TR6 TR6 tires

[davidb]

Noticed some cracks in the sidewalls of my Avon tires this summer, so looking to replace them this coming year. Did some web searches, and was looking at the usual suspects - Coker redlines, Vredestein, and replacement Avons - IMHO I find that the prices are outrageous. OK for purists maybe, but I don't do a lot of driving any more, so thought I'd look around for some reasonably priced alternatives. Anyone bought tires recently that they might recommend? I'm on stock rims.

With thanks

DB

 

[NutmegCT]

Dave - I'm definitely no "purist", altho' I do know folks who buy tires for mostly looks and care little about driveability and reputation. If you can combine the looks you want with reliability and control on today's highways - go for it. But $250 per tire is way out of my budget (and the "big names in classic tires" sometimes give you looks, but not much in handling).

That said, I found Kumho's to be excellent tires (for my TR3), and Nankang's for my MGTD.

Tom M.

 

[Gliderman8]

I second Tom's suggestion of Kuhmo tires. I have them on my TR6 with stock rims.
I paid about $69 per tire a couple of years ago and I find them quite acceptable.

 

[davidb]

Hey Tom,

Thanks for the input. I hear you on all counts - in fact I was considering Kuhmo, as well as Yokohama, and they seem to be a good compromise between driveability and affordability. Was a little disappointed in my Avons, given the low miles on them, but I've had them for 20 years, so age has taken its' toll, just like on the driver.

58 Rambler American - now that's a classic! But then again, I'm an old fart. My dad had an AMC Javelin. Always loved the Raymond Loewy-designed Studebackers.

Thanks bud.

DB

 

[NutmegCT]

Loewy Studebakers! Yes - great looking cars!

I wasn't really into the Avanti, but the 1950s ... wow -

Interesting trivia - I'm pretty sure the 1950s Studebakers, and the 1950s Ramblers, shared the same automatic transmission (M8).

Safety fast!
Tom M.

 

[TR3driver]

Are the skinny Kumho's still available? They were pretty popular around here, but were discontinued for awhile. ISTR someone said they were building a new facility that would produce them eventually, but don't recall any more after that.

I have wider, low profile Kumho's on my TR3 (on TR6 rims) and I'm happy with them. Not quite as sticky as the Bridgestone Potenzas I was running before, but a better ride (and pretty close on traction).

 

[davidb]

Tom,

Bang on. Those Commanders with the slim roofline, and the Golden Hawks were way ahead of their time, style wise.

BTW, I did look up Kuhmo tires in response to Randall's question about their skinny tires, and couldn't find any in the 165 profile that would work, other than maybe a 165/65/15 winter tire! I did note however on the Vredestein site that their "Sprint Classic" 185-15 tires specify that they shouldn't be driven, or even stored, in near or below freezing temperatures. Well I'm sorry, but up here in The Big Igloo, the cold is part of our DNA reality. Not an issue however, since I don't think I could get the bugger started in any case...You guys in California wouldn't understand ...LOL

Cheers
DB

 

[NutmegCT]

Dave - if you're looking for 165/65/15, take a look:

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/Tire...5&rearWidth=255/&rearRatio=40&rearDiameter=17

I have these (different size) on my Nissan. Excellent tire.

TM

 

[davidb]

Tom,

No I'm not looking for 165/65/15 myself, but "TR3 Driver" was asking if Kuhmo was still making their skinny 165 tire, so I happened to come across that size (Kuhmo) in my search for tires and was just passing along the information....incidentally I went to your trip website/blog, and found it quite interesting. Good job.

Regards

Dave.

 

[TR3driver]

You guys in California wouldn't understand ...LOL

Back when I lived in a colder climate (tho not as cold as yours) and drove the TR3A I had then year-round; I made a couple of small improvements (mostly a 60 amp alternator and 100 amp-hour battery). With those changes, it would always start. In fact, I used to go around and give jumps to other cars that wouldn't start in the cold! Even had snow chains on it more than once.

 

[davidb]

Good one, Randall..... A TR3 with chains - not something you see every day, outside of Greenland. Something very satisfying about a Triumph jump starting a Ford though....

 

[charleyf]

From my many years driving a TR3 in Colorado, I can attest to the fact that a TR3 with good mud and snow tires got me through a number of winters. And that included going over mountain passes. Just had to go easy on the accelerator.

 

[pdplot]

I fitted Michelins on my TR6, 215's on wire wheels. That was at least 2 years ago. No problems.

 

[malbaby]

I also have Michelin tyres.