1963 Midget Tire Size

[tony barnhill]

So, I had the old Pirelli's removed today & dropped the wire wheels off to be sandblasted & painted.....then I ordered 5 new tubes & 5 new knock-off's from Moss & called Tire Rack to order new tires. Phone conversation went something like this:

"Hi, I'd like to talk about getting some new tires for my 1963 MG Midget."

"Yessir, what size tires do you have on it right now?"

"145's."

"Sorry, sir, I don't show anything that small in a 14" tire."

"No, no, its a 13" tire."

"No sir, the only thing MG made in 1963 was an MGB and it has 14" tires."

"Really? Are you sure?"

"Yessir, my book says MGB. Maybe somebody put the wrong wheels on yours."

"Well, what year does your book show was the first for an MG Midget?"

"That'd be 1968, sir. I can get you tires for it but not in 145's."

"Hmmm, I better check to see exactly what kind of car I've got before I order tires."

"Yessir, and I wouldn't suggest running 13" tires on a car that originally came with 14" tires. You might want to move up to a 15" but never down."

"Okay, lemme get back with you after I do some research."

Honest!!

Now, after the laughter subsides & you clean up your keyboard, here's the question (& if I knew how to do a poll, I'd do one) - actually 2:

1. What size do we predominantly agree is best for the little early Midget's? & I think I want to go with an 'H' rated tire more for sidewall strength than actual speed.

2. In a good road/fun tire, what manufacturer gives the best ride/handling/feel?

 

[Andrew Mace]

Tony, what about a 155R13? In a quick look on the TireRack web site, I didn't see any 145s. Of course, even in 155, I don't think you're likely to find anything resembling a "performance" tire nowadays, but I'd think that any modern radial would be better performing than an original Dunlop 5.20 x 13 Gold Seal bias-ply, and probably better than any radial from that era.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Wire wheels are pretty narrow, I'd stay with 155's.

When I first bought my midget I put a low mileage warranty tire on it because it was cheap. It handled quite well and the tires didn't wear very much at all. After I painted it, I decided to "upgrade" to a more expensive tire with a higher tread life warranty. Shockingly, the handling and ride turned to garbage. I guess the cheaper tire was a softer compound that worked better on the car.

hmmm... I still can't answer your question

 

[tony barnhill]

Called Coker who I've ordered from before...told Michael I wanted something modern that was gonna give me good handling "around the cones on a Saturday afternoon" or on a curvey country lane but not a Firestone product......he recommended Vredestein Sprints....I've got those on a couple of my other MG's & have been happy with them.

I initially thought about going to a 155; however, because the wires are so narrow, I think I'll stay with the original size (5.20x13) but in radial form (145's).

I just think my encounter with Tire Rack was hilarious & reminded me once again why I've bought at least 3 sets of tires from Coker.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Those sprints are pretty reasonable. I think I saw them for about $65 last time I was looking.

I think that was at britishwirewheel.

 

[tony barnhill]

Those sprints are pretty reasonable. I think I saw them for about $65 last time I was looking.

I think that was at britishwirewheel.

Yep, 5 of them delivered to me for $240.

 

[Trevor Jessie]

Good price. I still have yet to decide what tires/rims I want to put on my '58.

 

[jlaird]

Used 155/80 13s Tony. Goodyear, 40 bucks each at the BX.

 

[mrsprite]

I also use 155/80's on my Bugeye (although I have the disc wheels). I like the Kumho Power Star 658 tire. Very nice ride and excellent dry traction. They do suck in the snow though. I paid about $30 each, but I think the price has bumped up to $33 or so.

I have always had good luck with the Tire Rack. It sounds like they hired someone without any clue and only knows what the computer tells him. What a shame.

 

[racingenglishcars]

That extreemly knowledgable sales representative at Tire Rack did mention he can get tires for the 1968 MG Midget but not in 145. He might have 155 tires for it, and maybe in some good brands. I always used Semperit

I found a bunch of 155 80 13 tires at Tire Rack here. Otherwise they do list the 145 13 for the 1976 Midget, but not earlier Midgets.

Over on this side of the pond tires are rather expensive. I can choose from lots of different brands, but the lowest price is around $40 each.
https://www.daekonline.dk/start.html

 

[tony barnhill]

Ordered 5 new 145R13 Vredestein Sprintss from Coker on Wednesdat, 30 Jan - 5 delivered to me Friday, 1 Feb!! I was on the way to Atlanta when my FEDEX guy called & asked if I wanted him to leave them outside my garage....WOO HOO!!

Going to body shop tomorrow to look at blasted & (hopefully) primed wire wheels so I can pick out the best 5 to paint!