Radial tyres

[Bob Thompson]

I am thinking of fitting Excelsior Stahl Radial vintage tyres to my 3.5l Saloon.
I am not sure whether to fit 550R 18 or 600/650R 18.
The smaller is slightly smaller than my existing Dunlop D2/103 and the larger is slightly larger!
Does anybody have any experience with these tyres and viewpoints?

I am seeking greater straight line stability and less tramlining.

[John Murch]

Bob, there was a thread on the VSCC forum on this subject, I think it only got a couple of replies, but both were from well respected members who had fitted them to RR 20/25 cars. They spoke highly of them,

"I fitted a set to my 20/25 about 18 months ago - brilliant.

It is necessary to increase the type pressure by about 4psi but the results are a revelation. The steering is lighter, ride smoother and, most important of all, the car does not track ruts in tarmac. Not only that, the tyre size looks appropriate for the car.

Worth the effort and expense."

John.

[Christopher Carnley]

Bob,

Yes the twitchiness of these cars is a problem, but I think that you should speak to the tyre experts at Longstone Tyres near Bawtry, as they have many customer wishing to convert, and the actual rim size in the Derby is quite small .

The radial does make for extra low speed stickiness, but Stephen Blakey will advise you on a suitable rowing machine to build up your shoulder muscles, as his steering wheel, good as it looks would be a suitable size for a Go-kart.

I have had one car fitted with Dunlop Sport cross plies, which were a lot better, but needed a bit more air pressure.

[Stephen Blakey]

Bob,

You don't mention the coachbuilder. On the Park Ward 3½ there is a body mount just inboard of the tyre, where the chassis kicks over the axle, with little clearance to the tyre. Also there's not a huge amount of extra room between the outside of the tyre and the inside of the wing. Remember to check both sides as cars are not particularly symmetrical, they don't need to be. Also remember the sprung and unsprung parts can move sideways relative to each other so you will need to make a judgement on how close you want to go with the wider tyres. Of course your car might be different and clearance may not be an issue.

For what it's worth I don't remember the steering on my MKVI becoming any heavier when I changed from crossplies to 205 radials (big improvement).

Chris,

I have driven a S1 engined radial tyred Padgett R Type special with a steering wheel that size and it's fine (I do use a rowing machine and like spinach, but that's by the by).

[Christopher Carnley]

Yes, the body mounts were made of wood, and I had to cut a bit off. However spinach is gross and like rhubarb,all it will do is give you kidney stones, because of all the oxalates, and no more iron than beans.

It is amazing what influence a ridiculous cartoon can have.

(Now I am having earache about the "new Special").

[James O'Neil]

If I recall correctly, spinach's reputation came about as a result of a misplaced decimal point in the published results of some research. But it did the trick for Popeye.

[Bob Thompson]

Thanks Gentlemen for your replies.
I will be going for the smaller option - 550 x 18. I'm not sure where the steering wheel size thread came from? Mine will remain standard anyway and the body is a Thrupp 4 door Sports Saloon. I've done 45,000 miles on several sets of Dunlop Sports, so it will be interesting to try the Radials. With the Dunlops the tramlining on lorry tracks can be downright frightening at times.

[Richardson Masten]

How do you like the tires?

[Bob Thompson]

I am very pleased with the Radials. Big improvement in ride and grip. Very noticeable reduction in tramlining. Definitely do recommend them. Size is correct and they look good on the car. Spare fits my wheelcover OK too.
Only downside is slightly more road noise than the Dunlops.
I am running 38psi front and 40 rear, but 44 rear when towing a light trailer with my Austin on it!
I'd be interested in other people's experience with tyre pressures on Radials?