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John Beech
Prolific User
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 187
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Monday, 06 February, 2017 - 08:26 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I'm interested in new tires for Tootsie, an early Shadow. I understand 205/75-15 are specified and I won't stray from this size. I also understand the load rating is important due to her 2-1/2 ton unladen weight. What's the thinking about current available tires in the USA? What I have learned thus far is that for her load-rating I am being steered toward SUV-tread type tires, and none with a thin white wall. These are not how I want to go because I desire a silent-ish highway ride without the noise associated with an aggressive tread pattern. Thoughts? Specifics, please.
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Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp

Post Number: 2218
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Tuesday, 07 February, 2017 - 03:09 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

If you have not already downloaded the RR & Bentley Parts, Repair, Restoration & Other Resources Compilation then do so and search for "Tire Size Information".

I've trod this territory so many times that I've permanently documented it so I don't have to repeat it again.

Whitewalls are generally available in one of the sizes that can be fitted to your particular car, but the "who's making them now" can change from month to month. The two-series tires are slightly larger and the two brands I've found over time that meet the required load rating that also have thin (but not as thin as the ones in your picture) whitewalls have been Kumho and Hankook, both of which have been great.

Then search for the section entitled, "ONLINE TIRE SELLERS," and do some searching for whitewalls in the size you require.

Brian
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ross kowalski
Prolific User
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 269
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Tuesday, 07 February, 2017 - 12:45 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

Tire size be damned, I would have to suggest, GoodYear Assurance Comfortread. They are a very quiet tire. I don't know if they are available in that size but get something in a similar diameter and you should be fine, there is a lot of room in those wheel wells.

I have 215 70 15's on the RR now with no strange handling traits.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1020
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Tuesday, 07 February, 2017 - 01:00 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Here is a link Gents.

I don't think we can get these in Australia.

https://www.goodyear.com/en-US/tires/assurance-comfortred-touring

Nice looking tyre/tire.


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Patrick Francis
Experienced User
Username: jackpot

Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 04:14 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

My Shadow 1 is on 215/75 15 (and happily so) instead of the 235/70 15s because I was worried about the wider tyre.
I find that turning the wheels half swing, the inside edge (and outside edge on the other side) of the tyre is very close to the front of the wheel arch, and I didn't want to take the risk. Anyone on 235/70 15s notice how close the tyre gets?
I know that clear means clear, but you can get tyre flexing and some slight bush flexing on cornering, especially on such a heavy car, and the clearance seems to be minimal.
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Alan Scard
Experienced User
Username: alanscard

Post Number: 22
Registered: 7-2015
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 04:22 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I went through this process back in 2008 and ended up fitting the Cooper.
Regards Alan

TYRES FOR 1972 SHADOW SRH 13952

• Original tyre size 8.15 H 15 or 8.45 H 15 (cross ply) or 205 x 15 Radial ply.
• Existing tyres are Michelin XH 225/75R15. Load rating 102, speed rating of R = 106mph.
• Avon 205 VR 15 (80 aspect ratio, load rating 97 =730kg / 1609lbs)
Speed rating V= 149mph
Vintage tyre price is £228.83 x 4 = £915.32 including 5% Beaulieu discount.
Options: Both with white wall.
1. Cooper Lifeliner Classic II WSW 225/75 R15 (Load rating 102 = 850kg / 1874lbs) Speed rating S = 112mph.
Sinton Tyres price is £71.84 less 20% discount = £57.47 x 4 = £229.88.
Includes vat and delivery, but not fitting. Auto Tyre Centre fitting is £40.
Therefore total cost is £269.88.
2. Nexen SB702 205/70R15 (Load rating 95 = 690kg / 1521lbs) Speed rating T = 118mph.
Sinton price is £72.12 less 40% discount = £43.27 x 4 = £173.08 plus £40 fitting gives a total of £213.08.

205/80/15 = 709mm tyre diameter. (2.5% +/- is acceptable)
205/70/15 = 668mm tyre diameter. (-5.78%) Car will sit 20mm lower on the road.
30 MPH reading will actually be 28.3 MPH.
225/75/15 = 719mm tyre diameter. (+1.41%) Car will sit 5mm higher on the road.

Car weight is 4780 lbs / 2168 kg. Each tyre will be 1195 lbs / 542 kg.
Load rating of 95 is 127% of weight on each wheel.

