Series 2 etype tyres

[philormesher]

I have a Series 2 roadster currently fitted with Dunlop SP Sports 185HR15 91H on wire wheels and fitted with tubes.

The tyres have a good 6mm of tread on them but are 10 years old.

Apparently, the current recommendation is change them at 10 years old as they can start to de-laminate from the inside.

Is this advice sound? If so what tyres would anyone recommend?

Many thanks

[Gfhug]

Vredestein 185/15 for a keen price, Pirelli if you've got the circa £1200 to get five (yes, your spare will need replacing)
Find someone who can properly balance wire wheels, not with any of the modern equipment. An old fashioned bubble level does a fine job better than modern kit.

Geoff

[johnetype]

The advice is sound not particularly because they can delaminate from the inside but by 10 years the rubber will have hardened sufficiently for you to have lost grip and the reduced flexibilty can cause any part of the tyre to delaminate.

There is no legal requirement to change tyres at the 10 year point as far as I'm aware and my MOT Tester told me he cannot fail tyres on age per se - obviously only relevant for cars young enough to require a MOT.

Vredsetein Sprint Classic 185/15 (currently £122 each from Camskill) were my choice.

Don't buy any of the cheaper tyres available in the 185/15 size from far eastern manufacturers as they are designed for vans and constructed accordingly. Your current Dunlops, Michelin and others are available but as Geoff says get very pricey. Longstone Tyres web site has lots of interesting detail.

[Heuer]

Above advice is sound although check you get VR rated tyres, often mistaken as a "speed rating" when in fact it refers to various dynamic loads the tyre can be subjected to - speed, weight, lateral and vertical load. Your Dunlops are VR rated but I do not think the Vreds are. There has been discussion in the past of having to inform your Insurer if you fit lower rated tyres as it is a 'modification' although it is unlikely to affect your premium. Speak to Dougal at Longstone Tyres and get his advice.

One point to note is that if your spare has spent the last 10 years in the wheel well it is likely to be OK as rubber does not deteriorate as quickly when kept in the dark i.e. no UV light

[Simon P]

One point to note is that if your spare has spent the last 10 years in the wheel well it is likely to be OK as rubber does not deteriorate as quickly when kept in the dark i.e. no UV light

It's an interesting point. Based on current experience I estimate that my E will reach 'ten years old' (post restoration), with no more than 10-15,000 miles on the clock and with just some six months' exposure to UV. I imagine I'll replace the tyres anyway (otherwise a potential case of spoilng the ship for a ha'porth of tar), but it does make you wonder whether the general rule of thumb applies in all circumstances.

[chrisfell]

depending on where you live, locate your nearest classic car tyre specialist. The big boys are Longstone and Vintage Tyres. Go see them, ask questions, then make your choice. Your budget will define what you buy, more than any other factor.

And unless you have modified your car and are going to take your car on a track HR tyres will match its top speed.