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help with tires

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fieldsj

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I am looking for a set of factory size 165/sr14 tires for my 1969 mgb. I have checked Tire rack and they have none. I have seen the Verdestein Sprint and really dont care for the look. Also they are very tall tires. Anyone have a used set or know where a set may be purchased? I know Dunlop, Sumitomo, and Michelin have made 165/14 in the past. many thanks for the help.
 
It may sound goofy, but check the Sears flyer on Sunday. They have sizes like 165/14 (oddball, unpopular sizes) as their sale price leader, I have seen the right size in the past. Worth a try. You might have better luck getting a whitewall in that size too, if you dont like the whitewall, have them mounted so that the white faces into the wheel wells. Whitewalls were optional on all MGBs, so it would look correct.

Good luck.
 
Thanks for the suggestion. Its quite ironic you mentioned Sears. I called the local store and they can order 165/14 but I have never heard of the manufacturer. Its not Sumitomo but it is japanese. I also have to pre-pay which is no problem but if the tires are something wierd I will be stuck with them. I wish I could see them first. Dunlops or Michelins I have seen and know what they look like. Any other tips?
 
Original tyre size for the MGB was 155/14 in 1969. It only changed to 165/SR14 when the rubber bumpers were introduced. Maybe you might have more luck finding the smaller size.
 
Reading these notes on tires from June and wonder what the result was. I have a 71 B with Rostyle wheels which had been stored for some time. The tires are Michelin XZX 165 SR 14. New tires have a number indicating the height/width ratio (such as 60 or 65) before the speed rating. Any idea what number is acceptable for replacements? I'm looking at some Dunlop Sport A2's in 185 60 HR 14 size. What is the actual width of the Rostyle wheel?
 
I have checked the sizes of the tyres in my 1980 'B', and they are 185/70R14 Goodyears. I have Rostyle wheels. They fit perfectly, no chafing or "dodgy" handling, so that may work for you. Now someone will come along and tell me that the size I have is wrong!
rolleyes.gif


By the way, welcome to the forum, I hope you'll be a regular on here.

[ 08-14-2002: Message edited by: Steve ]

[ 08-14-2002: Message edited by: Steve ]</p>
 
There's an American Care Care Center near me that carries a 185/70R 14. Their own brand American Bronze. Good looking tire that ran $250 a set. Put them on my 71 Rd and 73 GT. Look good, ride good and priced right. I think they probably have thrown the speedo off some, minus 5 - 10 mph at 60 - 65 mph I usually just pace with traffic anyway.
 
I recently bought Michelins in the 185/70/14 size with no problems. The P.O. also had the same size tire and apparently had them for quite awhile as I had to replace them. My mechanic (worked on MG's for 25 years+) recommended the size. However you might call The British Wire Wheel 800-732-9866, I'm sure they have the correct size. Good Luck - JFC
 
I just put a new set of Toyo 195/70R14's on my '67 GT. So far I am pretty happy with them. They are much wider and about 1/2 inch taller than the originals. The problem with tires is that most manufacturers today equate performance with low profile. Makes it really tough to find good performance radials for the old stuff. What can you do. Blame it on the neo-hot rodder, modern rice rocket boys. You know, the ones who think that yellow paint and a bunch of stickers will lower your 0-60 times. Good luck with your search.

Regards,

Paul
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If you mount a 175/70-14 tire, you will have a diameter of 23.64” and better handling.
At 155/80-14 you will have a diameter 23.76”, only an 1/8” larger. Hardly worth worrying about the difference.

SB
 
After some study, I found some Dunlop SP 40 A/S tires which measure a diameter of 24" in size 195/65-14. A bit more rubber on the road in this size, but the actual tire diameter (within reason) is more important than the aspect ratio.
 
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