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May 31, 2015 2:17 pm
May 31, 2015 2:17 pm
Subject: Re: Tyres for LG45
Dear all,
My contribution:
The build sheet for my LG45 shows 6X18 Dunlop Fort to have been fitted which is now superseded by Dunlop B5 600/650 - 18 and according to Vintage Tyres the spec is as follows:
Rolling dia 781mm; Section width 160; weight 14kg: Load capacity 762 kg speed limit 95mph
By comparison other 600/650-18:
Firestone is much smaller in actual size ( only 753 dia by 151 section width). Whilst Lester tyres are similar dimensions to the Dunlop B5 (775 dia by 160 section) both these makes only have a load capacity of 545 kg compared to the 762 kg for a Dunlop B5 and no speed rating quoted. I would rule both Firestone and Lester out on load rating alone as an LG45 weighs close to 2 tons, hence you would be very close to or exceeding the maximum load capacity with either of these makes.
(NB: I have had this type of Firestone before on a Thirties Austin and found that the relatively flexible sidewalls gave a softer ride but the treads wore out very quickly. This practical experience stacks up with the low load capacity.)
When I bought my LG45 it had been fitted with Michelin 600/650-18 DR which have a rolling dia of 798mm and section width 178mm (larger than Dunlop) and a speed rating of 93mph (close) . With a max load capacity of 799kg the Michelin exceeds the Dunlop B5 for that.
The Michelin tyres were worn on my car but pretty evenly and had been on there for many miles so in that sense a good report for the Michelin, HOWEVER there was evidence of the front tyres rubbing against the support brackets under the front wings so, with that in mind, and previous good experience of Dunlop B5 or similar on other cars, I bought Dunlop B5 (despite the loss of increased final drive ratio you would get with the Michelin).
Dunlop B5 is temporarily out of stock so the Michelin DR would be my choice if I needed them right now ... But I would first check that there is enough clearance on the front wing supports, suggest consider with the axle at maximum upward travel / hitting bump stops...
NB: My front springs needed re-setting which has now been done so there might be enough clearance for Michelins on your car as it is but you might need to modify the support brackets to be safe.
I looked at Blockley Tyres when selecting my tyres but they only make a 550-18 not 600/650 which sounds a bit small to me but I did not get as far as checking actual dimensions. I was put off them by a drive in a car with Blockleys fitted which I thought spoilt the handling and appearance ...but that is only an opinion and I belive they have recently added an alternative tread pattern.
Hope the above helps,
Bill
Dear all,
My contribution:
The build sheet for my LG45 shows 6X18 Dunlop Fort to have been fitted which is now superseded by Dunlop B5 600/650 - 18 and according to Vintage Tyres the spec is as follows:
Rolling dia 781mm; Section width 160; weight 14kg: Load capacity 762 kg speed limit 95mph
By comparison other 600/650-18:
Firestone is much smaller in actual size ( only 753 dia by 151 section width). Whilst Lester tyres are similar dimensions to the Dunlop B5 (775 dia by 160 section) both these makes only have a load capacity of 545 kg compared to the 762 kg for a Dunlop B5 and no speed rating quoted. I would rule both Firestone and Lester out on load rating alone as an LG45 weighs close to 2 tons, hence you would be very close to or exceeding the maximum load capacity with either of these makes.
(NB: I have had this type of Firestone before on a Thirties Austin and found that the relatively flexible sidewalls gave a softer ride but the treads wore out very quickly. This practical experience stacks up with the low load capacity.)
When I bought my LG45 it had been fitted with Michelin 600/650-18 DR which have a rolling dia of 798mm and section width 178mm (larger than Dunlop) and a speed rating of 93mph (close) . With a max load capacity of 799kg the Michelin exceeds the Dunlop B5 for that.
The Michelin tyres were worn on my car but pretty evenly and had been on there for many miles so in that sense a good report for the Michelin, HOWEVER there was evidence of the front tyres rubbing against the support brackets under the front wings so, with that in mind, and previous good experience of Dunlop B5 or similar on other cars, I bought Dunlop B5 (despite the loss of increased final drive ratio you would get with the Michelin).
Dunlop B5 is temporarily out of stock so the Michelin DR would be my choice if I needed them right now ... But I would first check that there is enough clearance on the front wing supports, suggest consider with the axle at maximum upward travel / hitting bump stops...
NB: My front springs needed re-setting which has now been done so there might be enough clearance for Michelins on your car as it is but you might need to modify the support brackets to be safe.
I looked at Blockley Tyres when selecting my tyres but they only make a 550-18 not 600/650 which sounds a bit small to me but I did not get as far as checking actual dimensions. I was put off them by a drive in a car with Blockleys fitted which I thought spoilt the handling and appearance ...but that is only an opinion and I belive they have recently added an alternative tread pattern.
Hope the above helps,
Bill