Jonny TR6 Posted January 26 Report Share Posted January 26 On 1/24/2025 at 8:24 PM, Jonny TR6 said: My local tyre place say they won’t fit the tubes as their tyre machine is too powerful and likely to crush the wheels. First I’ve heard of that being a thing. Trying another place on Monday with strict instructions to handle with care. They’re newly painted and handily the painter is 500yds up the road from them in case they screw it ip. Update - after a weekend away in the Peak District (spotted a Sapphire Blue ‘72 with hood down and visors up !) I went into the garage to remove my wheels ready for tube fitting tomorrow. I’d previously only inflated to 26psi but thought it worth giving them 40 or so to see if it made any difference. I left them like that for a couple of hrs on axle stands and then dropped them onto the ground so the full car weight was on the tyres. Deflated back to 26 psi and left for another couple of hrs and pleased to report no loss of air. I’ll check again in the morning, but it looks like they just needed a bit more pressure to seat properly. The internal faces are all clean and painted and had been high build primed and rubbed down with 1000 grit before painting, so hopefully they’ll now be fine. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 On 1/24/2025 at 12:57 PM, Trumpy said: i hang my head in shame ! Although in my defence i think they do look period (although maybe not to your trained eyes ) and to be fair the car does ride nicely on them and handles well . No track days though ! I see test shows serious short comings in the wet which may well have put me off had i seen this before purchasing , dry performance quite reasonable though. I guess you get what you pay for to some extent , the set of 4 cost less than 1 Michelin . I'll have to up my budget , like folk say you soon forget the cost (but your wife remembers ! ) If my next post is regarding pulling a tr5 out of a ditch you will be entitled to say 'i told you so' . I apologise for my brutality and thank you for your good grace. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iain Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 I have Blockleys on the TR3 and would totally refute the test results published. (Apologies Dougal we meet again) They're a very good tyre, ask Wayne S, he's been in the car around Goodwood with me on a track day, we were both impressed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fremont Posted January 29 Report Share Posted January 29 On 1/19/2025 at 1:35 PM, John Morrison said: Speedos were different, but I was told the biggest reason was two fold. The USA liked a more comfy ride, and didn't like overdrives, hence the more cushioned 185 x 15 and few O/D coming back with re-imported cars. You need to remember that 90% plus of TR's went to N America when new, so they got what they wanted. John. John's spot on about Americans preferring phat tires on TR6s; some wear 215s for road use while maintaining emissions power [ lack ]. The lack of demand for O/D is incredible, the cost a pittance. It may have been dealer preference rather than consumer but we did have a 55 mph national speed limit when these were in production. I wouldn't be surprised if most if not all O/D equipped TR6s had to be back ordered - and that may well apply to TR4-250 sales in the US. The TR6PI and TR6 carb had very close rpm/mph ratios, the differential ratios offsetting the tyre diameter discrepancy - circa 100 rpm in top gear for the same mph. I've got both types; my driver with 3.45:1 and 185/70 tyres whose diameter is exactly the same as the 165/80. Since the XAS is NLA in 185 I got 180s for the wire wheels on my concours car with its 3.7:1 diff. Those using 195/65 tyres ( been there, done that, got the T-shirt but no more ) with the 3.45:1 differential will align dead on with the U.S. market rpm/mph ratio. Other differences are: Higher draft on the US cars, higher center of gravity, higher pedal force for the same braking effect, higher tyre inertia to overcome when accelerating and more for the brakes to stop, higher torque delivered to the half-shafts and lower air pressure requirement. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Trumpy Posted January 30 Report Share Posted January 30 On 1/29/2025 at 2:44 PM, dougal said: I apologise for my brutality and thank you for your good grace. No worries , I’ll come and see you when I’m ready for a new set Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 On 1/29/2025 at 3:54 PM, Tom Fremont said: John's spot on about Americans preferring phat tires on TR6s; some wear 215s for road use while maintaining emissions power [ lack ]. The lack of demand for O/D is incredible, the cost a pittance. It may have been dealer preference rather than consumer but we did have a 55 mph national speed limit when these were in production. I wouldn't be surprised if most if not all O/D equipped TR6s had to be back ordered - and that may well apply to TR4-250 sales in the US. The TR6PI and TR6 carb had very close rpm/mph ratios, the differential ratios offsetting the tyre diameter discrepancy - circa 100 rpm in top gear for the same mph. I've got both types; my driver with 3.45:1 and 185/70 tyres whose diameter is exactly the same as the 165/80. Since the XAS is NLA in 185 I got 180s for the wire wheels on my concours car with its 3.7:1 diff. Those using 195/65 tyres ( been there, done that, got the T-shirt but no more ) with the 3.45:1 differential will align dead on with the U.S. market rpm/mph ratio. Other differences are: Higher draft on the US cars, higher center of gravity, higher pedal force for the same braking effect, higher tyre inertia to overcome when accelerating and more for the brakes to stop, higher torque delivered to the half-shafts and