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MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG MG Y Type - Radial Tyres for YA/YTs

I know that this is a subject that has been covered many times and Tony Slattery started a thread last month for radials ‘Down Under’. At the Spring Run 60th Anniversary Run last weekend I noticed that Henry Marlies (Netherlands) had Michelin Radials fitted to his YA. In the past we have been unable to purchase 16 inch radials in the UK (and Mainlaind Europe) and have had to use the original crossply tyres. I know that radials for YBs have been available for many years.

Henry said roadholding was definitely better but you cannot get a radial in through the spare wheel cover, so the spare still has to be a crossply. Not illegal until you fit it!

I have checked a number of suppliers and it appears that not only now do Michelin supply their 550HR16 (175/80 –16) but Avon also produce a 165 HR 16. The Michelin tyre retails for approx £110 and the Avon approx £125 (both prices exclude VAT). At a cost of £600 - £700 to change to radials is not a cheap option. I wish that Hankook radials at the AUD price of $89 (about £37.00) were available here. The question is: ‘Is it worth the cost?’

Have any other YA/YT owners made the move to radials and if so do the benefits outweigh the costs?

With thanks.

David.
David Pelham

I think that there are two problems.

A. The radial tyre has a smaller rolling radius than the corresponding width cross ply which increases the problem of the painfully low gearing of the YA. The 175/80 and 165 may both suffer this problem but I can not find the data to confirm this. However, Michelin (and others) make a radial for taxis size 175SR16 which is exactly the same radius as the 5.25 x 16 crossply. I have heard that they are rather stiff though and may give a hard ride.

B. I have had conflicting advice as to the suitability of the 3 inch rims on the YA for wider tyres. Vintage Tyre Supplies told me that they will not recommend more than 5.25 inc tyres on these rims. My local tyre fitter thinks that 175 x 16 will be OK but has nothing to back this up. There are many cars running on radials,so are there any for or against stories out there?

David, I will send you a spreadsheet showing various tyres and their data
Michael Nicholson

I'm convinced that the Michelin will perform very good on the YA/T, but I'll stick to the crossplys for that nostalgic (and dangerous?) look and feel.
Willem van der Veer

If I were in the UK, I would be trying to track down the importer/distributor of Hankook tyres.

This size was produced to suit the Lada Niva 4WD, so if this car was/is sold in the UK then someone makes that size tyre.

They are being heavily discounted in Australia at the moment as the distributor has substanial stocks left and there are few Lada Niva's left on the road with original size tyres/rims.

If you are interested in doing some research at the UK end, I am prepared to look at shipping some Hankooks to the UK for Y-Typers, but you will have to check out the import costs/taxes and the legality of the tyres on UK roads. (I'll check the sidewalls for any EU Standards markings).

Happy Hunting

Tony
Tony Slattery

Tony

Thanks for the offer. I will make some enquiries at this end.

Regards.

David.
David Pelham

This thread was discussed between 16/05/2007 and 20/05/2007

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