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MG TD TF 1500 - Dunlop 165 R 15 86S tire?

I have 4 165 R15 86S Dunlop tires that are like new with no miles on them on the TF and need a 5th tire for the spare, as the one with the car doesn't match. For some reason this tire seems to be very hard to find. Would anyone have one for sale or know of a source where one can be obtained. I would consider a used one if in excellent condition. I would like to keep these period type Dunlops on the car. Any help on this. I hate to buy 5 new tires to get a matching set. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Here's a photo of the tire type I need. PJ

Paul S Jennings

The Dunlop's in that size (probably SP-20??) are not made any more,,,
Steve Wincze

86 is the Load Index, and S is the speed rating

Also
>> I would like to keep these period type Dunlops on the car<< they didn't come with radials back then, so these arn't really period type tires..,,

SPW
Steve Wincze

Paul: I think you are sort of out of luck as I went through the same thing last year, but in my case I needed four new tires, my spare is OK.

I have 15 year old Dunlop 5.50 x 15's on the car now. Probably the last set in the world. The problem is that the sidewalls are starting to craze and I am worried that a 15 year old tire is not the best to be driving on. I rarely go faster than 50 mph but still...

So last year I went on the quest to find original profile Dunlop tires. Thought I found a set at Lucas Tire in Long Beach, CA who searched the world for me and contacted Dunlop in France. Here is what they quoted me:

Dunlop RS5's are available in a 550x15 at $385.00 each. We also stock a Royalton 560-15 blackwall at $149.00.

I was tickled to even pay $385 each for an original type tire, plus shipping. Problem is that they were racing tires and while not street legal, that was not my issue. The tread profile does not even closely resemble a normal tire so they would have looked wrong in my opinion.

Lucas Tire took them back and exchanged them for the Royalton's which are currently bagged up in plastic waiting for me to be done with cars shows. I will then pull the Dunlops off and store them away for some special day that will never come.
Christopher Couper

After re-reading your post title I realized that you were still trying to find a modern radial tire, but Dunlop. Not my problem at all.

Give Lucas Tire a call and tell them what you want. They are pretty good at hunting down weird tires.

Russ Willis
Lucas Classic Tires
2850 Temple Ave Long Beach, Ca 90806
(562)595-6721
www.lucasclassictires.com
Christopher Couper

But if you are going to drive the car, please fit new tires.

Apart from the safety issues, a fresh new radial tire will grip and ride much better.
Willem van der Veer

They were wonderful tires. But, even I had to admit to age. That's the tires, as well as yours truly. Bud
Bud Krueger

When we bought the TF in 1988, it had its only set of replacement tires, Dunlop bias ply tires. Those tires were old then, and they are still on the car today. The rubber is so hard, that the tires scream on the slightest corners or even the lightest application of the brakes. They are not safe to drive on. Nonce the car goes to a few more shows, they will be replaced, so the car can really be driven.
I sure wish these tires were still available.
David
D. Sander

I use Diamondback in South Carolina. Great selection.
R C Flowers

Is a 165/80 tire too wide for a 4.5 TF rim? PJ
Paul S Jennings

It should be ok as long as all of your tires are the same,,,,
Steve Wincze

Yes Steve, I'm speaking of all 5 tires. PJ

If it's new, I'll probably get Vredestein sprints. PJ
Paul S Jennings

I havent been on the Coker Tire Website for quite awhile but they build new replacements for many of the old cars in original patterns. Just a thought if it hadnt been considered

Bill
TD4834
W. A. Chasser Jr

Thanks Bill, but to have Coker build a matching tire, if possible, I could probably buy a complete set of 5 for less money. I never realized that these tires on my car were so old. I don't believe they have 100 miles on them if that. Real shame as their in beautiful like new condition. PJ
Paul S Jennings

I know the feeling. A number of us bought a set of the SU-20's about the same time. I almost cried when I had to acknowledge the date code. Their last trip was on 'the53' when I drove it down to the new owner's in PA last year. Bud
Bud Krueger

OBTW:
A number of the larger tire chains have recently adopted a policy that they will no longer mount a tire with a date code exceeding 10 years.
David Sheward 55 TF1500 # 7427

I read on another site that the 165/80/15 is very similar.
Gene Gillam

I guess it's 5 new Vredestein Sprints! I'll keep the 4 Dunlops mounted on the painted wheels and set them aside. Would be great for a show car, as the tires look like new. Maybe I'll run across a matching Dunlop in the future to make a 5 wheel set. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Interesting link from MGA guru: http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/tires/ti101.htm
Gene Gillam

Where do you get the race compound Dunlop tires? And is there a W coast supplier for the Vredensteins??
W. A. Chasser Jr

What size and for what car? They'll probably cost over $300 ea, some higher. PJ
Paul S Jennings

Bill: I provided the contact in my post above for the Dunlop Race Tires.
Christopher Couper

This thread was discussed between 29/09/2014 and 03/10/2014

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