lower air pressure requirement. How do you get on with the 180 HR15 XAS? They have the heighth and that fab carcass structure of the XAS without being wide and making the steering cumbersome. they have the heighth of a 185 and the footprint width of a 165 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Tom Fremont Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 27 minutes ago, dougal said: How do you get on with the 180 HR15 XAS? They have the heighth and that fab carcass structure of the XAS without being wide and making the steering cumbersome. they have the height of a 185 and the footprint width of a 165 Well they look the bees knees to mine and other eyes with the 5.5" 72 spoke wire wheels coloured to match the bonnet stripe. They're really for show as a major regional one has solicited this car's participation in a British themed event this year. The size seems to be very close to the 185 XVS I have on the 6" Panasports ( which will be going back on soon, keeping the wires clean for the show in June. I have 1/4" spacers under the splined hubs to allow the same wheel studs for both sets ) and the width difference is barely enough to see when comparing them next to each other. I do like the feel very much and wish I had gone with them on the Panasports as the XVS have much larger, pebble slinging grooves than the XAS. As for performance, mine are only subjected to the stress of the trick engine in this car, not lateral Gs so much as loss of traction via miscalculation could have horrendous consequences in time and money. I hark back to when the same car before its concours makeover had 185 XAS tires and put close to 30K miles on them - phenomenal grip in curves unlike various Dunlop, Pirelli, Avon and the much panned Michelin Redline which many US TR6s came with. The 180 XAS is supposed to have very close dimensions to the last one. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Hamish Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 1 hour ago, dougal said: How do you get on with the 180 HR15 XAS? They have the heighth and that fab carcass structure of the XAS without being wide and making the steering cumbersome. they have the heighth of a 185 and the footprint width of a 165 Fame on the VSCC podcast Dougal people will be after your autograph next !!! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Jonny TR6 Posted February 18 Report Share Posted February 18 34 minutes ago, Hamish said: Fame on the VSCC podcast Dougal people will be after your autograph next !!! He’s been on TV more than James Corden - and infinitely more entertaining I might add ! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 On 2/18/2025 at 5:38 PM, Tom Fremont said: Well they look the bees knees to mine and other eyes with the 5.5" 72 spoke wire wheels coloured to match the bonnet stripe. They're really for show as a major regional one has solicited this car's participation in a British themed event this year. The size seems to be very close to the 185 XVS I have on the 6" Panasports ( which will be going back on soon, keeping the wires clean for the show in June. I have 1/4" spacers under the splined hubs to allow the same wheel studs for both sets ) and the width difference is barely enough to see when comparing them next to each other. I do like the feel very much and wish I had gone with them on the Panasports as the XVS have much larger, pebble slinging grooves than the XAS. As for performance, mine are only subjected to the stress of the trick engine in this car, not lateral Gs so much as loss of traction via miscalculation could have horrendous consequences in time and money. I hark back to when the same car before its concours makeover had 185 XAS tires and put close to 30K miles on them - phenomenal grip in curves unlike various Dunlop, Pirelli, Avon and the much panned Michelin Redline which many US TR6s came with. The 180 XAS is supposed to have very close dimensions to the last one. They look great. Its interesting to consider how empty the wheel arch would look if it were fitted with a 165r15 185/70, or one of those silly 195/65r15 modern tyres people fit. The 80 XAS is nice and tall, but importantly thin. the perception of difference in grip levels is i beleive more exagerated than the truth, because the thinnner foot print has more weight per square inch pressing the tyre onto the tarmac. so yes a wider foot print does give more grip, but not as directly relative as one might think. the other thing is the XAS is a carcass structure far better suited to your chassis than later tyres like the XVS (the XVS is a great tyre, but built for slightly more modern cars with more adverse camber. The only tyres of around this size that are actually properly suited are the XAS and Cinturato.) I have taken a fun picture of my feet. However it also does a quite rubbish job of demonstrating the different widths and carcass shape. the XAS is the more rounded and better suited to to a TR. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 20 Report Share Posted February 20 2 hours ago, dougal said: They look great. Its interesting to consider how empty the wheel arch would look if it were fitted with a 165r15 185/70, or one of those silly 195/65r15 modern tyres people fit. The 80 XAS is nice and tall, but importantly thin. the perception of difference in grip levels is i beleive more exagerated than the truth, because the thinnner foot print has more weight per square inch pressing the tyre onto the tarmac. so yes a wider foot print does give more grip, but not as directly relative as one might think. the other thing is the XAS is a carcass structure far better suited to your chassis than later tyres like the XVS (the XVS is a great tyre, but built for slightly more modern cars with more adverse camber. The only tyres of around this size that are actually properly suited are the XAS and Cinturato.) I have taken a fun picture of my feet. However it also does a quite rubbish job of demonstrating the different widths and carcass shape. the XAS is the more rounded and better suited to to a TR. Another TR5 on XAS as supplied by you years ago Dougal. