Tires

[StevenF]

The topic of tires always comes up and I wanted to provide a few updated options.

 I am not getting into the specifics in terms of speedometer accuracy, all the sizes (185/195/205 --70/80/85/95 etc)  and brands out there. 
My focus is on the 195's because it seems like they are the closest to the originals (separate of the 185's)

As per the Tech Manual : The original tires were Firestone Phoenix 185/80 HR 14 (3/4 inch Whitewall) and the Continental Radials

The following tires are available but not limited to:

Phoenix | 3/4 Inch Whitewall | 185R14 $260.00 per tire (closest to original)With rub strip)
Maxxis | 3/4 Inch Whitewall | 185/75R14 $90.00 per tire from Coker
Maxxis | 3/4 Inch Whitewall | 195/75R14 $83.00 per tire from Coker
Vredestein Sprint Classic  Blackwall | 185HR14 $172.00 from Coker   $159 from Tirerack
Michelin MXV-P 185R14  $249.00 per tire (coker) Black wall
Hankook OPTIMO H724 - SIZE: P185/75R14  $61.30 Tirerack Whitewall
Hankook OPTIMO H724 - SIZE: P195/75R14  $65.62 Tirerack  Whitewall
Uniroyal TIGER PAW AWP II - SIZE: P195/75R14 $56.80 Tirerack
Milestar MS775 All-Season Radial Tire - 195/75R14 92S Amazon $38.44 free shipping whitewall
Ironman RB-12 NWS 195/75R14 92S White Wall All Season Performance Tires About $55.00 per tire Ebay
Vercelli Classic 787 P195/75R14 92S WSW  about  $60.00 per tire (shipping included)
Firestone PRIMEWELL PS830/850 P195/75R14  $33.00 each  blackwall
Venezia Classic 787 195/75r14 Whitewall eBay $57.75 Shipping included

There are also items available to enhance existing blackwalls :
1-tirestickers.com (thank you Mike Salemi)
2-portawallshop.com

Regards
Steven

[Jowe]

To widen your choices for whitewalls, you may add these on black tyres: https://www.hansen-styling-parts.de/epages/63246837.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/63246837/Products/887M

[johnnymack]

I just purchased Vredstein classics ,better ride than my pirelli p-400 , happy with them.

[vande17941]

I bought the Hankooks in 195's and have been extremely surprised by how good they are for the money.  And this is coming from a former racer.

[Alex D]

My tire nitmere began 3 months ago.  After 7 years and 28,000 miles on my white wall Uniroyal Tiger Paws, I decided it was time for an update.  Having talked to some local Pagoda owners they recommended going with Toyo white walls, so I had a local tire shop order them and put them on.  Once I got home I noticed they didn't do a good job cleaning the blue protective coating off the white wall, they took some off, not all.  Once I finished cleaning the remaining blue coating off, I noticed the white walls were highly visibly cracked. I took them back and they ordered new ones from Toyo, those too were visibly cracked.  So the tire shop recommended a different brand, and I went with white wall Uniroyal Tiger Paws.  Tire shop mounted them, and then after a few days I noticed the white walls were turing yellow, and had brown stains all over them.  Took them back to the tire shop, owner of the tire shop agreed they were not acceptable, and ordered another set of Uniroyal Tiger Paws, which are currently on the car, they are not perfect, brown stains, some discoloration. 

Just not sure what to do any more, just live with it, or possibly go with the "clip on" white walls mentioned above. 

[neelyrc]

Alex, For what it is worth, I bought a set of 5 Maxxis narrow stripe whitewalls (195 x 75) back in March so that I would have a good save set for the drive to PUB.  The blue was tough to remove but it did come off and they cleaned up nicely.  I now have about 1500 miles on them including the trip to PUB.  I was very happy with the quality of the ride going and coming from PUB and I think the look is great. IMHO They are worth considering.

[StevenF]

Is the tires?  The shop?  Did anyone call Uniroyal? 

Maybe a different shop?
Something doesn't sound right...

