Years past I was on the forum as Jagaddict. Have been away for several years, and am getting my XK 150 back together. Had Michelen 185 15 X tires on 72 spoke rims. After spending days in search of suitable replacements, have found no tires acceptable. The mounted tire appears to have a width of 7.5" and diameter of about 26.5".
Some tires warn temps should not be less than 32 degrees. Here in Colorado that temperature frequently goes much below that.
Bought a set of 185 65 15 tires which mounted were 2+" shorter and 10" less circumference. Have any thoughts as to acceptable sizes? I believe the E-type has more rear fender clearance than the 150.
I’ve pretty much come to the conclusion that Vredestein 185R15 is the best choice. Unfortunately, sold out until next month. Good news, it’s just a little time away. Other choices are more expensive, including Coker and Avon. If you want a modern tire for availability or cost, the closest size would be 205/70-15.
Gentlemen,
Than You for the prompt responses. I like the Vredestein as well, but feel the temperature limitation is a problem. I would be denied use much of the year. With mostly sunny, dry days, would be caught by the lower temps at night.
Am concerned the 205s on a 150 will rub the fenders. Expect I should mount one for a test.
Be well and safe in these trying times.
Ellis
I’m going for the Vreds as once it gets cold here, there’s always the possibility of snow. The car goes to sleep or should I say goes for its various refreshing once mid Oct comes around.
You might want to call Tirerack and discuss the caveats of the tire temperature issue. My wife runs high performance summer tires on her Porsche year round. She really dials it back in cold weather but after 15 years of ownership, no problems.
Just returned from Discount Tire for truck tires. Took my spare in for reference. They ordered a set, not sure the size in this paperless environment. As they will replace them if not suitable, seems acceptable.
Have seen temps this year in single digits, so the cold issue seems important. Will likely not get much road time before Spring, though will report on the fit.
What baffles me here is that you say you need tire for an XK150, but the thread is on the E-type forum. I was thinking that the XK150 had 16" wheels, and probably had bias-ply tires when new. If this is the case, and you want to run radials, you may have limited choices, but it would depend on the rim width.
I have a big Healy with 16 x 5 wheels, and 165-400 Michelin-X tires. Yes 400mm tires on 16" rims. The tires seem to be only very rarely available.
Bob Frisby
Boise, Idaho
E-type S2, Healey 3000, and more
Thank you all for your guidance in tire choices. Avoiding the cold temperature concerns, I installed Hankook Kinergy ST H735 all season 205/75R15 (97T) tires which I expect will serve well. At 27" diameter and 7.8" width they are as close as I found to the original 600 x 16 tires. Rated T as opposed to desired H, I doubt 130 mph rating will be an issue. I did approach that speed one day at Fontana’s track when we were allowed to run our street cars for 20 minutes. Coming off the high banked oval to a 90 degree turn into the infield was a stimulating experience.