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 That does look lush. the wheel areches look really nicely full. Is that the 180HR15 XAS? https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/michelin-classic-tyres/xas.html Would you be happy with me using these pictures on my web site? or my adverts? (we would fluff your registration plate.) Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 28 minutes ago, dougal said: That does look lush. the wheel areches look really nicely full. Is that the 180HR15 XAS? https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/michelin-classic-tyres/xas.html Would you be happy with me using these pictures on my web site? or my adverts? (we would fluff your registration plate.) Well interestingly enough Dougal they were 165 as supplied by you and as supplied as original equipment on that car when new as it was a Malines (Belgium) built car. See picture below of tyres as delivered. Your welcome to use the image as long as you credit my company Watermill Carriage Co Ltd. I do have others. Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BlueTR3A-5EKT Posted February 21 Report Share Posted February 21 On 2/20/2025 at 11:18 AM, dougal said: They look great. Its interesting to consider how empty the wheel arch would look if it were fitted with a 165r15 185/70, or one of those silly 195/65r15 modern tyres people fit. The 80 XAS is nice and tall, but importantly thin. the perception of difference in grip levels is i beleive more exagerated than the truth, because the thinnner foot print has more weight per square inch pressing the tyre onto the tarmac. so yes a wider foot print does give more grip, but not as directly relative as one might think. the other thing is the XAS is a carcass structure far better suited to your chassis than later tyres like the XVS (the XVS is a great tyre, but built for slightly more modern cars with more adverse camber. The only tyres of around this size that are actually properly suited are the XAS and Cinturato.) I have taken a fun picture of my feet. However it also does a quite rubbish job of demonstrating the different widths and carcass shape. the XAS is the more rounded and better suited to to a TR. Rounded tyre contact patch, does it flatten sufficiently when installed and inflated with vehicle weight on it? Are we in the realms of 750 MC / Austin 7 with 17" motor cycle tyres, or is that a completely different issue? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 yes it does flatten on the road, but as the wheel leans in cornering it is more progressive. I think this picture demonstrates it An austin 7 is a bit different, but for shore you dont want to over tyre an Austin 7 they do sometimes fall over. https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/austin/seven.html That said my sons Austin 7 special is slammed on the deck and running 450-15 Dunlop Racing tyres, but that is a very different beast. I do love an Austin 7. you dont want to buy a 1925 Chummy do you? its a truly lovely car, it is the early pram hood version with the extra small brakes. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stuart Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 2 minutes ago, dougal said: I do love an Austin 7. you dont want to buy a 1925 Chummy do you? its a truly lovely car, it is the early pram hood version with the extra small brakes. You had me at "Extra small brakes!" Stuart. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve-B Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 (edited) Right, coming back to this again as I've been slow over winter. My car suffers from very hard to steer at rest although fine at speed they have date code of 11/14. Today I've been on my knees and found my car isn't on 185x65/15 but on 195x65x15 Capital Sport tyres. Ignoring the fact that never heard of the vendor, they are asl from reading this thread I think wider than needed. Ride comfort is very important to us, we don't (unless caught out) do much/any wet driving so I am at the choice of either the XAS (180x65/15) or Pirelli P36 or P1 Cinturato (185x65/15) plus there is also the Dunlop Sport BluResponse(185x65/15). I see they all are available from known sources, so would I be correct in thinking moving to a 185 is the right call which could also reduce the hard steering at rest? Edited February 27 by Steve-B Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Mk2 Chopper Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 Go to 165/80 15 and you'll have a super nimble and comfortable ride, that turns really well at slow speed. Also oil/ grease your trunnions and steering rack and ball joints if the have a grease nipple. Gareth Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Motorsport Mickey Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 (edited) As pronounced earlier in this thread, Pirelli CN36 at 165 size will give easy steering, with tyre pressures higher than the standard poundage, and peerless handling and grip especially in the wet. They’ll last as well, and in another 10 years the pain of spending £2 a week for 4, over their life, will be forgotten and you’ll be thinking of another set… same as. Mick Richards Edited February 27 by Motorsport Mickey Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DRD Posted February 27 Report Share Posted February 27 On 2/21/2025 at 11:01 AM, dougal said: That does look lush. the wheel areches look really nicely full. Is that the 180HR15 XAS? https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/michelin-classic-tyres/xas.html Would you be happy with me using these pictures on my web site? or my adverts? (we would fluff your registration plate.) Dougal - this is my 6 with the Cinturatos. