Modern Tyres for Classic Cars

Most average motorists are happy with any tyre that isn’t visibly failing or bald. But those into modifying their cars, and those with a little pride in the appearance of their vehicle will be more aware of how tyres and alloys can vastly improve their appearance. Along with recent tyre-related car accidents in the news, owners of vintage cars are becoming more aware that new tyres can not only add safety and practicality to their classic car, but often add to their style.

Tyres are constructed in two different ways, the original construct being bias plies. The only difference being the cord-pattern across the thread. The new radial plies tyres have cords that ‘radiate’ whereas the bias plies cords run diagonally.
The benefits of radial plies include better handling (especially at high speeds), better fuel economy, durabiltity and a smoother ride.

Aspect Ratio

A car’s aspect ratio is the relationship between a tyre’s height and width. It’s series is based on percentage, so if a tyre’s section height is 60% of its section width, then the tyres is a “60 series”. A higher series gives you more cusioning, a softer ride but slightly more sluggish steering response. A lower series number gives you better steering response, but a rougher ride due to the thinner tires.

Most cars and vans can accommodate about 3% variance in tyre diametre (so roughly 3/4 of an inch), pickups and SUV’s can handle as much as 15%. Any more than these can cause steering and fender clearance problems.

Plus Sizing

This practise, which seems particularly popular with the sports-car group, involves fitting a taller wheel height but maintaining the same overall tyre diametre. It improves corner handling, changes aesthetics and accounts for crisper handling altogether. Of course, again, it makes for a rougher ride too - cusioning having been reduced. It is important to ensure that the new tyre and wheel combination needs to be able to cope with the proper load. This is the kind of thing that Top Gear can give you specialised advise on, either in our forums, or when you’re buying your new tyres and wheels - as we do offer a fitting service too.

The trick to fitting your classic car with modern tyres is to work out the best combination of these different measurements, ensuring the new fittings don’t look ugly or out of place, and don’t upset the balance and drive of the vintage.

Getting Professional Advice

The best idea, especially when dealing with a classic car, is to go to a professional fitter like Top Gear when you’re thinking of changing your wheels or tyres. They can ensure you don’t compromise style for performance, of the other way round, and that the fitting is done without damage to the car. You can find selections of tyres and wheels on the Top Gear product pages, with information and specifications. Feel free to contact Top Gear with any questions you have, or you can pop in to one of our depots with questions, and even bring your car along for a quick professional assessment.

This entry was posted on Thursday, March 31st, 2005 at 11:34 am and is filed under Car Care Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.