Hi, fellow Bugeye enthusiasts! I am new to the list and have been reading the
MANY messages I get on a daily basis about the vast variety of topics that seem
to come up about our LBCs. This message I thought I could respond to. I'm
running Pirelli P300s, P155/80 R13, with the word Touring just up from the
rim. This is on disc wheels. They give good adhesion, I've been told that the
Pirellis are made of a softer rubber so they grab the road very well. They are
also supposed to wear faster. Because the Bugeye is so light, I like having
the extra grab. I've been very pleased with their performance and they do not
appear to be wearing any faster or worse than other tires (tyres).
So there, I've put my two cents in. I've got a '59 Bugeye, with a 1275 engine
and a ribcase tranny. I call her 'Elsa', for Elsa Lanchester, remember "Bride
of Frankenstein"? The 'bug-eyed' look Elsa has. Like she was constantly
hooked up to the high voltage end of the ignition system? Anyway, the name
seemed to fit. Unfortunately, about 3 weeks ago I blew the head gasket. The
waterpump went south and that was that. While I'm in the neighborhood, I'm
going to be rebuilding, upgrading, etc. a lot of things So, I'll probably be
asking for lot's of help, info.
Everyone seems great and there is a lot of knowledge freely shared. This is a
wonderful site.
John Hokans
Martyn Ridley wrote:
> Summary: For those that skim read only!
> 1. What is rolling diameter for original Frog(BUG in US)eye Sprite?
> 2. Name a modern BRITISH radial that will fit
> 3. Reply please!!!!!!!
>
> We seem to be spending a lot of time on this subject but to date I don't
> see that we are really getting anywhere. If I gauge the issues accurately,
> many of us are looking to find out what rubber me put on our various
> collection of beasts. I judge us to be in three camps; purists,
> functionalists, & go faster!.
> Purists seem to favour cross ply tyres, Functionalists, modern radials, and
> go faster, what ever is quickest and stickiest.
>
> Unless anybody can correct me, the only cross ply tyres still out there
> (worth buying) are Dunlop's vintage race tyres (L or M series). Are
> vintage race tyres suitable for street use?
>
> As for go faster tyres, I am out of my league. I know that fitting Vega
> rims and race tyres is ultimate bur exactly what is best is not in my
> realm. Help anyone?
>
> So, now to us functionalists. We are looking for good, day to day tyre,
> that will fit on a 3.5 (disc), 4.0 (wire) or 4.5 in rim. In essence we
> would like to maintain the original rolling diameter (OK PURISTS!, what is
> the original rolling diameter?) and give us the benefits of modern
> technology (as those around us will have it and assume we do too!). I have
> no problem with 165/70s if they fit on the 4.0 rim. Do they?, Safely?
> What if I only have the Frog's 3.5 disc wheels? Is there a 155/75?, or
> will a 175/70 or 175/60 that will fit? I know Dunlop does a 145/80, a
> 155/80 and a 165/70. Are there any REAL British mfgers out there that make
> equivalent tyres? (Sorry, functionalist I may be, but putting yoko's or CDN
> tyre cheep o cheepos is beneath me) Comments would be appreciated.
>
> Cheers,
> Martyn
>
> It's the going, not the getting there, that's good.
> (Harry Chapin - Greyhound)
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