Author Topic: TYRES  (Read 2516 times)

John Betsch - "SADIE"

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TYRES
« on: March 04, 2020, 14:00:07 »
It's time to replace the "tyres" on my 230sl for safety. 

Amazing that they still look good but it's time.  Presently have the Coker Phoenix whitewall Tire which are "similar" but not a duplicate of the original Phoenix tires. (I have the "original" spare to compare them to.)

Any opinions on what is a good looking tire as a I shop around

JB
JB; 1965 German market SL, Rot Met 571, Summary Code 213 Interior

mrfatboy

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #1 on: March 04, 2020, 14:09:04 »
Here is a good thread on the subject.  I personally went with the Hankooks. I think they were $260 installed.

https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=26646.0
1969 280sl (Aug 1968 build)
Signal Red
4 Speed

lreppond

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #2 on: March 04, 2020, 14:30:19 »
I have new Hankooks as well and I’m very satisfied.  The handling is good, not much road noise, and a great overall tire.  I purchased mine from Walmart online and then had a local tire shop do the balancing and installation.  About the same cost as Mrfatboy.  That’s less than one Coker Phoenix and I bought a set of five! 

When I changed the tires, I also changed the rims to 6” pressed aluminum steelies and the combination was a distinct improvement over my previous Michelin XVS on regular steelies. 
~Len

1971 280 SL
576G red/251 Beige
4 speed manual
Family owned since new (father —> son)

TJMart

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #3 on: March 04, 2020, 16:32:42 »
I purchased the Coker Maxxis with a 3/4 inch whitewall. They ride quiet, good traction and I like the look of the  3/4" whitewall.
Tony
1970 280SL, 4 Speed

Alex D

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #4 on: March 05, 2020, 18:28:45 »
You may want be careful on tires, I just changed from Uniroyal Tiger Paws to Sprint Classics.  Speedo was off with new Sprint Classics, had to have Speedo re calibrated.  Speedo shop said everytime you change tire size, need to re calibrate Speedo.  Hugh difference in ride with Sprint Classics. 
Alex D
1967 250 SL
Original 140K mi
181 Light Beige, with  112 Turquoise Interior

Jordan

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #5 on: March 05, 2020, 22:26:09 »
You may want be careful on tires, I just changed from Uniroyal Tiger Paws to Sprint Classics.  Speedo was off with new Sprint Classics, had to have Speedo re calibrated.  Speedo shop said everytime you change tire size, need to re calibrate Speedo.  Hugh difference in ride with Sprint Classics.

Alex, how did the ride change?  I have Tiger Paws as well and I will need to replace them this spring.
Marcus
66 230SL  Euro 4 speed

simonarn

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #6 on: March 06, 2020, 08:12:04 »
The best I had were Michelin but last time I put on Vredesteins as they look great and are much cheaper and I do much less kms these days

Alex D

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #7 on: March 06, 2020, 18:28:28 »
I find the ride to be a lot  more comfortable & solid feeling, don't feel as many bumps in the road, less body "lean" in turns. One thing I miss is that the Sprint Classics do not come in white walls, like Uniroyals, but the trade off is worth it IMO.
Alex D
1967 250 SL
Original 140K mi
181 Light Beige, with  112 Turquoise Interior

hauser

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #8 on: March 06, 2020, 20:49:00 »
Alex whitewalls can be added to just about any tire at Diamond Back Classics

Alex D

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #9 on: March 06, 2020, 23:07:00 »
Hi Hauser, 

Yes, Diamondback can put white walls on new tires you have shipped directly to them, for $175 per tire + tax & shipping, they "prefer" to sell you one of their tires, they purchase and put white walls on.  They will not for liability reasons put white walls on any tires that have been driven on.

At $150 per tire, putting white walls on them would cost more than the tire.  Since my car came from the factory with without white walls, the Sprint Classics give the car a more original look.
Alex D
1967 250 SL
Original 140K mi
181 Light Beige, with  112 Turquoise Interior

hauser

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #10 on: March 06, 2020, 23:54:29 »
Alex your car rocks no matter if you have WW or not!

lowpad

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Re: TYRES
« Reply #11 on: March 09, 2020, 04:27:19 »
Like the near-original look of the Michelin MXV-P, but also very happy with Vredestein Sprints.
1966 230SL (6/66 build)
French export
4-speed manual
158 Exterior / 040 Hardtop
2001 SLK230
1996 Porsche 993
1991 Acura NSX