The tires on my '66 E-Type ( 185HR 15 XVS Michelin's ) are old and need to be replaced.
I also have a broken spoke on two of the wheels.
I tried looking on the Coker website but they list the original cross-ply tire when I enter the car make and year.
Two questions ;
Best place to go for new radials with inner tubes and rubber bands.
Can my wire wheels be repaired ?
Thanks - Charlie in Cincinnati

 

Hi Tappetman,
Coker will work if you search by size. Closest to original size is 185 80R15. There isn't a big choice. There are Michielin, Dunlops, Pirelli, Avon and Vredestein. I would have picked Vredestein, but they changed the tire compound so they are now summer tires and should not be used in cold weather. Tire Rack has the following warning:

"Note: Tires exposed to temperatures of 20 degrees F (-7 degrees C) or lower must be permitted to gradually return to temperatures of at least 40 degrees F (5 degrees C) for at least 24 hours before they are flexed in any manner, such as by adjusting inflation pressures, mounting them on wheels, or using them to support, roll or drive a vehicle.

Flexing of the specialized rubber compounds used in Grand Touring Summer tires during cold-weather use can result in irreversible compound cracking. While compound cracking is not a warrantable condition because it occurs as the result of improper use or storage, tires exhibiting compound cracking must be replaced."

I would check Coker, Lucas Classic Tires, Universal Tire, Vulcan Tire and Longstone tyre in the UK (some have reported getting a good price from them).

As far as wheels go, to rebuild your will cost almost as much as new. That is unless you do it your self. Spokes or wheels can be bought form the usual suppliers. You may also want to check out British Wire Wheels too. Stainless steel spokes and sealed wheels will allow you to run tubeless tires.

Hope this helps.

 

Tappetman, a friend of mine recently (last summer) purchased a set of red line tires from Coker. They are radials. They licensed copies of the red lines by Michelin. They also have Michelin XWXs which will probably be my choice when buying new tires.As far as the broken spokes, Bob_s is right; not much more to buy new ones as compared to repairing them.
Good luck with your search and post a photo of your car.
Bill.

 

Many thanks to Bob and Bill for your advice.
Is there much of a dimensional difference between your recommended tire size of 185 80R15 and the old tires that are presently on the car, 185 HR 15 XVS ?

 

Hi Tappetman,
The aspect ratio of your Michelin tires is 80.

 

Hi Tappetman,
There is the option of 205 70/R15, but most then go to 6" wide rims. A 6" wide rim won't fit in the spare tire well without sticking up. Also I'm told the tire is also slightly smaller. You may have to remove the rear suspension bump stop for clearance.

 

Search replacement tires on on the Corvette Forum under C1 & C2 to be specific. The tire sizes are similar for the 1962-1967 Corvette. I have seen many post with recommendations including the ones mentioned in this string. Lots of postings concerning the quality and longevity.
Just thought I'd mention this.

 

The aspect ratio of your Michelin tires is 82.

 

I guess I'll have to brush up on my "Tireology101 studies"! Regardless of aspect ratios, my only thought about seeking the experiences of the Corvette Forum members who purchased some of the tire brands that were mentioned by the OP. The quality of the components of the tire would not know what aspect they were constructed with I would guess.
Not trying to be Snarky with my reply, only thinking about offering some insight. There is way too much I need to understand about all the important things that make the enjoyment of automobiles among other enthusiast enjoyable. I'll try to keep my comments to my self in the future.