Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Maintenance & Servicing tyres 4/4 sport

Well to be fair Giles I've never driven a 'new' mini so I probably am talking out of my nether regions!

Andy

This photo says it all



as does this one

Yes I certainly prefer the one which didn't hit the wall at 30mph

Giles, it might be worth a few bob, but would more likely be a little pile of ferrous oxide by now.

Peter, not quite a fair comparison - that new MINI in your photo is a Countryman - considerably larger than an 'ordinary' MINI...

I was tempted by the new Fiat 500 when I bought my MINI Clubman...

I knew that Graham but a little exageration doesn't hurt does it?

A little known fact outside of Italy: Innocenti built Mini Minors and various derivatives under licence from 1965 to 1974 producing several hundred thousand cars. I can't find the exact figures. With the resurgence of interest in the Mini Minor you often see one on the road. They were slightly better fitted out with more accessories than the UK version and had better brakes on some models. As far as rust resistance and the quality of the electrics I have no idea what sort of reputation they had.

Bert,

I have 4/4 chassis B1798--just two off from yours. I have a set of Vredestein Classic tires on mine--got them through internet--many sources--delivered right to my door. I'm happy with them--look good, ride great.

Allen
'69 4/4 B1798

Avon CR6ZZ 175/75/15 would be my poison.
But I read "These tyres have very weak sidewalls, making fast driving not all that enjoyable." leads me to say your problem is (at speed)...

1/ Rear end feels like it moves from side to side
2/ You have to constantly correct steering to travel in a straight line
3/ Front end understeer in wet tight corners

You problem is not all tyres. I have had same problems and resolved above issues with these easy mods:

1/ Fit panhard rod to rear (Mulfab)
2/ Fit panhard rod to rear
3/ 1&1/2 * negative camber plates to Front end (Mulfab)

To enhance handeling to "down right pant wetting fun!"

4/ Front brake reaction stays (stops squirming under heavy braking) Mulfab
5/ Avon 175 as recommended
6/ Anti Tramp Bars to get the power down
7/ Avo shocks Mulfab
8/ Bump steer correction (swap the track rod end from above to below the steering arm) Mulfab.
9/ Heavy duty front spring (Mulfab)

Personally 1 to 4 a must for the sporting driver, do items 1-7 one thing at a time to feel the differences to the car and learn the meaning of what you are achieving.
6 only you know if you have axle tramp, 8-9 as things get old and saggy change at this point and through in the Hard chrome kingpins and new bushes.
All achievable at home

Have fun
Cain

Pm sent

Hi all,
Great suggestions, specially Cain's. But already have a panhard rod,(MULFAB) front brake raction bars and avo shocks. Does help but Tyres seems to be the biggest issue at the moment.
I'll shop around for those Avons, must be very good.
thx again.
Paul.

Paul
Don't think you've said, what tyre pressures are you running?
The pressure recommended by Morgans in the 70's for that car are too low. 18/19 psi recommended, but car is transformed with 22/23 psi.