I�ve just turned the corner on my restoration of a 1955 XK140MC
(parts are no longer coming off the frame � because there are none
left)and am now putting parts back onto the freshly powder coated
frame. I now need to purchase tires for new wire wheels and have
decided to go with radials in the 185R16 size. In researching there
appears to be several choices 1) Coker’s reproduction of the 185R16
Firestone Cavallino 2) Universal Vintage Tire�s 185SR16 Universal
Sport Blackwall 3) Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 HR15 4)
Michelin �X� or �Classic� 185R16 (did not find a speed rating on
this one) . I�m not going to be slaloming or racing, just enjoying
some spirited drives.
If you have a couple of hundred miles on your tires and an opinion
on whether you like them or not � I would certainly appreciate any
suggestions offered.–
1955 XK140 MC, Oregon City, OR
Oregon City, OR, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from Tom Call sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Tom,
Vintage Tyres (.com) in the UK advised me they can supply 185VR-16
Pirelli Cinturato @�235.00 each and 185VR-16 Avon Turbosteel
@�169.50 each. (plus freight) The locals here in New Zealand regard
the Pirellis as the best of the bunch.
True authenticity demands the use of 600H-16 Dunlop RS5 @�112.00
each - these are crossply tyres suitably speed rated but tramline
badly.
Hope this is helpful
Best regards
Shane ( XK120 OTS- resto in progress - fitted with new Pirelli
Cinturatos in 1982 - still excellent tread but unsafe for road use!)–
The original message included these comments:
frame. I now need to purchase tires for new wire wheels and have
decided to go with radials in the 185R16 size. In researching there
appears to be several choices 1) Coker’s reproduction of the 185R16
Firestone Cavallino 2) Universal Vintage Tire�s 185SR16 Universal
Sport Blackwall 3) Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 HR15 4)
Michelin �X� or �Classic� 185R16 (did not find a speed rating on
this one) . I�m not going to be slaloming or racing, just enjoying
some spirited drives.
Tom, if you plan on entering your car in JCNA Champion Division you will
need to install 6.00 x 16 bias ply tires with 54 spoke wheels. Radial
construction tires are not allowed. Any brand is acceptable and may be
either black or white sidewall. Redline tires are not allowed. In Champion
Division there is a 2.0 deduction for each incorrect tire. In Driven
Division, any tires are acceptable providing they are of the original inside
diameter.
Pat Harmon
'59 XK-150 S831241BW
'01 XK-8 NA11801-----Original Message-----
From: owner-xk@jag-lovers.org [mailto:owner-xk@jag-lovers.org] On Behalf Of
Tom Call
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 1:09 AM
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Subject: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
I’ve just turned the corner on my restoration of a 1955 XK140MC (parts are
no longer coming off the frame - because there are none left)and am now
putting parts back onto the freshly powder coated frame. I now need to
purchase tires for new wire wheels and have decided to go with radials in
the 185R16 size. In researching there appears to be several choices 1)
Coker’s reproduction of the 185R16 Firestone Cavallino 2) Universal Vintage
Tire’s 185SR16 Universal Sport Blackwall 3) Vredestein Sprint Classic 185
HR15 4) Michelin “X” or “Classic” 185R16 (did not find a speed rating on
this one) . I’m not going to be slaloming or racing, just enjoying some
spirited drives.
If you have a couple of hundred miles on your tires and an opinion on
whether you like them or not - I would certainly appreciate any suggestions
offered.
–
1955 XK140 MC, Oregon City, OR
Oregon City, OR, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
Hello Tom,
In 2 months my XK120 & I will be at our 25th anniversary, and the car has
been on the road consistently for 22 of those. I switched to radials only a
few months after having the car, and have kept radials on it since. There is
much difference of opinion, but I like how an XK handles on the road with
them.
It’s first shoes were Pirellis Cinturatos : Great tire! We did allot of
rallies on those. Heavier than most, but they are definitely a first choice.
Firestone Cavallinos were the next set. I really liked these tires too - a
little softer than the Pirellis. These were on the car when we did our 1500
mile trek through the Appalachians and they were very nice on the road.
The car now has the Michelins on it, and they are my least favorite. I have
skirts on my car, so clearance in tire width is an issue for me. Ther
Michelins have, by far the narrowest width and do not touch the fender skirt
locking mechanism. If it weren’t for that, I’d like to have my Firestones
back.
