TR2/3/3A TR3 Bolt Pattern

[mgbmedic]

In the early process of frame off restoration 1963 TR3B. The PO bought brand new tires for the car 21 years ago. These tires still appear in good condition. I don't want then ruined at the body shop. What other rims would fit the bolt pattern for the interim while this work is going on? Will TR6 rims fit?

 

[Andrew Mace]

Yes, TR6 rims will fit. In fact, almost anything with a 4 x 4.5" PCD will work, so long as the rims will clear brakes and suspension (and body work) for rolling around in a shop.

On the other hand, "brand-new, 21-year-old tires" may look nice, but they're still 21 years old. I don't know that I'd trust them for much other than display....

 

[Geo Hahn]

I agree -- you already have the perfect body shop tires. When the car is back together you can shop for replacements -- even the cheapest new tire would be my preference over a tire that was new when Bush the Elder was in the White House.

 

[mgbmedic]

Hmmm...These tires have been mounted and on a shelf in the PO's garage since new. I've had people tell me as long as sunlight and the weight of the car was not constantly in one place, the tires should be ok, but I should check for cracking and other age signs. Granted, when the car is done, I don't plan on driving it on these, like you say, maybe for show only. It's hard to find the correct size Dunlop tyre these days.

 

[TR3driver]

That may have been true at one time, but I do not believe it is true any longer, at least not with steel belted radials. Although there is some variation in the details, most tire makers say you should never run tires that are more than 10 years old, no matter how they were stored or how good they look.

Apparently, air does slowly permeate the rubber, and can cause the carcass to degrade, down under the rubber where it cannot be seen. When such tires are pressed into use, the result can be sudden, severe failure of the carcass.

I have experimented with this. When the LR tire on my first Stag flew apart, the steel belts turned into a giant "flap wheel" (like those things sold on television to remove paint), which very effectively removed not only all the paint but much of the metal from the outside of the wheel opening, before I could get pulled over to the side of the road.

Here is another, milder case, with minimal damage to the car:

 

[Don Elliott]

Don't drive with tires more than 10 years old. An MGA owner in England kept his "original" tires on "original" rims just for car shows. He used new tires on new rims the rest of the time. So the day of the car show, he put on his original wheels and old original tires and drove to the show. He got half way there, had a blowout, demolished his restored MGA and died in hospital the same day.

It's not worth it.

 

[Twosheds]

I have experimented with this.

The Randall has borrowed my catchphrase.

I'm kind of flattered.

 

[TR3driver]

The Randall has borrowed my catchphrase.

I'm kind of flattered.

Sincerest form, and all that, eh, John? Or do I owe you an apology ?
:laugh:

 

[Twosheds]

The Randall has borrowed my catchphrase.

I'm kind of flattered.

Sincerest form, and all that, eh, John? Or do I owe you an apology ?
:laugh:

No apology necessary, Randall.

Just glad some one "gets it."

 

[Geo Hahn]

I've driven some around Floyds Knobs I sure wouldn't want a tire shredding as I slipped through some of those curves.

Yet another tale -- a local club member tried said experiment on his Big Healey. They are still putting the car back together after the steel belt wiped out the right side of the body... in 1998!

I guess by now you get the idea.