my 1960 saloon arnt correct then!

Great more things to sort out

[bmcecosse]

Errr NO! 165/70 are FAR too wide to be fitted on 3.5" rims...... Let's face it 165 = 6,5" wide!! Common sense tells you.... They would even be too wide on the much better 4.5" van rims.....

[Bluebell1968]

All Done 4 New 145x14 tyres fitted passed MOT yesterday

Will the Moggy be ok running on normal 4 star petrol?

Thank you for all the Info

Jools

[bmcecosse]

Of course (4 star ???) .... and no need for additives unless you plan to regularly hammer it on the M way, in which case Tetraboost is the only additive with Lead in it - and the only one worth having. I do advise to open the exhaust valve gaps to 15 thou - and check/reset every 3000 miles.

[dalebrignall]

where are you finding 4 star petrol