[Alex D]

I blame both the manufacture and the shop.  The manufactures both Toyo and Uniroyal, sent poor workmanship tires to the local shop, and the local shop, not inspecting and thoroghly cleaning the white walls before putting them on the car.  The first time the shop put the Toyo white walls on with out completely cleaning off the blue protective coating, I forgave them.  The second time the put the Uniroyals on and didn't completely clean them, I was mad, even after I told them to completely inspect and clean before I arrived.  Now I am completely ... off, because the second set of Uniroyals are showing brown stains and some discoloration.

Toyo at least admitted to the problem with the white walls, and gave me full credit.  Uniroyal is playing games and will not give me full credit, even though it is a workmanship issue covered under warranty.  I have to wait up 6 months for a decision on if I will get any credit on them.

My advice, stay away from the Uniroyal Tiger Paw white walls, terrible quality white walls, customer service is awful.  Hopefully I saved someone alot of headaches on tire purchase.

[vande17941]

I'm with Alex....the Uniroyals were awful. Old technology resulting in low performance. Much better tires available for a lit less money now.

[StevenF]

Alex--I am sorry for you bad experience.  People work hard for their money and the products they buy should backed by the company that produces them.  Just s shame...
As a reminder...I just listed various brands and prices so that the group has options...I can not vouch for any of the brands listed.  It is unfortunate that good people like yourself have a bad experience, but those bad experiences allow the other members of this group to learn not only what to do or buy, but what NOT to do our buy...
That is why this board is so helpful.  We always look out for each other.
Steven

[Jimbo1907]

FWIW, I  have Michelins on my 280SL. They are fine. They are also blackwalls. I know the thin whitewall looks nice, but it does restrict your choices. I have similar tires on my 280SE and again they are just fine in that application as well.

I have the Vredesteins on my E-type. They are great tires, reasonably priced, and perform beautifully. When the Michelins wear out, I'll buy the 280SL a set of Vredesteins as well.

[Shvegel]

Alex,
When I worked in a body shop some 30 years ago we used to use Laquer thinner on a rag to clean even the scruffiest whitewalls.  Worked like a charm.

[Bonnyboy]

To throw another brand into the mix - I put a set of Yokohama AVID TRZ on my pagoda (195-70-14) and am in love with them.   

I think they are designed for light trucks / SUVs and have stiffer sidewalls but they really impress me every time I put them to the test.   They are Black walls as I think a proper European model should have them.     I think they were the only yokos in my size and are considered passenger tires rather than high performance but they rock.    After sliding around on Pirellis on my MGB, Pagoda and BMW 2002, and the BFG Radial T/As I had on another BMW 2002, the Yokos instill confidence.   The fronts did wear down quickly the last time I took them on a parking lot slalom though.   

[smackYYZ]

I bought the Hankooks in 195's and have been extremely surprised by how good they are for the money.  And this is coming from a former racer.

I also have these and for the money I'm very happy with them. Feel good and look good with the white wall.

[Pawel66]

I also went for the Hankooks and I am very happy with them. They say here that Hankooks and Verdestein tires are new discoveries - very good quality at moderate prices, challenging the established brands.

[Scottcorvette]

I was at the classic car show at the NEC last weekend and saw these tyres on the Blockley stand. I have blockleys on my Porsche and Fiat and they are fine, nice period tread and the cars drive well on them, maybe a little harsh but perfectly fine for all that. The blackwalls are £99 each and the whitewalls £160 each in 185R14 size

[specracer]

To add to the list Pirelli has a 185 70 14 in their "vintage tire" collection. CN36 in the 60's years section. While not the exact size, its another option

https://www.pirelli.com/tyres/en-ww/car/collection

[mdsalemi]

and saw these tyres on the Blockley stand.

Unfortunately that size isn't available (yet?) in the USA...Lucas Classic carries SOME Blockleys but not these.

[wwheeler]

What about Diamondback? https://www.dbtires.com/why_choose.html

[Jowe]

Here are some classic tyre tests:
https://www.cinturato.net/images/test-classic-tyres-0716.pdf
https://classicmotorsports.com/articles/retro-rubber/