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted March 5 Report Share Posted March 5 On 2/27/2025 at 3:14 PM, Steve-B said: Right, coming back to this again as I've been slow over winter. My car suffers from very hard to steer at rest although fine at speed they have date code of 11/14. Today I've been on my knees and found my car isn't on 185x65/15 but on 195x65x15 Capital Sport tyres. Ignoring the fact that never heard of the vendor, they are asl from reading this thread I think wider than needed. Ride comfort is very important to us, we don't (unless caught out) do much/any wet driving so I am at the choice of either the XAS (180x65/15) or Pirelli P36 or P1 Cinturato (185x65/15) plus there is also the Dunlop Sport BluResponse(185x65/15). I see they all are available from known sources, so would I be correct in thinking moving to a 185 is the right call which could also reduce the hard steering at rest? Yes your choice of tyre is causing the heavy unpleasant steering. people dont realise this but a 185/65R15 will put a wider foot print on the road than a 185R15 (or you might want to call it 185/80R15.) the width of the footprint will directly effect how heavy, vague, numb and slow your steering is. (Of course your assuming your steering components are all in good fettle as well. low tyre pressure also makes steering heavier.) fitting either of the Pirelli Cinturato 165R15 tyres, both the CN36 and the CA67 tyres are fantastic on these cars. The Michelin XAS also really suits them, and if to you ride is an absolutely critical issue Michelin make a slightly odd tyre size. they makle the 180HR15 XAS this has the width of the 165, but the heighth of a 185/80R15 so you get the best of both worlds. you get the light precise nimble steering, but the taller tyre gives you the better ride. (sticking 165R15 will make the car more nimble, but the 180 will give more comfort.) Steve - B it sounds like you want these. https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/180-hr-15-michelin-xas.html Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted March 5 Report Share Posted March 5 (edited) On 2/27/2025 at 5:33 PM, DRD said: Dougal - this is my 6 with the Cinturatos. Yes and that looks super cool. TR's are in a good place because they do actually have some great tyres availble to them. https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/triumph/tr6.html could you tell us how fab the handling is. and are you a convert from a bigger more modern tyre who is now appreciating how much more fun they are on the right tyre? oo; do you mind if i use that picture on my wegb site? Edited March 5 by dougal Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Steve-B Posted March 5 Report Share Posted March 5 53 minutes ago, dougal said: Yes your choice of tyre is causing the heavy unpleasant steering. people dont realise this but a 185/65R15 will put a wider foot print on the road than a 185R15 (or you might want to call it 185/80R15.) the width of the footprint will directly effect how heavy, vague, numb and slow your steering is. (Of course your assuming your steering components are all in good fettle as well. low tyre pressure also makes steering heavier.) fitting either of the Pirelli Cinturato 165R15 tyres, both the CN36 and the CA67 tyres are fantastic on these cars. The Michelin XAS also really suits them, and if to you ride is an absolutely critical issue Michelin make a slightly odd tyre size. they makle the 180HR15 XAS this has the width of the 165, but the heighth of a 185/80R15 so you get the best of both worlds. you get the light precise nimble steering, but the taller tyre gives you the better ride. (sticking 165R15 will make the car more nimble, but the 180 will give more comfort.) Steve - B it sounds like you want these. https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/180-hr-15-michelin-xas.html Hi @dougal Thank you a 1,000,000 times over for that very helpful explanation, it is exactly what I needed. The Micheliin XAS 180HR15 will be what I call to order 5 of. Do I need to get tubes or does they work on stock Triumph steel rims without them? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
dougal Posted March 5 Report Share Posted March 5 the 180HR15 Michelin XAS do need inner tubes https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-tyre-inner-tubes.html All wire wheels should fit inner tubes. i know there are wire wheels out there that say they are tubeless but we have seen too many failures to trust them. we refuse to fit wire wheels without inner tubes now. I beleive these fitment guides say a TR6 needs innertubes on standard wheels too. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DRD Posted March 5 Report Share Posted March 5 2 hours ago, dougal said: Yes and that looks super cool. TR's are in a good place because they do actually have some great tyres availble to them. https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/classic-car-tyres/triumph/tr6.html could you tell us how fab the handling is. and are you a convert from a bigger more modern tyre who is now appreciating how much more fun they are on the right tyre? oo; do you mind if i use that picture on my wegb site? Yes steering is lighter and the ride has improved compared to modern equivalents. Happy for you to use the picture as long as you credit that it was mine. Cheers Darren Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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