Tyre Sizes

M

Martin3500V8

New Member
Hello everyone, my 3500 passed its MOT yesterday but all of my tyres are cracking on the walls and i was advised to buy a new set can anyone tell me what tyre size for a 3500 auto 1971? where the tyres are so old the writing has worn away and i cant make it out, also does anyone know the cheapest place to get a set of decent new tyres for her?

Thanks

Martin
 
Standard tyres are 185 14, not a common size these days
Expensive in well known makes but there are some economy brands around
 
Careful what you buy some of the cheap makes have poor wet grip which can produce interesting back end behaviour

I have Dunlop Sport SP200 195/70 R14 91H on mine but these don't seem to be available any more, just a T rating which is probably below the original spec although you could argue that upto 118mph is enough ?

Hankook and Kumho do this size with the higher rating as well.

Go for a higher strength / speed rating if you can "H" or above

The slightly wider tyre than the original 185/80 does look a little fat on the rim but handles well
 
Hi,

I bought a pair of 185R14's on Friday - supposedly mid range ('Falken SN807'). They seem good on first impression & handle well on the front. £104 total incl VAT & balancing etc from local 'ATS'.

Phil.

nb: they have the right 'look' aswell!
 
I have SP Sport Dunlops on mine however the 195/70x14's are now discontinued,but apparently they do a SP2300 185/70x14.
Search the Dunlop site.
I went to a local independant who did me a great deal when I got mine only £150 all in for 4!!
Whatever tyre you get,make damn sure its not an 8ply van tyre!! Go for a 4ply,well worth it for smoothness and quietness



Edited By pilkie 0 on 1212495110
 
Just checked the site and Dunlop do a SP200 Sport 185/70x14 88H =130mph



Edited By pilkie 0 on 1212495141
 
Hi,

185R14 was in the days before the profile of the tyres started to change, the average profile for these tyres is 82% (because they weren't necessarily the same!!), so a 185/80R14 would be the right size tyre to be as near as damn it match to the original spec.

Take a look at this website - absolute mine of information about tyres, the markings on the side, and how to know if/when you can change the width (185)/aspect ratio(80%) and still be within the tolerance of your speedometer etc etc. You can also work out for yourself from the tables, what load and speed ratings you will need. It was only when I read this, and checked my own tyres that I found out that one was 23 years old!! Just a tad dangerous, mind you she drives luvly now with a new set of boots!

http://www.carbibles.com/tyre_bible.html

I agree with the previous post on blackcircle and eTyres (I used eTyres and they're excellent), but also checkout value tyres at http://www.valuetyres.co.uk

Best of luck,
Brian.
 
I obtained a set of budget Corsa tyres (185 x 14 R70) from my local Jet Tyres, £30 a piece inc. VAT and balancing. Apparently these are made by Pirelli. My experience of these are that they are very quite on all surfaces and have good grip in the damp/wet. They also look right (not too fat).
 
Be carefull with old tyres, especially if the side walls are cracking, I had one explode on my car, luckily I was just moving it around on the drive !

185/70 will be a little small compared to the standard tyre, you will be travelling a bit slower than the speedo says you are. That's good for speed cameras, not so good for fuel consumption.

195/70 is a much closer match in terms of rolling radius, plus you gain a little extra footprint, but as has been discussed they do look a little fatter, could do with an extra 1/2 inch in the wheel width to even it out.
 
Please remember everyone if fitting non standard tire sizes to your P6, to inform your Insurance company of any change however small, this also applies to any other non standard fittings! As they could refuse payout if not declared to them!

Mike.
 
Gentlemen,

I have recently had Nexen 185 80 R14's fitted on both front wheels and can report that they handle very well especially in the wet that I have driven around in recently, they also look the part and cost me £85.00 balanced, fitted and valves.

Martin P
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top