Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Plus 4 16 inch tyres

On my 1953 plus 4, I currently have Avon HM Tourist crossply tyres marked as follows:

145/95- 16 replaces
5.00/5.25-16. 76P

4 PLY RATING
TUBE TYPE

which is slightly confusing me.



According to the Blockley web site:

The Morgan Plus 4 tyre size between 1950 and 1962 was 5.25x16. From 1962 onward the factory fitted 5.60x15 using a 4" wide wheel rim (as they had fitted to the Plus4 Super Sports) which is radial equivalent 155R15 tyre size.  Shortly after, the tyre size was increased by the factory to 5.90x15 with a wider 4 1/2 inch wheel rim, which is equivalent 165R15 radial size, a size that was quoted in period as the radial Plus4 option. Blockley produces both the 155HR15 and 165VR15 tyre sizes which are a period correct, steel belt construction with high speed rating and perfect for all the Morgan Plus 4’s.

I have 16 x 5 inch steel wheels, (my car is pre-1962). I want to replace the tyres (now 8 years old) with a radial type. I don’t want to have to find a set of 15 inch wheels, so I’m stuck with the relatively small range of 16 inch tyres available. e.g.

Blockley 185VR16 £235
Vredestein Sprint Classic 185R16 £234

The Blockleys are 27.4 inch dia which is about right for the speedo.

Bottom line: does anyone have recommendations for a radial tyre on 16 inch/ 5 inch rims for a 1950s plus 4 ? I don't rally or race so ultimate performance is hardly an issue - good, safe performance is though.

I have the same problem (here in the States) for my 1951 Plus 4.

Only expensive Radials. Bias Ply available at a significantly cheaper price. 100$ cheaper per tire. Internet searching reveals only Coker Tire.

I would go to the UK, and even pay shipping, if I could find a better solution.

I don't thrash the car so I guess I will have to go with Bias Ply. That's what is on there now and they have been ok, but . . .

Cheers,
Mark

Avon HM Tourist are £239 here in the UK - and $346 in the USA:

https://cokertire.com/tires/avon-to...v-zkYDDJxhuqC3oae9Z9HPSohtEA8xGwt_zZm_YW

https://www.vintagetyres.com/avon-tourist-550-16-80l

I'd like to try radials, jut to compare the straight line stability with the previous crossplys. The radials and crossplys here seem to be pretty much similar prices. (Blockley: https://www.blockleytyre.com/product/185vr16). Shipping to the states from the UK would be signficant though, I would guess.

I would try Dougal or Tom at Longstone Tyres tel 01302 711123

https://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/

I buy my Avon MTW tyres from them and they are very knowledgeable on the 'owd stuff & alternative specs

Thanks, I'll give them a ring - their website suggests Michelin XAS (but only 15 inch is available), and Pirelli Cinturato CA67, which are £430 - which seems a bit strong. But if it keeps me out of the ditch, then it could be money well spent. Many thanks.

Hmm, there's seems to be a potential problem with radials on 16 inch rims - as all they will fit the rim, the 'bulge' in the sidewall (ie the max width) of, say, the 185R16 radial may be too much - and thus will rub on the suspension.

Does anyone have a car on 16 inch rims, with a radial tyre fitted?

Why not just stick with the classic 5.00-16? The tires are affordable, stylish, and true to the original.

https://www.grip500.de/reifen/5---1..._source=1&gad_campaignid=20985000123



By the way, my 1946 Indian Chief also has 5.00-16 tires—motorcycle tires, of course. Avon. I’m very happy with them.

I don't have a compelling reason if I'm honest - I just wanted to compare the same car using crossply vs radial.

I replaced the Excelsior 500 x 16 tyres on my +4 with 500/525 x 16 Pirelli Stella Bianca, from Longstone. They are fine but I did have a problem. The overall diameter is slightly larger which meant the spare didn't fit in cradle. Mine is a 4 seater so the spare sits vertically in the cradle and bolts onto a bracket on the rear. The added diameter pushed the wheel too high to allow the bolt to engage with the bracket. So I have an old. unworn, Excelsior spare wheel.