Once last pitch for the radials: when my brother & I drove a couple of
thousand miles to Tenn & back many years ago, we swapped off the driving the
FHC & the OTS. We were taking turns to relieve me of 14 hours of driving in
the rain and the coupe was nice and dry. The difference in driving the
roadster with the radials and the coupe with Bias plies, was night & day. I
much prefer the radials. Folks talk about the lovely drifts you can get with
the bias ply, but I really didn’t care too much for the drifting when it can
to negotiating very wet roads.!!
I hope this has been helpful and best of luck,
Knight Martorell----- Original Message -----
From: “Tom Call” vatainc@aol.com
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Thursday, June 01, 2006 1:08 AM
Subject: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
I’ve just turned the corner on my restoration of a 1955 XK140MC
(parts are no longer coming off the frame - because there are none
left)and am now putting parts back onto the freshly powder coated
frame. I now need to purchase tires for new wire wheels and have
decided to go with radials in the 185R16 size. In researching there
appears to be several choices 1) Coker’s reproduction of the 185R16
Firestone Cavallino 2) Universal Vintage Tire’s 185SR16 Universal
Sport Blackwall 3) Vredestein Sprint Classic 185 HR15 4)
Michelin “X” or “Classic” 185R16 (did not find a speed rating on
this one) . I’m not going to be slaloming or racing, just enjoying
some spirited drives.
If you have a couple of hundred miles on your tires and an opinion
on whether you like them or not - I would certainly appreciate any
suggestions offered.
–
1955 XK140 MC, Oregon City, OR
Oregon City, OR, United States
–Posted using Jag-lovers JagFORUM [forums.jag-lovers.org]–
In reply to a message from Tom Call sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Tom,
Since you are starting with a bare frame I sense you’re project is
going to be long term. It might pay to wait till near completion to
purchase fresh rubber. You can roll the chassis around on old
wheels and tires in the meantime.
Just a thought,
Rich–
The original message included these comments:
I�ve just turned the corner on my restoration of a 1955 XK140MC
(parts are no longer coming off the frame � because there are none
left)and am now putting parts back onto the freshly powder coated
frame. I now need to purchase tires for new wire wheels and have
decided to go with radials in the 185R16 size. In researching there
In reply to a message from SWA1 sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Shane,
Thank you fro the reply. I heard that the Pirelli are excellent but
just did a currency conversion and 235pounds (sorry my computer
does not have that neat pound symbol) would be $2190US for 5 tires
not counting tubes and shipping which would put the total near
$3,000. A bit to much for my budget. Thank you for the price as I
had not seen one and there website says to call for pricing.
Tom Call
'55 XK140MC–
The original message included these comments:
Vintage Tyres (.com) in the UK advised me they can supply 185VR-16
Pirelli Cinturato @�235.00 each and 185VR-16 Avon Turbosteel
@�169.50 each. (plus freight) The locals here in New Zealand regard
the Pirellis as the best of the bunch.
In reply to a message from Pat Harmon sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Pat,
Thank you for the reply. I’m not going to show the car for points
and would like a nice weekend driver. Most he comments I read say
radials will work better for my planned use of the car.
Thanks again!
Tom Call
'55 XK140MC
Portland, OR–
The original message included these comments:
Tom, if you plan on entering your car in JCNA Champion Division you will
need to install 6.00 x 16 bias ply tires with 54 spoke wheels. Radial
construction tires are not allowed. Any brand is acceptable and may be
either black or white sidewall. Redline tires are not allowed. In Champion
Division there is a 2.0 deduction for each incorrect tire. In Driven
Division, any tires are acceptable providing they are of the original inside
diameter.
Pat Harmon
'59 XK-150 S831241BW
'01 XK-8 NA11801
In reply to a message from PKMartorell sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Knight,
Thank you for your reply. I understood from the comments I read in
my research that the Prellis were very good tires. Shane, posted
they are available in the UK for 235pounds each. That would be a
cost of $2190US not counting tubes and shipping, a bit much for my
budget. Your comments about the Firestone and Michelins were very
helpful and one that I was considering. I’ve read two other older
posting with similar comments on the Firestones.
Thanks again!
