mk1-forum.net

I'm considering changing my very standard mk1's tyres from radial back to cross ply tyres, purely for cosmetic reasons. What are members experiences of cross plys? Whats available etc?

cheers

Gav

Have you tried the Falken Sincera SN807 as a compromise, reasonably classic in looks but radial construction without the downsides of old crossplys.

“Classic car owners who want to retain the looks of a classic tyre but also desire good ride, low noise and the handling characteristics of radial tyres can benefit from switching to the SN807,”
http://europeanmotornews.com/2011/09/22 ... n807-tyre/

If you are used to the handling on modern radials then going back to crossplies might be interesting.

Unfortunately the selection of reasonably priced 145x10s is pretty limited. I finally wore out the Michelin MXs that had been on the car for almost 20 years and replaced these with Falken Sinceras but have to say the handling is nowhere near so good, seems to understeer a lot more...

I have a Mk1 850 on NOS Dunlop C49 crossplies. They are not as bad as many seem to think, although I am talking 850's. They certainly look the part, much better than the radials I had it on. So far as performance goes, the biggest issue is when you run alongside a ridge in the road or similar, they do "railway-track" but I wouldn't call it dangerous.

Regards
Al

Where can I buy Dunlop C49 tyres?

I would be wary of using any tyres over 10 years old for safety reasons even if they appear visually ok.......

Some useful info below on checking how old your tyres actually are.........

Quote:-
"Motorists are able to check the age of a tyre by examining the date code on the sidewall of the tyre. If it is 10 years old or over the it is strongly recommended that it be replaced. Although tyre manufacturers add anti-ageing chemicals to rubber compounds they are only active when the tyre is in use. Therefore, tyres fitted to (Classic Cars) spare wheels, caravans and trailers are particularly at risk of premature ageing brought on by ozone degradation and static "sitting" for lengthy periods. Hence if an unused tyre reaches six years old it should not be placed into service."

If you want grip and safety, you don't want old tyres............
"Her Majesty's Coroner for Manchester wrote to the Federation of British Historic Vehicles recently to implore classic car owners not to use ancient tyres on their cars, after the death of an MGB owner."

Tyres are date-coded ... you just need to look on the side-wall. You will see either a 3 digit or 4 digit number, usually with DOT immediately in front of it.

3 digits means the tyre was made before the year 2000 - and should definitely be changed.
If there is a triangle after the 3 numbers the tyre was made in the 1990`s, if no triangle after the 3 numbers then it was made in the 1980`s!

The later 4 digit codes are week number plus year - so 0604 means the 6th week of 2004, 4906 means 49th week 2006 etc. When buying tyres you should always check that they were manufactured recently and have not been stacked in a depot for a couple of years!

Consider getting two sets of wheels. That way if you want the look of the crossplies for cosmetic reasons (like when going to a show), you can just stick them on as required.

Tim

I bought these through Trademe, a similar site to e-Bay. They were new, waxy and had been stored in the dark but probably over 20 years old. C49's were made in New Zealand, not sure if that same model was made elsewhere but I have seen different model numbers with the same tread pattern. The tyres were absolutely fresh and I have no hesitation in using them, even though they may have been over 20 years old.

Al

Vintage Tyres list the Camac 520/10 car tyre

http://www.vintagetyres.com/item/104/52 ... --road--tl

http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/image/l ... e/duro.jpg

What about these Duro 520 x 10's from Longstone Tyres?
They seem unbelievably cheap, wonder if they're also unbelievably crap? or is that inevitable?

miniminor wrote:http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/image/l ... e/duro.jpg

What about these Duro 520 x 10's from Longstone Tyres?
They seem unbelievably cheap, wonder if they're also unbelievably crap? or is that inevitable?

Vintage Tyres list those as trailer tyres.

miniminor wrote:http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/image/l ... e/duro.jpg

What about these Duro 520 x 10's from Longstone Tyres?
They seem unbelievably cheap, wonder if they're also unbelievably crap? or is that inevitable?

these duros look like a period tyre as duro use old dunlop moulds / patterns

the only downfall is that they say 'trailer' on the side (might be only on one side)


i use them on my trailer and they are a great tyre, very hard wearing and look good

I wonder if they can be legally used as a car tyre at all then? Insurance company might have a get out clause if ever involved in an accident using them. Out of interest, what size is the "trailer" wording on the sidewall?

miniminor wrote:I wonder if they can be legally used as a car tyre at all then? Insurance company might have a get out clause if ever involved in an accident using them. Out of interest, what size is the "trailer" wording on the sidewall?

i'll take a photo tonight for you

i agree,,the duro x ply looks so period corect

the camac 520-10 is actually 500-10 when you measure it !!!!

i know sombody who runs duros on a mk1 850 with a mega tuned 998 under the bonnet,and he rips up and down the m1 at shocking speeds on the duros,,its a bit worrying to say the least..but he aint had a blow out yet..he says fab in the winter too ...

the camac crossplies are horrid things ..the mini handles vile on these,,compare one to a reputable brand or vintage crossply

the difference in width is clearly visible,,even tho theySHOULD be the same size..