Goodyear technical Tel. 01902 453097 (Dave) does not think load rating of 95 would be a problem.
Avon technical Tel. 01225 357750 Ken Tucker.
Sinton Tyres Tel. 01908 665591 Ian Bowel. www.tyrespec.co.uk

Vehicle Inspectorate Tel.01903 753305 does not look at the MOT for load or speed rating on cars, only tread depth, therefore so long as tyres have good tread they are legal. Footman James the Insurance Company is only interested if it is legal or not.

Oct 2008
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Robert Noel Reddington
Grand Master
Username: bob_uk

Post Number: 1282
Registered: 5-2015
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 08:30 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Check out Cooper tyres.

SUV tyres that are road orientated are available.
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Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp

Post Number: 2219
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 09:52 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I have found scads of whitewall tires in 215/75R15 and 225/75R15 on several of the online tire sellers I routinely use (and, as everyone knows already, I'm in the USA and, as it happens, so is Mr. Beech).

Hankook Optimo H724s are definitely available. The majority of 215s have a load rating of 100 and speed rating of S and the majority of 225s have a load rating of 102 and speed rating of S. All are passenger car touring tires.

There is no shortage of whitewall tire options for the Shadow series cars at the moment. That's not always the case, but you can usually find at least one or two in "the worst of times."

Brian
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1030
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 10:12 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Gents,

Many of our club members have fitted and swear by these fantastic looking Maxxis tyres.
As close to the Avon spec you will get I was told by a club member (who shall remain nameless Brian)
He tells me the ride & quietness from these tyres are excellent. Prices are good as well.



They come in all sizes with or without whitewalls.

http://antiquetyresonline.com.au/tyres/maxxis/
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ross kowalski
Prolific User
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 271
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 11:27 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick F,

I had cooper truck tires on the RR when I first got it because I had a set which by the way is not how to choose tires.

They were 235 75's and they hit the front of the front wheel well liner all the time. I trimmed the lower edge just to turn large radius corners without serious scraping. I replaced them with 215's and have not had a rub since.
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Alan Ford
Prolific User
Username: herne13

Post Number: 140
Registered: 8-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 02:35 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I recently shod NBG-15389 "Benny" with Maxxis 235/75/15 and not a problem at all.
Bentleys have larger rims mudguards and clearance?
Phil recommended them and got them in for me, the load rating is 105.
The end result is I have the proper size tyres and load rating. The car was sitting too low before and the spoiler was hitting things like spoon drains and gutters. I cant say I have noticed any excess road noise but then I am only new to the marque.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1035
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 08 February, 2017 - 09:38 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Alan,

Are your tyres the same tread pattern as above the MA 1?
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ross kowalski
Prolific User
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 272
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Thursday, 09 February, 2017 - 11:10 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Alan,

I would assume the Bently and the Shadow shared the same rim width, offset, and such.

Hmmm.

I do know the 235's did hit until I "massaged" things a little.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1042
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 09 February, 2017 - 11:37 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

What year model is Benny Alan?

Ross,
Alan's car is a fair bit newer, thus wider rims I think.
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Alan Ford
Prolific User
Username: herne13

Post Number: 141
Registered: 8-2016
Posted on Thursday, 09 February, 2017 - 02:17 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Gentlemen, here are a few quick photo's for you.

I hope they shed some light on the subject without getting too confused with different vintages. No massaging was necessary in this instance.

Benny is a 1986 model.






The whole car needs a thorough clean and polish but the photo's highlite the areas I am unable to get down low enough to do anything :-(
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Patrick Francis
Experienced User
Username: jackpot

Post Number: 26
Registered: 11-2016
Posted on Saturday, 11 February, 2017 - 06:42 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

My car on 215/75 15. Previous 225/70 15 were even tighter. That's why I did not go for the 235/70 15s - scared they would touch.
Ross's 235/75 15 touched so maybe made the right decision?









.
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Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey

Post Number: 1595
Registered: 5-2012
Posted on Saturday, 11 February, 2017 - 07:07 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

As an aside, I remember reading that the front wheels on the Silver Spirit were positioned too far forward in the wheelarch,
due to a design error. RR decided it was too expensive to correct so went with it. The close up in Alan's top picture seems to bear this out.
The wheel is not central. To all practical purposes this is of course of no consequence, but it is an interesting insight into
the history of these cars.

