411 Tires

[Peter Grace]

Thanks both.

Yes, I may be guilty of worrying too much. I suppose the best bet is to try some and see. The Pirelli P4s might be fine.

Kevin, I thought I had the safety wheels and they do indeed have the inside band you describe in your earlier posting. The tyrefitters were most amused when I read it out, sitting on a box in the middle of rural Canterbury.

I will ask the tyrefitter to check the width of the wheels.

Would very much appreciate hearing what you have currently on yours.

Cheers

P

[peasantslife]

Kevin, thank you for the post, what I had hoped to do was illustrate there is much more to tyre purchase than just a brand name and price. In the two major world markets manufacturers are now obliged to proffer more information. You raise good questions regarding the speedo running perhaps a tad out. Well to use an extreme example going from 82% to say 40% aspect (without upping rim diameter) would have a dramatic impact on speedo accuracy and would contravene regulation in europe for sure with regard to required speed indicator accuracy. And then the Insurance companies jump in and say 'modified but not declared' and decline claims. You are correct load and speed ratings are vital for safe sustained operation, luckily the modal cars using the tyre sizes in discussion have progressively put on weight so it s now very hard to find tyres which do not have the cars of the 60's/70's and even 80's already within their performance limits, but yes most important to check, even if you never do go over the speed limit, as Insurance companies will again use this as a lever to avoid a claim. If I may make a few more comments for Peter though, In europe a 'new' tyre when supplied must not be unreasonably old. Here we are within our rights to reject a tyre offered with a date code showing it has been on the shelf for too long. Depending on manufacturer they suggest from 4 years old you should be replacing tyres regardless of apparent condition. Be wary, there are many new tyres out there which are very old. We buy huge numbers of tyres annually and now specify no more than 6 months old at our first usage - that may be a bit harsh for a retail expectation, but illustrates the point. And finally, the major 'quality' brands generally give the best holistic price verses consistent performance and longevity. Best of luck with your selection.

[GREG]

Driven on loads of new and old tyres without incident ! I don't think I'm just lucky but I do think there are a lot of scaremongers around about tyres ! I think using common sense about how much you use them and how you drive should direct you to what you need -- and Taxi tyres are great :-))

[Kevin H]

Originally Posted by Peter Grace

Would very much appreciate hearing what you have currently on yours.

Peter, mine are 215/70R15, Avon Turbospeeds for what it's worth, God knows how old they are! The Avon Safety wheels are 7" wide.

My 411 was fitted with 205/75R15 on the 6" steel rims when I bought it. I acquired the Avon wheels secondhand from Bristol and they came wearing the 215/70R15 Turbospeeds

When our cars were new, standard tyres were 205R15 tyres (82% profile), on the 6" steel rims. Not sure what tires Bristol used if the customer "optioned up" to the Avon wheels?

The aspect ratio of the 215/70R15 is approximately 10% less than the original tires, so your speedo would read a bit more than the speed you are actually doing.

Avon appear to still make the 215/70R15 Turbospeed (CR28), maybe you could import some from the US or UK.

Interestingly the Avon Turbosteel CR28 is exempt from the EU tyre labelling regulation, because the tyre is designed to be fitted only to vehicles registered for the first time before 1 October 1990.

215/75R15 may be better if you can get them.

[Peter Grace]

Thanks Kevin, Greg and Peasantlife

Surprising what your learn when you get around to it. Prompted by your idea of importing the Turbospeeds I went to the Avon site (yes, I should have done that much earlier) and have found a NZ stockist. While he doesn't have the Turbospeeds listed on his own website I am asking him the question.

That would be ideal as I still have the two older Turbospeeds in the garage, never used, and possibly good as back up tyres.

Thanks again for all your help. Fingers crossed it is solved.

Peter

[Kevin H]

Peter, before you commit to buy Avons through their NZ "agent" I would contact some of the Avon retailers in the US (or in the UK) and see how much they are to buy there because there is some evidence that us colonial dwellers often pay through the nose for products which cost a lot less in the UK or USA.

Just an example, I recently bought a diagnostic tool for my Landrover Discovery 3 from a UK Britpart agent, couriered to my door for $450. The local Australian Britpart agent quoted me $770, and they had to order it from the UK anyway.

I could tell you some stories about Mercedes parts pricing in Australia which beggar belief!

Just one other thing - a 215/75R15 could be an even better fit than a 215/70R15(closer to the original fitted tire height). I discovered this is a common tire size because a lot of smaller SUV/4WD vehicles use them. The challenge of course is to find one that has a reasonable looking tread as many of them are quite chunky.

[peasantslife]

Ah, interesting you mention Tire Height - implication - you have a tendency or at least understand US nomenclature. In europe we talk of Rolling Radius which is of course a function of inflation pressures and load...
Just in case it helps Avon -of Melksham- was certainly where Turbospeeds and Turbosteels were made in the 60-80's. But the company was bought by Cooper Tires (a US firm ) many years ago and I really have no idea where they come from now, but may be a route to Avon supply even if not proclaimed, if that is your chosen path.

[Peter Grace]

I have had a response from Avon Uk, referring me to vintagetyres.com, which may be of interest as their website specifically includes Bristols.

Vintage Tyres: For all Vintage & Classic Tires +44 (0)1590 612261



Thank you for your email.

These tyres are only available via Vintage Tyres based in Beaulieu, you can find their contact details here Vintage Tyre Supplies | Avon Motorsport

Kind regards

Christopher Askew
Technical Sales Engineer

[GREG]

Not true ! the other tyre specialist that stocks Avon tyres are Longstone Tyres Bristol 411 Both are expensive ! I would prefer to find a close modern tyre size.