Ever since I put "Fay" back on the road in 1999 she has been on undersized tyres, she should have been on 155 x14's but at the time I couldn't get any, so she went onto 145 x 80 x14's, this hasn't been a problem as she still handled well although sometimes enthusiastic driving made the tyres squeal a bit, but they did always look a bit on the skinny side.
About 5 years ago I bought a secondhand set of Dunlop SP sports 165 x 65 x 14 for about £10 a tyre with lots of life left in them, but never fitted them as I was concerned they might be a problem being oversize, meantime they've been stored in a dark garage away from sunlight.
Last week Fay went in for a MOT + service and check over in plenty of time before heading off for Turin in September, a phone call from David Thomas said I'd need at least one new tyre shortly, so I bit the bullet and got him to fit the 165's, Saturday I went to a Classic meet near Newmarket with the Cambridge Lancia Group which meant a journey of about 110 miles, while on the way home there was a torrential downpour.
I'm pleased to say I wish I'd fitted them years ago, the handling feels firmer, if a bit harsher, she feels much more solid on the road and didn't feel over-tyred at all.
They also look better as they fill out the wheelarches, so all in all pleased with the result.
Query,
does anyone use 145x80x14's as I have a couple of Firestones this size with plenty of life left in them!
Brian
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