Geoff
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ross kowalski
Prolific User
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 273
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Saturday, 11 February, 2017 - 11:22 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

This doesn't tell the whole story because wider tires interfere on turning at the same diameter as a narrower tire that does not, but for the general good.

http://www.jekylhyderacing.com/HeightofTires.htm



Patrick,

That might be the case as the B, especially the turbo was a sportier ride.


Patrick F.

That clearance looks like what I was having interference with on the 235's. The interference when turning was maybe a quarter of an inch, but let me tell you, when your generally silent hand built British smoking room on wheels makes that noise, it is concerning and I have a pretty high tolerance for mechanical cruelty.
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Jonas TRACHSEL
Prolific User
Username: jonas_trachsel

Post Number: 112
Registered: 2-2005
Posted on Saturday, 11 February, 2017 - 07:28 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick
What's that puddle visible under the front of your car???
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Patrick Francis
Experienced User
Username: jackpot

Post Number: 27
Registered: 11-2016
Posted on Saturday, 11 February, 2017 - 08:25 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Jonas - you get the bonus point! When I posted, I was wondering who would pick up on it - congratulations.
It is my steering box lower seal. Does not leak all the time, but on my long and winding list of things to do (eventually).
Thanks
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1067
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Sunday, 12 February, 2017 - 03:08 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Can't hide anything from theses guys Patrick
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1068
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Sunday, 12 February, 2017 - 03:34 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Found the ideal Maxxis tyres for the Shadow!!

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Robert Noel Reddington
Grand Master
Username: bob_uk

Post Number: 1292
Registered: 5-2015
Posted on Monday, 13 February, 2017 - 01:13 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Just the ticket for ultimate steering control and smoothness.

Big Horn is so male.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1074
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Monday, 13 February, 2017 - 03:03 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

It's a beauty Robert.

These are on a trailer my daughter borrowed.
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ross kowalski
Prolific User
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 278
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Monday, 13 February, 2017 - 09:56 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick,

I'll order a set tomorrow. Will I have to modify the wheel wells?

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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1076
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Monday, 13 February, 2017 - 10:11 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Nothing a good lump hammer and/or a slide hammer cant fix mate.

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Robert Noel Reddington
Grand Master
Username: bob_uk

Post Number: 1297
Registered: 5-2015
Posted on Tuesday, 14 February, 2017 - 11:22 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

The front arches by the front bumper have been trimmed, what these intrepid explorers are doing with a Shadow half way up a mountain, goodness knows.

Nice lump hammer I shall get one for the wife's birthday.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1082
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Tuesday, 14 February, 2017 - 11:47 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I am sure she will love a thoughtful gift like this Bob

I have 2 lump hammers.
one with a plastic type handle, the other with Hickory like above.

The hickory one certainly does not rattle the hand & head while being used. The plastic handle one vibrates the crap out of me.

It would be sure interesting to see underneath that Shadow.
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ross kowalski
Prolific User
Username: cdfpw

Post Number: 282
Registered: 11-2015
Posted on Tuesday, 21 February, 2017 - 11:12 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I lost a spoke seal on the jag this am, spare in the trunk was a 235 70 15.

235 70 15's statically "fit" but accellerate, deccellerate, turn, or move and something rubs. What a throughly unplesant experience.

I resealed the spoke and put on a 205 70 15 what a relief.

I would have put on a 195s for even more clearence and snow performance, but getting 205's onto those 7.5 inch rims is enough of an adventure.

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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1366
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Wednesday, 12 April, 2017 - 08:10 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Had a set of Maxxis MA-1 fitted today.
The size for my year is 215/75R15. I am running them at 36psi

I tell you what gents, these tyres have completely transformed my car.

My previous tyres were BF Goodrich Grand Trail, a very heavy rated and heavy wall tyre.

The Maxxis are true passenger car rated tyres and not a type of heavy duty SUV tyre as were fitted.

The car is now very quiet, external road noise is down by at least 75% and the noise transference into the cabin is down by at least 50%
A great result.





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Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey

Post Number: 1684
Registered: 5-2012
Posted on Wednesday, 12 April, 2017 - 11:18 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick

This is why when I changed my tyres I took the wheels off my car in my garage and took them down to the tyre shop, two at a time. I suppose I'm fussy, but I just don't trust them since they are not RR specialists.

