411 Tires

[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.

[Peter Grace]

Avon Safety Wheels. Instructions

Avon Tyres Nostalgia - Safety Wheel promo - YouTube

[Sam410]

On a related note, does anyone here have any experience of Blockley radial tyres on a V8 Bristol? (I don't mean the cross-ply tyres that Blockley are famous for, but their recently introduced small range of radials.) My 410 currently wears too-wide 215/70s, but I am thinking of changing them for either the correct full profile 185 or possibly a 205/70. Blockley radials tyres are not the cheapest option, though they are far from the most expensive, but finding much real-world experience of them is hard.