The tires recommended by British Wire Wheels are Vredestaein 185 HR15. Problem is they've got a very high sidewall, aspect ratio of 80. What are the options for a lower aspect ratio tire. I'm not going to show the car just looking for good balance of handling and looks. Thanks, Don

Submitted by jmassucco@apiinc.net on Wed, 01/21/2004 - 12:08

Steve:
I saw your post today. I have recently bought Dayton Wire Wheels from Bill Welsh at Welsh Enterprises. My '69 Roadster has original factory wheels which I am replacing today with New Dayton wires. I also bought the Pirelli P4000 series for my E-Type based on all comments recently posted on this site about tires to use etc.
He gave me a very good price for a package deal: 4 FN Dayton Wires for my '69 Roadster, 4 near perfect Spline hubs and 4 knockoffs. I would say the wheels were slightly less than $250 out the door. The Spline Hubs are expensive (even used). Bill gave excellent service and follow-up and spent time educating me with his great knowledge of the cars. I would definately check with them as he had them in stock at the time I bought them.

Thanks,
Joseph Massucco
'68 S 1 1/2 E-TYPE Roadster
'69 S II E-TYPE Roadster
'95 XJS 6CYL 2+2

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Wed, 01/21/2004 - 10:14

Jeff,

Sounds great! Let us know how they ride. Just out of curiosity, where did you get the Daytons? (I'm looking for a set myself. Please email me off-list and let me know what kind of deal you got on them. Thanks.)

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'70 XKE FHC
srw_jagsatyahoo.com

Submitted by NE52-32043 on Thu, 01/15/2004 - 13:19

Don,

I understand that many people use 205/70R15 tires on the Ser. 1 and 2 cars. I have them on my Ser. III car (6" rims, rather than 5"), and they fit great, look great and ride nicely. I have the 185-15 Vredesteins on my Ser. II car (came with it), and I'm not crazy about them. I don't like the high, narrow profile, and I'm not crazy about how they handle, especially in wet weather. If I change them, I'll probably go with 205/70R15 Michelin XVS's (come highly recommended by someone I respect), or Pirelli's, like I have on the Ser. III car, which I am very please with.

The only potential problem you may have going with a lower, wider tire, is clearance on the rear bump stops. You could have rubbing, in which case, you can simply remove the bump stops. Be sure to grind down the edges to you don't have anything sharp where a tire might hit.

Steve Weinstein, JTC-NJ
'72 E-type 2+2
'70 XKE FHC