Wheel sizes

[Andymoor94]

My series II has two front cross ply tyres on the rims that came with the car. The rear has two radial tyres on rims that came on my 1963 1000. The result is hilarious spacing and a speedo that reads an equivalent of km/h

This is only temporary, the tyres on the original rears had more cracks than San Andreas fault.

But I want to use this opportunity to discuss changes in tyre sizes and their accompanying effects. I have it in my head that if I opt for the 4.5" van wheels on the rear, slightly wider, and get larger tyres than what's currently on there, I should not only correct my Speedo a bit more, but also increase the grip a fair bit and also remove the skinny wheel look!

I'd keep thin wheels on the front and just opt for radial tyres. I'm not fancy the idea of impossible steering and maybe even breaking something!

[les]

I’m not sure why you suggest running two different width wheels on your car, that doesn’t make sense to me. However it’s your choice. Why not get all four van type rims and fit 14/155 radials, if you prefer a wider look?

[Castanley]

I replaced all the old crossplys on my Series 2 for Bridgestone B 381 Ecopia 145/80 R14. These were pretty much the closest match in size I could find to the originals and I think they look great on the car.
Pneus Online sell them for around £55 each which I thought was good.

My Speedo is also wildly inaccurate but that's perfectly normal for a Series 2. It's no worse than when I had the old crossplys.

Chris

[Andymoor94]

I’m not sure why you suggest running two different width wheels on your car, that doesn’t make sense to me. However it’s your choice. Why not get all four van type rims and fit 14/155 radials, if you prefer a wider look?

I want wider rear for better grip, but if I put wider on the front, I greatly affect how heavy the steering is and run the risk of damaging the steering.

[les]

I’m running 41/2 rims all round, the steering is effortless, so don’t be put off by thoughts of a disadvantage.
I say this for your information, not to distract you from your original intentions.

[Andymoor94]

I’m running 41/2 rims all round, the steering is effortless, so don’t be put off by thoughts of a disadvantage.
I say this for your information, not to distract you from your original intentions.

Well if that's the case, I don't see a reason to keep the front ones stock then