In reply to a message from Per Lemser sent Sun 6 Sep 2015:
Something to consider if you are thinking of fitting
tubeless tires on spoke wheels not designed to be tubeless.
That is using tubes in some tubeless tires.
Many tubeless tires have ridges inside the tire which have
no affect when used properly without tubes.
However when these tires are used with tubes, the ridges
inside the tire chafe the tube and cause failure of the tube.
This little fact was proven to me with my own car after I
fitted it with Continental tubeless 205R 16 tubeless tires
with Michelin tubes. The tubes would develop strange little
holes with no apparent cause on the sidewall area. This
happened at least 4 times. I now use Coker 650R 16 radial
tires with Coker tubes with no more problems.
YMMV, but be aware.–
Roger, '54 120 (SE) DHC, BRG, S678300
Tamarac, South Fla., United States
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'Tis also recommended that one use specific “Radial Tubes” in
ANY radial tyre where tubes are fitted… I recall there use to be
a thickness difference between bias tubes and radial tubes…
Charles #677556.
http://xktx.org----- Original Message -----
From: “Velocette”
Something to consider if you are thinking of fitting
tubeless tires on spoke wheels not designed to be tubeless.
That is using tubes in some tubeless tires.
Many tubeless tires have ridges inside the tire which have
no affect when used properly without tubes.
However when these tires are used with tubes, the ridges
inside the tire chafe the tube and cause failure of the tube.
This little fact was proven to me with my own car after I
fitted it with Continental tubeless 205R 16 tubeless tires
with Michelin tubes. The tubes would develop strange little
holes with no apparent cause on the sidewall area. This
happened at least 4 times. I now use Coker 650R 16 radial
tires with Coker tubes with no more problems.
YMMV, but be aware.
Roger, '54 120 (SE) DHC, BRG, S678300
Tamarac, South Fla., United States
In reply to a message from cb@XKTX.Org sent Thu 10 Sep 2015:
Don’t consider the Vredestein as a reference, that is nothing
special or period and they certainly don’t look like period
tyres. It would be among my last recomendations.
i would suggest fitting the 185Vr16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67.
that is the best road tyre for these cars, and it is the radial
option that Jaguar offered for the XK150. They look right and
they handle right, and the compounds are up to date.
Modern tyres are built to compliment completely different
machinery, with totally different geometry like lots of caster
and negative camber, and then power steering to overcome these
things. don’t spoil the handling of the car for a few dollars
In reply to a message from Longstone sent Thu 24 Sep 2015:
to each his own…but IMHO 120 handling is just fine, yes a
little better than original, with modern radial tires,
increased neg camber, a little toe in, increased castor for
stability, and poly front end susp bushings. Depends what
you like…and the ‘‘look’’ of the tires you like, if even
important. I don’t happen to like the Vred look or sidewall
lettering. Nor do I like the Michelin…same reason. With
some old style, bias ply, hard rubber tires, and an old
tyme susp set up you will enjoy the old tyme feel of a 4
wheel drift…instead of modern grip and heavier steering
effort. My life is contradictions…I would not install disc
brakes on a 120…and lose that old tyme feel of brake fade
and long stop distances. I would not replace the gear box
with a syncro 5 spd, nor the rear lever arm shock with
modern. I do have Simpson race harness belts… Wear a
leather ‘‘helmet’’, no seat belts, an ascot…and enjoy!
You 150 folks don’t know what you are missing !
Cheers.
Nick–
Nick53XK120S
Spokane WA, United States
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In reply to a message from Nick53XK120S sent Thu 24 Sep 2015:
For the true vintage look, NOTHING looks as good as a set of
Dunlop vintage bias ply treaded race tires. They have that
‘balloon’ look, clean/smooth sidewall, and linear tread
pattern that just screams 1950’s sports car. And they’re
actually quite grippy even compared to modern tires.–
John
Boston, MA, United States
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I have to concur with Dougal’s assertion that the Cints are excellent tyres for XKs. I have a set on my '140 and they perform beautifully and look right.
Roger L
In reply to a message from cb@XKTX.Org sent Thu 10 Sep 2015:
Don’t consider the Vredestein as a reference, that is nothing
special or period and they certainly don’t look like period
tyres. It would be among my last recomendations.
i would suggest fitting the 185Vr16 Pirelli Cinturato CA67.
that is the best road tyre for these cars, and it is the radial
option that Jaguar offered for the XK150. They look right and
they handle right, and the compounds are up to date.
Modern tyres are built to compliment completely different
machinery, with totally different geometry like lots of caster
and negative camber, and then power steering to overcome these
things. don’t spoil the handling of the car for a few dollars
I think another interesting consideration is that i think that the 185VR16 Pirelli Cinturato is the only real genuine period tyre still made that is really right for an XK.
the other 2 considerations would be:
185SR16 Michelin X http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/185sr16-michelin-x.html this is genuinely period, coming out in the late '40s. But it does only really have a S speed rating, and sort of isn’t really a sports car. However this is a radial tyre i recommend to someone that is only ever going to drive very steadily, as it is nice and light on the steering, and maintains the correct diameter like the Cinturato.
600H16 Avon TurboSpeed http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/600h16-avon-turbospeed.html this to be frank is the only cross ply (non racing tyre) that i would contemplate fitting to an XK. It only has a H speed rating, but Jag just didn’t fit the TurboSpeed. they fitted the Dunlop. the Avon was for Aston Martin and Rover.
I completely agree with this. I have bought three sets of period tyres in the last few years. Two sets of Dunlops for two different E Types and a set of Michelin XVSs for my Stag. In each case these were the closest to the original fitment that was available and all have worked out really well and equally important, in my opinion, looked correct on the car.
When I’m ready for tyres for my XK they will be Cints for certain. They’re right for the period, look the part and are narrow enough not to cause any problems with the spats.