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T-Series Has any TD owner tried radial tires?

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Matt_F

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First, I should say that I haven't found any radial tires that look proper, but I should also add that I think radial tires perform a LOT better than bias ply tires.

I'm probably going to have to replace the tires on my TD. (Tyres?) Has anyone tried radials?

More to the point, I believe TCs had tires of approximately 29 inches in diameter, and the ones on my TD are 25.5" in diameter. I would think that a larger diameter tire would act like a lower ratio rear axle, as long as it still looked appropriately narrow. In fact, the larger diameter tires should look even better from the side, too.

Anyone?
 
I have Kumho radials on my '53 TD...see my reassembly thread for size.
 
You can't compare TC and TD tires and gear ratios. TC uses lower gearing and much taller wheels (19" vs 15"). As for radials, they offer far greater safety, performance and puncture resistance than bias ply. The only reason to run bias ply is for show or die hard originality.

I'm a purist at heart, but I run 165R15 Dayton radials on my Y-Type, which is mechanically very similar to a TD. I only wish they made 19x4.5 radials for TC!
 
Matt - I think that you will find that the majority of TDs are running on radial tires - only the hard core originality people who will put bias ply tires on their TD. I agree that the bias ply tires look better on the TD, but after driving our TD on bias ply tires, I couldn't wait for them to wear out so I could put radials on the car. If you like a car that darts from side to side with every irregularity in the pavement, then bias ply tires are for you. If, like most everybody else who actually drive their TD, you like to have a car go where you are steering, go with radials.
Cheers,
 
I've got 40 year old bias ply on the TD - anybody want them? /bcforum/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif I just got a set of rims and will be blasting them before I get new tires. I myself would not go with the bias ply and my car is worn but original and I am an originality kinda guy.

Does a larger outer diameter make sense? I would think you'ld be slower off the line and put more torque on an already weak axle. Small tires reduces top end speed but less problematic on the rear. Is what I am saying correct?
 
Larger tires reduce RPMs but slow acceleration off the line. It's the same as increasing the rear end gear ratio slightly.

There is also a difference in ride and handling between different tire sizes. Of course tire construction can play a huge part in this, but now we're opening up an entirely different and in-depth subject.
 
I just got a another full set of rims for the TD. I'm going to blast prime & paint. Then I need to find a decent set of rubber. Not going for performance unless a TD will benefit from them. I've always perceived the TD as a cruising easy riding kinda buggy.
 
TDs are great handling cars, but they aren't typically purchased for performance. There are exceptions of course, as seen HERE. In my personal opinion, a good quality touring tire is well suited to the car for road use. You won't find any performance 165R15 tires out there anyway!

I'd take a look at Vredsteins at British Wire Wheel. They don't look like bias ply but they do have a vintage look to them. I recently mounted one on my MGA spare (in 155R15 size) and it looks fantastic. I plan to use them on the rest of the car when that time comes.
 
Performance? I did not know that. You could have fooled me. I've yet to drive one so my opinions are based on looks alone. I really got get it going soon.
 
Holllly shmooolly, what engine you supose he had in there.
 
That's a cool vid. There are a buncha good ones out there. I'da thought the same thing - that it was a hot rod. Stock engine huh?
 
I seached Mavis tire and cannot seem to locate any tires in a 165/15.
 
Kumho's, yep.
 
Steve_S said:
TDs are great handling cars, but they aren't typically purchased for performance. There are exceptions of course, as seen HERE. In my personal opinion, a good quality touring tire is well suited to the car for road use. You won't find any performance 165R15 tires out there anyway!

I'd take a look at Vredsteins at British Wire Wheel. They don't look like bias ply but they do have a vintage look to them. I recently mounted one on my MGA spare (in 155R15 size) and it looks fantastic. I plan to use them on the rest of the car when that time comes.
Click to expand...

I know it's not a TD, but to verify the quality of a tire, here's a photo of one on my car. Vredstein Quadtrac 2. They have a directional tread design and must be mounted as so. They have a great ride plus an excellent grip. A lot of people like the looks also. I believe the "Sprint", (I might be wrong on the name), is the name of the model that is more period , but I have been told, they don't ride as smooth. But,to each his own. PJ
mgtire.jpg
 
I don't own a TD or have ever driven one, but at the show in Wilmington, NC yesterday, I'd say at least 3/4 of the TDs had radial tires on them. I guess that speaks well for radials on TDs. Whatcha think?
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