Tr6PI Posted April 13, 2016 Report Share Posted April 13, 2016 Hi Guys, I'm planning to replace the tyres of my 1973 TR6 PI. Actually i'm running with 165 HR 15 Vredestein sprint classic tyres but they are approximately 6/7 years old so they became hard and not secure especially in raining conditions. From one tyre some pieces of the sipes are blown away, seem that the rubber start to crystallizing. I'm watching if maintain the original 165 width reported on the car registration document or go with 185 width. In the crazy country where i live (Italy) we cannot simply and freely mount a tyre with different size than the dimension reported in the car registration document if first we don't modify the size reported in the car registration document through the motorization agency with a big headache, some money and various imprecations (this is why my country don't work very well). To do this i need a document written by Triumph company or from the actual owner of the Triumph brand that i think it's Bmw. I know that the TR6 cars sold in the US market was mounting from the factory the 185 tyres so there is any document that certify that 185 tyres are suitable for the TR6?? I have tried to contact Bmw here in Italy and first have written me that they don't know anything; after they have sent to me the link of Triumph motorcycle!!! I'm trying to understand if this change of tyre size it's bureaucratically practicable here in Italy or if it's like climb the Everest mountain without oxygen. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted April 13, 2016 Report Share Posted April 13, 2016 The USA market fitment was 185SR15. Normal fitment for other markets was 165HR15, with the alternative 185SR15. These are fully detailed in the original BL Repair Operations Manual specifications section, which ought to be the definitive guide for any registration authority. You will have to rely on contemporary period evidence, there is no Triumph company extant to provide such data today. All 165 and 185 tyres were of 'full' profile, nominal 80 section. 70 profile tyres were never fitted to the TR6. Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 As your car is a PI the declared top speed will dictate which speed rating tyre you must use, at least HR on PI cars & minimum SR for the slower top speed Carb US market cars. I would stay with 165 section then your speedometer will not be affected. You can also get the spare in the boot. As I understand it other mainland European owners of classic cars have the same issues as you about changing away from original fitment items. Good old Brussels - Should you refit cross ply tyres on your TR2 because that was specified 1954? Peter W Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fremont Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hi TR6PI, Why not go with the Michelin XAS? These are phenomenal tires and I will be surprised if the Vredesteins are as good. Here's another option ( if price is no object ): The 185/70 VR15 Michelin XWX I'm going with these soon, as my 196/65 Michelin Pilots have nearly 40K miles on them. The XWX is very close in diameter to the original TR6 165s, and if the XAS is any indication they'll grip the road like glue. I'd go with 165 XAS on mine but the wheels are too wide at 6". Where are you in Italy? We have a place in Narni where we go every summer. Ciao, Tom Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pogo Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hi TR6PI I've just bought 5 Michelin XAS tyres for my '71 TR6 - following recommendations and reviews. Similar to you where my existing tyres have loads of tread left but they are very old now and I felt it better to replace before the season. I got mine from Longstone tyres - delivered next day - very pleased. http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/ Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevo_6 Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Hi TR6PI I've just bought 5 Michelin XAS tyres for my '71 TR6 - following recommendations and reviews. Similar to you where my existing tyres have loads of tread left but they are very old now and I felt it better to replace before the season. I got mine from Longstone tyres - delivered next day - very pleased. http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/ Roger +1. Albeit a few years ago, you will also need inner tubes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pogo Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 +1. Albeit a few years ago, you will also need inner tubes. Got them too Kevo! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevo_6 Posted April 14, 2016 Report Share Posted April 14, 2016 Got them too Kevo! Sorry I meant the OP would need to get inner tubes if he went for XAS's. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tr6PI Posted April 20, 2016 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2016 Many thanks to all for the help. I will try to see if the BL Repair Operations Manual can open a window in our immovable motorization agency here in Italy. If not, i will maintain my actual tyre profile 165HR15. Considering the low mileage per year that i do and the alternative to spend a small fortune in the Michelin or Pirelli, i think that the only solution in my case it's to refit Vredestein...... For Tom, i live in a small village near the coast of Friuli at half between Venice and Trieste. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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