I know it's very rare for a hydraulic jack to collapse, but if one of those under your car did, it would make a hell of a mess of your car. I also note the dreaded air gun in the middle picture. I presume you told the people there about the left hand threads and 50 lb/foot torque for the wheel nuts.

I was once having the tyres changed on a Rover 3500. Lucky I was there watching as they positioned the jack under the engine sump. I managed to stop them just as they started jacking the car up.

Geoff
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John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 314
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 02:24 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Patrick, your car's 3 years newer and the serial number is reasonably near mine. Is there a difference in wheel size or within the fender clearance - to your knowledge? I wonder because the Michelin tires fitted to Tootsie (215-15X with no mention of aspect ratio, e.g. 70 or 75) will 'ever' so lightly rub at full lock when turning to the right (but not to the left, which is how a lock-to-lock tight turn is executed in the USA). I only noticed this when I intentionally set out to listen for rubbing the other day (by going lock to lock in a cul-de-sac). Otherwise, in normal use I never hear rubbing. Anyway, have you checked for rubbing at the extremes with your new tires?

Meanwhile, I took photos of the tire marking of the Michelin tires with which Tootsie is presently shod. Two numbers, especially, perplex me; the one starting with SS (or possibly 55), and the patent numbers. The first patent number (presumably USA) is 3636704 and Google returns info stating this is for an internal combustion engine, so my determination is obviously wrong. The second number is Canada 1971 but that number comes back as a steam engine lubricator! Frankly, I am perplexed in my attempts at determining the date code (and somehow I don't think 1971 is a date with reference to patent numbers for Canada. Could these possibly be the tires with which she was sold? After all, it's not unheard of for a dealer to exchanged tires to better suit the local market, right? Added to which, I don't have a receipt for replacement tires (and I have extensive records - though you can't prove anything by the absence of a receipt). However, so far I have no proof they're not the tires the car came with and now I'm really curious.

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John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 316
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 02:49 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Forgot to add the photos . . .

Tire size 215-15X
- Tire size 215-15X . . . no mention of aspect ratio, e.g. 70 or 75

Number beginning with SS (or possibly 55)
- Number beginning with SS (or possibly 55)


Patent numbers
- Patent numbers, USA 3636704, Canada 1971


V-1 but this tire likely predates S, V, or X ratings
- V-1 but this tire likely predates S, V, or X ratings


Max load 1860 pounds!
- Max load 1860 pounds!


Tire construction
- Tire construction, 2-steel plys, 2-nylon plies


Michelin
- Michelin tires on SRX6816


32-psi at max load
- 32-psi at max load
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1371
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 08:05 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Geoff,

Very good points here mate.

They were fully schooled about brass wheel nuts & the left hand thread situation even before I drove it in.
They said "we have a special bay for you guys" (fussy pricks I translated that to)

The tyre shop only had 2 stands would you believe that were being used at the time of the pic.

When they were finished, they placed them under the back for me. But by then the front wheels were back on, there were 3 guys doing the tyres, a very good tyre shop I have to admit.

The guy's allowed me to use the rattle gun on the car, they were very understanding to my fussy (like you mate) needs.

They deal with a lot of special cars here.

They had single hex, impact sockets (so not to mark my nuts LOL) and I removed the nuts using the rattle gun.

They even sprayed some solvent onto my wheel studs, brushed them off, then applied a light dab of grease to the studs. The guys placed the wheels on the hubs for me, started the nuts on the threads, then handed it over to me.

I used the rattle gun on its lightest setting (I estimate about 30ftlb), then I used my torque wrench to do the final tensions.

Not many tyre shops are like this, that's for sure.
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Geoff Wootton
Grand Master
Username: dounraey

Post Number: 1686
Registered: 5-2012
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 08:24 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Patrick

Good to hear you were there supervising. I guess I'm a bit picky.

BTW: I went over my car with clay bar last weekend after reading your "Mr Sheen" thread. What an amazing difference it made. The interesting thing is it made my car go a darker shade of blue, which I much prefer. I have no idea why. My wife noticed it also, so it wasn't an aberration on my part. I used Macguires wax to finish the job however I do intend to buy some Mr Sheen online for the next polish to see if I can get an even better shine. It gets addictive.

Geoff
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1372
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 08:32 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi Geoff,

Yes mate, we are a special lot when it comes to doing things "just so" in workshops like this.