Tom Call
'55 Xk140MC
Portland, OR–
The original message included these comments:
It’s first shoes were Pirellis Cinturatos : Great tire! We did allot of
rallies on those. Heavier than most, but they are definitely a first choice.
Firestone Cavallinos were the next set. I really liked these tires too - a
little softer than the Pirellis. These were on the car when we did our 1500
mile trek through the Appalachians and they were very nice on the road.
The car now has the Michelins on it, and they are my least favorite. I have
skirts on my car, so clearance in tire width is an issue for me. Ther
Michelins have, by far the narrowest width and do not touch the fender skirt
locking mechanism. If it weren’t for that, I’d like to have my Firestones
back.
In reply to a message from rich neary sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Rich,
Thanks for your comments. Actually, we were going to try and get
the suspenison all on with the engine and trans and take the car to
the Jaguar Meet in Bend, Oregon the beginning of July. The ‘‘long
term’’ has already taken place as I bought this car 33 years ago,
drove it through alleys to get it home as the brakes did not work,
but the emergency did. This was the only time it moved under its
own power. We started the restoration slowly, three years ago, but
now are moving forward very nicely.
Thank you,
Tom Call
'55 XK140MC
Portland, OR–
The original message included these comments:
Since you are starting with a bare frame I sense you’re project is
going to be long term. It might pay to wait till near completion to
purchase fresh rubber. You can roll the chassis around on old
wheels and tires in the meantime.
Just a thought,
Rich
In reply to a message from Velocette sent Fri 2 Jun 2006:
Roger,
Do you have Firestones on your 120 also? How do you like them?
Thanks,
Tom Call
'55 XK140MC–
The original message included these comments:
In reply to a message from PKMartorell sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Knight speaks the truth, My experience with my 120 is essentially
identical. I would never switch back to bias ply. Ony year was
more than enough.
Roger
Roger, 1954 120 DHC BRG, S678300
Put me in the radial camp. My car is a nice driver and I don’t plan to
concours it.
I have about 7000 miles on a set of Firestone Cavallino Sport tires and I
like them alot. They look good (a matter of opinion I guess) and handle well,
although I also don’t slalom or push them too much. They show no
discernable wear after these miles and look to have a long life. I know Steve
Fairchild (XK140 OTS) is a fan of these tires too as he recommended them to me
originally.
I had some old bias ply tires on the car when I got it and started driving
the car with them. They had a mind of their own.
Tom,
When it came time for me to replace the Pirellis, I couldn’t find them. When
they reappeared on the market, they were so expensive. Given how you
descripbe your intended driving, I think you’ll be happy with the
Firestones. Did you get any comments back regarding Coker’s reproduction
radials? I’ve been curious about them.
Also, The comment made about not putting your new tires on the chassis while
restoring is excellent. I agree with the idea of putting some “beaters” on
to move it around. The new ones will get very nasty quickly.
Knight----- Original Message -----
From: “Tom Call” vatainc@aol.com
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2006 4:22 AM
Subject: Re: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
In reply to a message from PKMartorell sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Knight,
Thank you for your reply. I understood from the comments I read in
my research that the Prellis were very good tires. Shane, posted
they are available in the UK for 235pounds each. That would be a
cost of $2190US not counting tubes and shipping, a bit much for my
budget. Your comments about the Firestone and Michelins were very
helpful and one that I was considering. I’ve read two other older
posting with similar comments on the Firestones.
Thanks again!
Tom Call
'55 Xk140MC
Portland, OR
The original message included these comments:
It’s first shoes were Pirellis Cinturatos : Great tire! We did allot of
rallies on those. Heavier than most, but they are definitely a first
choice.
Firestone Cavallinos were the next set. I really liked these tires too -
a
little softer than the Pirellis. These were on the car when we did our
1500
mile trek through the Appalachians and they were very nice on the road.
The car now has the Michelins on it, and they are my least favorite. I
have
skirts on my car, so clearance in tire width is an issue for me. Ther
Michelins have, by far the narrowest width and do not touch the fender
skirt
locking mechanism. If it weren’t for that, I’d like to have my Firestones
back.
Tom,
When it came time for me to replace the Pirellis, I couldn’t find them. When
they reappeared on the market, they were so expensive. Given how you
descripbe your intended driving, I think you’ll be happy with the
Firestones. Did you get any comments back regarding Coker’s reproduction
radials? I’ve been curious about them.
