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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Tubeless Tyres

Hi,

My midget as 13 inch wire wheels that need blasting and repainting. The prior owner said the tyres where new and they look unused. Just had the tyres removed from the wheels ready for the blasters and we've realised that they are tubeless 145/80R 13 and but also has the inner tubes.

Does this matter, do I need to buy new tyres? The garage is recommending it do, of course.

Thanks

James
James Paul

The reason tubed tyres are used is to prevent chafing of the tube and sudden deflation. The inside of tubless tyres does not have to be smooth. This is more of a problem with radials than crossplies as the tyre moves about more. That said if the inside of the tubless tyre is good then the risk of chafing is reduced. There are many instances of tubless tyres fitted with tubes without any problems at all. One way to check is to ask the tyre manufacturer. For example some Michelin Tyres have a quite smooth internal wall and are less prone to chafing. Another option is to ask a specialist vintage tyre supplier like Longstone tyres. Most local tyre fitters have, understandably, little knowledge of wire wheels and tubed fittings.
Bob Beaumont

I have had wires with tubeless tyres and tubes for years with no problems. MWS do some sizes, but not for Midget, which are tubeless. I have often wondered why they dont do them in all sizes, something to do with cost no doubt.

Trev
T Mason

Thanks Bob,

I ended up speaking to Longstone tyres who seem to be the experts on classic tyres and they told me that my tubeless tyres are fine with an inner tube due to the profile of the tyre.

I mentioned the issue of chaffing you highlighted and he said that could be an issue if you use cheap inner tubes, but if you have some like a Michelin this would be fine. He suggested I check whilst we were on the phone.

Turns out they are made in Korea and could be quite old. So he suggested I check the tyres as well and although they have never been used they are 18 years old as well!

So new tyres and inner tubes all round then!!

James Paul

James

Well at least you know. Running around on 18 year old rubber is clearly not ideal !!! Make sure the tyre fitters know what they are doing when the new tyres and tubes are fitted. Its possible to trap the tube leading to a potential deflation. In addition the fitters will need to have access to equipment to balance wire wheels.
Bob Beaumont

As Bob says make sure they are balanced properly. Many fitters will claim they can do them but dont have the right equipment to do it.

Trev
T Mason

I've always disliked wire wheels (pram wheels) and the more I read about them the more I dislike them. An anachronism that should have disappeared many years ago in my opinion. If you want a knock-on wheel, the Lotus Elan pattern was so superior. A solid steel wheel that won't distort when cornering, and peg drive instead of the ghastly Rudge-Whitworth tapered splines which just wear out.

I'll put my flak jacket on now.
Mike Howlett

I agree, I'd have jumped at the opportunity of getting rid of the wire-wheels, and inner tubes cost a good portion of renewing the tyres now.

I was more concerned about the idea of 18 year old tyres being on public roads even if they were unused, see below for a similar example.

The BGT owner originally posted the photo as a warning not to trust old tyres, regardless of make, model and tread depth on them.






Nigel Atkins

This thread was discussed on 04/08/2020

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.