But the guys were great.

I even showed them the porthole & bung for the spare tyre valve, so they are fully "Shadowed" (I just made that word up) so I am happy to recommend them to any other Rolls-Royce or Bentley owner way out west in my part of the world.

Mate,

I would stick with your wax, if that is what you have currently used. I don't know how Mr Sheen would go over the top of something freshly applied. it might do ok?

My car had nothing applied to it for over 10 years when I bought it, so a good polish, and then Mr Sheen from there.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1373
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 08:55 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

I am just confirming your tyre details, as my 25 Chev uses the same old codes.

This is all just for information only.

Because.

You should not be driving on tyres that old John.

10 years is the max anyone should use tyres for.

I have seen some horrific damage caused by exploding & delaminating tyres, that appear to be good as new, but were well over 10 years old.
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Christian S. Hansen
Grand Master
Username: enquiring_mind

Post Number: 582
Registered: 4-2015
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 08:57 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Geoff...
You are not being picky, just cautious. Cautious is good, even around those who "think" they know what they are doing and who when things go wrong, think that "Oh, gee, I'm sorry" will make you feel better. It won't!! There are three things you need to do around anyone working on your car:
1) Supervise
2) Supervise
and the most important...
3) Supervise.

.
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Christian S. Hansen
Grand Master
Username: enquiring_mind

Post Number: 583
Registered: 4-2015
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 09:08 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

...in John's favor is the fact that they are Michelin, not just any old brand.

While age is a contributing factor to consider, "that appear to be good as new" is rather subjective.

A dismount of a tire to judge sidewall flexibility may aso provide some assessment features. Time in the sun and ozone, and time on a warehouse storage rack will yield different results and will yield different rates of time deterioration. That said, at the bottom of that scale are ten year old tires that have seen considerable use but stillhave useable tread remaining but are junk yard castoffs with sidewall cracking and stiffening. In younger years of "learning by doing", whenever I have used such workaraounds on equipment trailers (because they were cheap...$15-$25 each), in the end I gained experience doing roadside flat tire or blow-out repairs. THOSE tires are at one end of the scale. John's are at the other. Still...life is full of risks.

.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1374
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 09:32 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Agree & understand your thoughts here Christian.

Let me add this

You say "life is fill of risks"

I say "life is not worth risking"

Tyres are always an item most (not us here on this forum I believe) people hate buying or spending big money on.
However, as we all know, they are the 4 items keeping our car on the road. They should always be maintained properly, but outside of this forum, we know many are not maintained properly at all.
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John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 319
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 09:46 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Guy, guys, guys . . . I'm going to buy new tires. That's not at issue. I am merely trying to ascertain when these tires were installed, e.g. could they possibly have been there since the dealer delivered the car? this car has a mere 16,000 miles and the tires look the part but this is all about curiosity - believe me! Anyway, the tires I am probably going to buy are Goodyear Assurance 215/75R15 100T . . . the only problem is they're black wall tires and I rather wanted a white wall. The other tire I've found that I like is a Michelin X Radial DT P215/75 R15 100S, also black wall only - heavy sigh.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1375
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 10:09 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

Of course we know what you are doing mate.

This is just a good discussion.

Tyres/tires are always a great area of debate.

I would quite happily say those are your original tyres. My build sheet shows the radial tyres and their size that were fitted as an option.

Your build sheets may indicate something as well.

I think we are all agree, that your Shadow is the most completely original one we have ever seen.

So for sure I think these are the original tyres.

The size codes have not been used on this type of tyre for ever.

They are in amazing condition to may I add, considering the many years of air conditioning your car was stored.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1376
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 10:55 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi John,

Just doing some research it appears your tyres are 80% aspect ratio.
This is for all tyres in North America between 65 & the early 70's
Prior to 65, they were all 90% aspect ratio.

So it appears your tyres are 215/80 15.

Have you checked the accuracy or calibration of your speedo?

Either by a speedo specialist, or by using GPS?

If your speedo is spot on, just be sure to get a tyre that has the same rolling circumference or the same height when standing next to each other.

Regarding rubbing of the tyres, the new ones do not rub at all now. My left hand steer tyre rubbed slightly on full left lock.
When the tyres were off yesterday, I checked the height of the tyres for my speedo accuracy, and I noticed that the old tyres had a slightly squarer edge, compared to the new tyres, which are ever so slightly rounded.

