Morris Minor Owners Club

Is this the standard size of the tyres i need/use on my 1967 traveller?

Well - it's nearest to the original 5.20 x 14 crossply - but most use 145 x 14 tyres - and i prefer my 155 x 14 although they are a wee bit wide for the standard rims. Have you found a source of 135 tyres - and if so - are you sure they are not just 'trailer' tyres ?

Please do post a link if you've found 135 tyres! My Traveller has great steering feel and just the right weight with 135's. I'd like to continue using this size preferably in a decent brand such as the Michelins it currently has at the front.

Just wondering if the space saver tyres are appropriate and found this
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/FIAT-SPACE-SAVER- ... dZViewItem
So with a bit more digging
http://www.tyre-shopper.co.uk/ts/search ... earch.aspx
not cheap but it does look like they are available.

Any space saver tyre I have seen has almost no tread pattern - and usually speed is very limited, although this may be due to unbalance of tyres on the car - rather than a limit of the space tyre.

I would have thought some of the speed limitations on space savers might have something to do with a bicycle tyre on one corner and somewhat wider rubber on the other three - I dread to think how out of balance the grip would be in an emergency maneuver!

I wouldnt fancy using a space saver (or 4) as my set of tyres as they are only designed for emergency use, 50mph top speed and limited milage only. May suit a show car, but for a daily driver??? Are they legal for MOT purposes too?

just done a little bit of research on the net and allot of the websites comment on the quality of the tyres and how they are made.

They are made with softer rubber to help maximise grip which is not suitable for long distances,
They are made allot cheaper and lighter to keep weight down and so again not suitable for everyday use.

The law states that space saver tyres are only for there 'intended use' the example they is;

"an emergency tyre to enable the vehicle to be driven a reasonable distance to a place where the normal tyre can be repaired or replaced."

The law also states that a space saver wheel "should not be issued to a vehicle with one fitted to a road wheel"

so looks like the idea of the space saver is a no no!

I think I read some time ago that one of the wierd French cars used 135X
14" tyres? A 2CV or similar. Anybody owned one of these type of car?

135 x 15 - Yes had one many moons ago - a GREAT car - marvellous interconnected suspension long before the 1100 came along - and easily lowered which I did almost immediately. Could fix anything with a hammer and an adjustable spanner, well - almost! Really good summer car - but oh dear come the winter it was absolutely hopeless. No heater to speak of - draughty as h*ll - and first sign of frost/ice it was all over the road. I used it for 6 summer months to commute 20 miles each way and nothing passed me in all that time - and NO, that wasn't because they were all stuck behind me. Absolutely super with the roof thrown back - and yet pretty much waterproof in rain.

15", what a shame. 'Fix anything with a hammer', that's my kind of car.

Willie wrote:15", what a shame. 'Fix anything with a hammer', that's my kind of car.

Bodywork that you can rip with your hands if you nick it first

I used to have a Lomax 424. This was a Dutch version that had full bodywork for the front as it was designed to take the four cyclinder GS engine.
It was a brand new kit and I then bought a 2CV which had body rot but a new, galv, chassis as a basis.
I couldn't believe how thin the Citroen body metal was and, like I say, you can actually rip it with your hands.
I must admit I grew to love 2CV mechanicals and almost (not not fully) fancied an original car.
BTW some had a centrifugal clutch (not sure of model - just going by workshop manual) so you could drive like an auto in traffic.

Paul Humphries

Not heard of centrifugal clutch model - but GS engine conversions in 2CVs are done - they go VERY well indeed!

bmcecosse wrote:Not heard of centrifugal clutch model - but GS engine conversions in 2CVs are done - they go VERY well indeed!

I did search but never found such a flywheel / clutch for sale so maybe just European models.
BTW the Lomax kit was FREE !
It was left by the owner in the basement of a house in Antwerp.
A mate & I (mate lives in Brussels) were asked to take it away by new house owners after the a couple of years of no contact by the previous owner.
It was an unstarted complete kit with a LHD rolling chassis.
Back in UK I bought the E reg 2CV with new galv chassis but rotten body.
Unfortunatley no doors meant very difficult for me to get in so sold before put on the road.

Paul Humphries.

Can't say I understand the Lomax!! But 2CV is excellent - wish i could find a cheap one as a summer run-around.