John,
Most TD & TF drivers seem to use 5.50x15 or 5.60x15 bias ply, and
165x15 radials. The problem one faces is that even the bias plys have a
smaller rolling circumference than the original Dunlop Gold Seal 5.50x15,
hence the revs/mile increase with the new tires. The problem is worse
with the 165x15, as they have a smaller circumference than the bias plys
that fit the wheel The width of the rims limits the width (thus also
the height) of the tire. Choices, choices.
I bought Firestone 5.60x15 to replace some very worn Michelins X. They
do look more appropriate for the car, but I would hazard a guess that the
Michelin tubes alone would have better grip on the pavement than the
Firestones. Memory is that the original Gold Seals on the car were the
true inspiration for Nader's "Unsafe At Any Speed", though that chapter
was left out of the book. The Firestones aren't much, if any better.
My advice is that you ask Coker and the other tire dealers for the
largest tire they carry that will fit these narrow rims. One of our club
members related at the last meeting that there are tires that fit our
cars, but that they have modern, swirly, tread patterns that don't look
right on T-series cars.
On my TD, the key stays in the slot in the steering column and the
wheel will, with some wiggling, slide off the column and the key.
Bob
On Mon, 10 May 1999 21:12:09 EDT PINNSYSGRP@aol.com writes:
>Hi to all,
>
>I have a couple of questions concerning the right size (or best size)
>tires
>for both my TD and TF. I have had regular nylon bias tires on my TD
>for about
>eight years now. (Bought them at a really good price just when I
>needed
>them.) No real tread wear is evident but am conscious of the timeframe
>
>involved and dry rotting. I also want to buy a new set of tires for my
>
>recently purchased TF 1500. It is now carrying regular nylon bias ply
>tires,
>but want to get radials with the thin white wall for both cars.
>
>Can someone out there tell me what to buy. What looks good. I think
>that I
>can get the small white walls from Coker tire, since I questioned them
>at
>last years' Carlisle show concerning availability. I questioned them,
>however, about straight replacements for the TD, not about anything a
>bit
>larger.
>
>Maybe another question that you can help with. Am trying to remove the
>
>steering wheel. Loosened the column bolt and pulled out the wheel to
>its
>stopping point. Removed the center piece and loosened the bolt holding
>the
>wheel to the column. Thought that the wheel would just come off at
>this point
>but, alas, stays where it is. I think they is a key at the top of the
>post,
>but how do you remove it. All assistance greatly appreciated!
>
>John Downing
>'50 MG TD
>'54 MG TF 1500
>'61 Healey 3000 BT7
>'79 MGB (sadly for sale)
>
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