So no more rubbing at full lock for me.
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Christian S. Hansen
Grand Master
Username: enquiring_mind

Post Number: 585
Registered: 4-2015
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 11:37 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

If you want whitewalls, why not consider "Diamondback"? They are my target source when my time comes.

Oh, and can I have your take offs?
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1378
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 13 April, 2017 - 11:48 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Christian,

You guys have access to some wonderful tyres over there, that we just don't get here.

The Good Year Assurance Comfortread Ross mentioned sure sounded great, but not for Australia.

The Michelins mentioned elsewhere on this forum, also sounded great due to their superior noise qualities, but no white wall option.

All other tyres were heavy rated, which is what I wanted to get away from.
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Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp

Post Number: 2260
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 02:21 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

I have no use for Diamondback tires except when older whitewall styles are desired.

There's virtually always a major tire maker that makes a thin (about 1" or slightly less) whitewall tire for the Shadow era cars at any given point in time.

Since all Diamondback does is to slap a whitewall on another tire what you have is the tire they use as their "base tire" for that particular type with a whitewall added after the fact. There are lots of older styles for which this is about the only way you're going to get them, but not so for the Shadow era cars.

I have fitted both Hankook (Optimo) and Kumho (Solus KR21) to my SY cars at different points in time and both have been wonderful. It really comes down to searching for what whitewalls are available, if any, in the size you need in the market in which you're trying to buy them (unless you want to get into ridiculous international shipping of same, which most don't).

Brian
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Brian Vogel
Grand Master
Username: guyslp

Post Number: 2261
Registered: 6-2009
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 02:25 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Mr. Beech,

That "55" or "SS" looks like it could be a 38 to me.

As an aside, 1860 lbs per tire is way more than adequate for our cars. Multiply that times four and you have 7440 lbs of load bearing when spread across four tires at once. A tire that can bear a load of 1860 lbs is right between the current load ratings of 101 and 102. Anything 100 or higher will work quite nicely on a Shadow series car.

Brian
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Christian S. Hansen
Grand Master
Username: enquiring_mind

Post Number: 586
Registered: 4-2015
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 08:32 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

While it is true that there may be whitewalls of a size suitable for the Shadows already available here in the US, since Diamondback adds a whitewall to tires that are not otherwise available in whitewall configuration, they are actually increasing the available options, which is a good thing, and they include a Michelin casing as I recall. More choices is good even if white is already available without their contribution to the field.

.
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John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 322
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 12:11 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Mr. Beech? Brian, has my Dad's ghost started lurking on this forum? Mr. Beech . . . what's with that?!?!

On another subject, someone mentioned airing the spare by removing some plug. Pray tell me more, please.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1390
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 07:13 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

John,

I mentioned showing the tyre fitter the spare wheel valve through the rubber plug/bung in the boot floor.

Was this what you were referring to?
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John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 323
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 08:12 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Yes, Patrick, I had no idea (and still don't but later today when I go out I will look for it).
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1392
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Friday, 14 April, 2017 - 11:27 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Hi John,

This is what you are looking for.





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John Beech
Grand Master
Username: jbeech

Post Number: 326
Registered: 10-2016
Posted on Saturday, 15 April, 2017 - 10:47 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Very cool indeed.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1398
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Saturday, 15 April, 2017 - 12:47 pm:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Some judges will mark you down if the valve is not lined up through the port hole mate.

Some judges don't even look.
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Patrick Ryan
Grand Master
Username: patrick_r

Post Number: 1510
Registered: 4-2016
Posted on Thursday, 04 May, 2017 - 08:21 am:   Edit PostDelete PostView Post/Check IP

Gents,
This happened yesterday near my place in Sydney.

https://au.news.yahoo.com/a/35273849/blown-tyre-reportedly-forced-van-carrying-al-brooks-to-crash-on-m1-somersby/#page1

My niece is a Police Sargent in this area, and they found that the very old van had just been recently woken from many years of slumber, and was in great condition. But there were no date markings or codes on the tyres. Which means at BEST were 1990. I would say as the van appears to be a late 60's early 70's van that they were older than that.
She said there were 2 radials (of which one was the culprit) and 2 very old looking cross ply's.

The remaining 3 tyres looked quite good and serviceable to all who viewed them.

Just seems the age thing with tyres is so very important.

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