Also, The comment made about not putting your new tires on the chassis while
restoring is excellent. I agree with the idea of putting some “beaters” on
to move it around. The new ones will get very nasty quickly.
Knight
----- Original Message -----
From: “Tom Call” vatainc@aol.com
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2006 4:22 AM
Subject: Re: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
In reply to a message from PKMartorell sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Knight,
Thank you for your reply. I understood from the comments I read in
my research that the Prellis were very good tires. Shane, posted
they are available in the UK for 235pounds each. That would be a
cost of $2190US not counting tubes and shipping, a bit much for my
budget. Your comments about the Firestone and Michelins were very
helpful and one that I was considering. I’ve read two other older
posting with similar comments on the Firestones.
Thanks again!
Tom Call
'55 Xk140MC
Portland, OR
The original message included these comments:
It’s first shoes were Pirellis Cinturatos : Great tire! We did allot of
rallies on those. Heavier than most, but they are definitely a first
choice.
Firestone Cavallinos were the next set. I really liked these tires too -
a
little softer than the Pirellis. These were on the car when we did our
1500
mile trek through the Appalachians and they were very nice on the road.
The car now has the Michelins on it, and they are my least favorite. I
have
skirts on my car, so clearance in tire width is an issue for me. Ther
Michelins have, by far the narrowest width and do not touch the fender
skirt
locking mechanism. If it weren’t for that, I’d like to have my Firestones
back.
I posted info on this a while back but here goes again. A number of us have
had excellent results with Dunlop GrandTrek radials. If you want
period-looking whitewalls, Diamondback Classics (usual discl) grinds off the
outside of the Dunlops and then vulcanizes a three inch whitewall on them.
When I bought mine in '01 I paid $149 plus $12 freight for each of the
whitewalls. Their phone is 888-922-1642. Now, if you don’t care about the
whitewalls, I’d check the local tire stores and see if they carry the
standard tires. I mounted 215-70R16 tires on my XK-150 wires. Of, course
you will need to use tubes with the wire wheels. You will need to wrap the
inside of the wheels to keep the spoke ends from abrading the tube (been
there, done that). Picture of my tires is at: http://members.tripod.com/pats-jags/gallery01/car_gallery01_0.htm
Tom,
When it came time for me to replace the Pirellis, I couldn’t find them. When
they reappeared on the market, they were so expensive. Given how you
descripbe your intended driving, I think you’ll be happy with the
Firestones. Did you get any comments back regarding Coker’s reproduction
radials? I’ve been curious about them.
Also, The comment made about not putting your new tires on the chassis while
restoring is excellent. I agree with the idea of putting some “beaters” on
to move it around. The new ones will get very nasty quickly.
Knight
----- Original Message -----
From: “Tom Call” vatainc@aol.com
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2006 4:22 AM
Subject: Re: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
In reply to a message from PKMartorell sent Thu 1 Jun 2006:
Knight,
Thank you for your reply. I understood from the comments I read in my
research that the Prellis were very good tires. Shane, posted they are
available in the UK for 235pounds each. That would be a cost of
$2190US not counting tubes and shipping, a bit much for my budget.
Your comments about the Firestone and Michelins were very helpful and
one that I was considering. I’ve read two other older posting with
similar comments on the Firestones.
Thanks again!
Tom Call
'55 Xk140MC
Portland, OR
The original message included these comments:
It’s first shoes were Pirellis Cinturatos : Great tire! We did allot
of rallies on those. Heavier than most, but they are definitely a
first choice.
Firestone Cavallinos were the next set. I really liked these tires
too - a little softer than the Pirellis. These were on the car when
we did our 1500 mile trek through the Appalachians and they were very
nice on the road.
The car now has the Michelins on it, and they are my least favorite.
I have skirts on my car, so clearance in tire width is an issue for
me. Ther Michelins have, by far the narrowest width and do not touch
the fender skirt locking mechanism. If it weren’t for that, I’d like
to have my Firestones back.
