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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG TD TF 1500 - TD tyres

can any lister tell me the correct radial tyre size for my TD. One has just disintigrated due to age I think, but the size on the tyre is CR78-15 no-one locally recognises this size. the tyres could be 16 years old, looks perfect but badly perished on the inside. Any particular brand prefered, I have heard Toyo are used on the T type. Your comments would be appreciated.
Thomas WELLS

165-15. Michelin still makes it in the XZX.
George Butz

Michelins XZX's are still available in the states through Coker Tire, I don't know who would carry them in the UK. There are still a couple of Asian companies that make this size (165 80 15); Nankang and Kumho. These are at the bottom of the price scale, but the consensus seems to be that they are acceptable. I believe that Semperit also still makes these tires at a higher price and (I assume)quality. I am in the process of replacing my 15 year old Dunlop sp20's. One thing to keep in mind when switching to radials, is that the diameter is a bit smaller (25.4") which will render your speedometer innaccurate. One other hint that might help-this size also fits the origional type (rear engine) VW bugs.
Steve Tobias

Thank you for your replies, it seems there is a lot of talk about older tyres causing accidents through blowouts.
Thomas WELLS

Thomas, I would think the Dutch made Verdstein's (sorry about the spelling) might be more reasonable in your area. I have them on my TF although I must admit I would rather have the Michelins.

LaVerne
LaVerne

http://www.britishmotoring.net/

Follow that link to the Moss British Motoring online version of the Summer 2008 issue.

They have an entire article on modern tire sizes - Kelvin Dodd wrote it and it is very well done

Jeff
Jeff

Hi Thomas,

I have just had TOYO 330 165/80/15/T fitted all round on my newly restored TD by etyres.co.uk. They came to the house and fitted them £43 + vat per tyre balanced and fitted. I'm very pleased with them
Regards Chris
C A Pick

Hi Chris,
Are you running them tubeless, and if so, for how long?. I keep getting various answers as to the safety of this as the wheels were in use before tubeless tyres became the norm.
Ray
TF2884
Ray Lee

Hi Ray,

I'm running tubeless Kumho's on my TD and have been for about 4 years with no problems.
One thing you might like to watch out for though is that apparently following an EU ruling, the old lead balance weights are no longer available and the newer weights simply don't fit our rims. Mine kept coming off. So if you have the tyres changed hang on the the old balance weights and reuse them if you can.

Mike
Mike Christie

I had the inside of the rims 'cleaned' up and painted (the tire guys did this) and the tires put on tubeless, I was leery, however, that was 4 years ago and I have not had to add air and have put on 18,000 miles?

Tubeless tires with no tubes
Silicone brake fluid
Original valves/seats/no lead additive
Positive ground/original generator


gblawson(gordon)

Hi Ray,

I had tubes fitted with the tyres as a safeguard they cost me £8.50p each,

regard Chris
C A Pick

The Dutch brand Laverne mentioned is Vredestein.
Their website is also in english:
http://www.vredestein.com/index.asp?TaalID=1
Greetings, Huib
Huib Bruijstens

...and this is what the Vredesteins look like on a TD (see image).


Larry Shoer

Thanks Huib,
I spoke at length last year with a Dutch couple admiring my car. It was said that the reason Van Gogh signed his paintings with Vincent was because we would butcher the pronunciation. I asked them to say it for me and I can guarantee that he was correct.

LaVerne
LaVerne

Have been offered a tyre named Nexen by Wilco Motorsave 5 tyres for £160 for the 5 fully fitted, These have a speed rating of 118mph sound OK.and the price seems good. Formular 1 have twice promised to come back to me with a price, but as yet not done so. so much for their price promise. Think I will give them a miss full time
Thomas WELLS

I've delayed junping in on tyres again since I'm not sure how much help I can be to our British friends. However, here it is for what it's worth.
Last April the Kelly radials on TD13583 were in beautiful condition. However, they were 10 years old. I was most convinenced that they were unsafe.
In April I purchased four Nexes 165/80/15 for $387 mounted, balanced and including tax. I have 1,000miles on them and they have been great. Of course they are tureless----that's how they are designed.

Dick thomas
Wooster, Ohio
Dick Thomas

Dick, You convinced me, I am going with the Nexens.
steve tobias

This thread was discussed between 24/09/2008 and 27/09/2008

MG TD TF 1500 index

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