Another tire size question (sorry)

[pgeorgeson]

I am restoring my 1966 Series IIa 109 and need new tires. I want the tires sized to look stock (not wide modern 4x4 tires). I have 16" rims. I understand the original stock tire was a 750x16. I also understand that width equates to approx. 190mm. With the 750x16, there is no aspect ratio.

What size modern tire (that is reasonably available) best approximates the original stock tires?

(I tried searching, but couldn't find the exact answer I need).

[siii8873]

235-85-16

[pgeorgeson]

Thanks, but aren't the 235's substantially wider than the original 750s?

[siii8873]

I'll check the difference. I have a spare 235-85-16 and 7.5x16's on the trucks. There is a guy selling some bridgestone 7.5x16 on the land rover exchange. They are an OK tire for everyday use, not a real aggressive tire for off road. Picture of them attached on a truck 7.5x16's that is.

[siii8873]

picture of 235-85-16's on a truck

[jac04]

You can't beat the 7.50 x 16 for that authentic look.
There is a guy on d-90.com selling a set of 5 Michelin XZLs if you are interested.

[Linus Tremaine]

yes

235s are wider but they are the closest modern tire that you can find that will go on your truck. If you want narrow you will have to find 7.50 x 16. Most of what you will find are bias ply. Try safari rover he had some XZLs a while back. OF course, the problem with that type of tire is what happens when you cut a side wall or have a blow out. They are not something you can just replace when you are on the road somewhere.

I thought hard about it because I had 7.50x16 dunlop radial rovers which I really liked, but the peace of mind of having a modern readily available tire made the cut over factory dimensions.

[Eric W S]

Thanks, but aren't the 235's substantially wider than the original 750s?

Depends on the tire. Swamper has a radial that is a very narrow 235.

Check tire rack or like site. They list the width. Find one you like.

EwS

[stomper]

If they look too wide, why not go with a 215/85/16. There is a link to another thread you may find worth a read.

http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9489

[yorker]

[RoverForm]

i feel like the bf goodrich mud t/a is probably the most accessable, original looking tire with the best all around quality, IF, you can find them close to the 7.50x16 size range.

i don't like the look of super swamper wide tires on anything, especially a rover.

plus the tread pattern on these reminds me of the michelin XZL

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.discounttiredirect.com/product/tires/mtavm5.xl.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.discounttiredirect.com/direct/tires/bf_goodrich/size/viewProductDetail.do%3Fpc%3D38730&usg=__GtxEFofYjPPes5qyhQmjo8c1CJo=&h=1001&w=1001&sz=124&hl=en&start=15&zoom=1&tbnid=hlYDXqGJ1qPzIM:&tbnh=149&tbnw=149&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dbf%2Bgoodrich%2Bmud%2Bterrain%2Bt/a%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26sa%3DN%26tbs%3Disch:1&um=1&itbs=1

[pgeorgeson]

Thanks everyone. Great info. I was assuming the "750" in the 750x16 was designating that the tire was 7.5 inches wide. Now I realize that the 750 means it is 7.5 inches tall. Based on that, I now realize why the 235s are basically at least the same height. However, i like the look of the narrower tires, so I might still try some 215/85/16s. I note that Cooper apparently makes the "Discoverer S/T" in that size. I am going to try to find one of those in that size to look at.

[roverjohn]

I'll check the difference. I have a spare 235-85-16 and 7.5x16's on the trucks. There is a guy selling some bridgestone 7.5x16 on the land rover exchange. They are an OK tire for everyday use, not a real aggressive tire for off road. Picture of them attached on a truck 7.5x16's that is.

I am selling the Bridgestone tires on here as well. Here is the link:

http://www.roversnorth.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9508

You are correct; they are not the most aggressive tire out there, but they are more aggressive than you might think. The outer tread will bite for off road use but the centers are more of a highway tread. They run fairly quiet down the highway and they should last a fairly long time.


I have sold quite a few of these tires for Series Rovers and everyone that I have sold to, really seem to like them. In fact, I am sending a set of 5 to New York tomorrow.

I still have a few sets left, so let me know if you are interested.

[cousindave]

I have the mud terrains in 33x9.50x15 and I love them. They are not the greatest in the snow though. Another great tire is the radial rover r/t. Ihad them on my discovery and nothing could beat those. Also they are ten or twelve ply which I loved. Since a heavy ply tire is so stiff it cuts down on a lot of wander associated with taller tires and also less prone.to flats.

[Eric W S]

i feel like the bf goodrich mud t/a is probably the most accessable, original looking tire with the best all around quality, IF, you can find them close to the 7.50x16 size range.

i don't like the look of super swamper wide tires on anything, especially a rover.

plus the tread pattern on these reminds me of the michelin XZL

http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=...:1&um=1&itbs=1

The BF Goods Muds look nothing like the original avon traction mileage tires or the XZL's. The BF ones the guy from colorado is selling are the closest to an origianl look.

All Swampers aren't wide. Do your research. Ike has a set on a truck he restored and they look better than any BF tires I have seen as they are much narrower. Check his site. It's the red rover that now lives in Indy.