Pat…your car is totally gorgeous, Dude. And, for the record, I’m
with Pat on this tire issue. I like having Dunlops on my roadster and
they fill up the fender wells just right (to my eye). here’s some
images of Diamond Back Dunlops on a '54 XK120SE OTS:
Tom Carson
1954 XK 120SE OTS S674946
1962 3.8 Mark 2 MOD, chrome wires
1970 XJ6 1L55441BW
Juneau, AlaskaOn Jun 2, 2006, at 1:09 PM, Pat Harmon wrote:
I posted info on this a while back but here goes again. A number of
us have
had excellent results with Dunlop GrandTrek radials. If you want
period-looking whitewalls, Diamondback Classics (usual discl) grinds
off the
outside of the Dunlops and then vulcanizes a three inch whitewall on
them.
When I bought mine in '01 I paid $149 plus $12 freight for each of the
whitewalls. Their phone is 888-922-1642. Now, if you don’t care
about the
whitewalls, I’d check the local tire stores and see if they carry the
standard tires. I mounted 215-70R16 tires on my XK-150 wires. Of,
course
you will need to use tubes with the wire wheels. You will need to
wrap the
inside of the wheels to keep the spoke ends from abrading the tube
(been
there, done that). Picture of my tires is at: Pat's Jags - Gallery
Pat H.
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2006 9:08 AM
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Subject: Re: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
In reply to a message from Pat Harmon sent Fri 2 Jun 2006:
Pat,
Thank you for the comments on Dunlop GrandTrek 215-70R16 tires you
put on your XK-150 with wires. When I went online I found four
types of GrandTrek 1) PT4000 2) ST8000 3)WT M2 and 4) WT M3. Which
of these were the ones your nad several other s have purchased and
used with good results?
Thank you,
Tom Call
'55 XK140MC
Portland, OR–
The original message included these comments:
I posted info on this a while back but here goes again. A number of us have
had excellent results with Dunlop GrandTrek radials. If you want
standard tires. I mounted 215-70R16 tires on my XK-150 wires. Of, course
you will need to use tubes with the wire wheels. You will need to wrap the
inside of the wheels to keep the spoke ends from abrading the tube (been
there, done that). Picture of my tires is at: Pat's Jags - Gallery
Pat H.
Pat…your car is totally gorgeous, Dude. And, for the record, I’m with Pat
on this tire issue. I like having Dunlops on my roadster and they fill up
the fender wells just right (to my eye). here’s some images of Diamond Back
Dunlops on a '54 XK120SE OTS:
Tom Carson
1954 XK 120SE OTS S674946
1962 3.8 Mark 2 MOD, chrome wires
1970 XJ6 1L55441BW
Juneau, Alaska
On Jun 2, 2006, at 1:09 PM, Pat Harmon wrote:
I posted info on this a while back but here goes again. A number of
us have had excellent results with Dunlop GrandTrek radials. If you
want period-looking whitewalls, Diamondback Classics (usual discl)
grinds off the outside of the Dunlops and then vulcanizes a three inch
whitewall on them.
When I bought mine in '01 I paid $149 plus $12 freight for each of the
whitewalls. Their phone is 888-922-1642. Now, if you don’t care
about the whitewalls, I’d check the local tire stores and see if they
carry the standard tires. I mounted 215-70R16 tires on my XK-150
wires. Of, course you will need to use tubes with the wire wheels.
You will need to wrap the inside of the wheels to keep the spoke ends
from abrading the tube (been there, done that). Picture of my tires is
at: Pat's Jags - Gallery
Pat H.
Sent: Friday, June 02, 2006 9:08 AM
To: xk@jag-lovers.org
Subject: Re: [xk] Tire suggestions for XK140 in the 185R16 size?
In reply to a message from Pat Harmon sent Fri 2 Jun 2006:
Pat,
Thank you for the comments on Dunlop GrandTrek 215-70R16 tires you put on
your XK-150 with wires. When I went online I found four types of GrandTrek
PT4000 2) ST8000 3)WT M2 and 4) WT M3. Which of these were the ones your
nad several other s have purchased and used with good results?
Thank you,
Tom Call
'55 XK140MC
Portland, OR
The original message included these comments:
I posted info on this a while back but here goes again. A number of
us have had excellent results with Dunlop GrandTrek radials. If you
want standard tires. I mounted 215-70R16 tires on my XK-150 wires.
Of, course you will need to use tubes with the wire wheels. You will
need to wrap the inside of the wheels to keep the spoke ends from
abrading the tube (been there, done that). Picture of my tires is at: Pat's Jags - Gallery
Pat H.