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Parts

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 TD TF 1500 - need 5.50x15 tires for 1954 mgtf

Where does one buy tires for 1954 mgtf? Just bought car garaged since 1978 and the tires are shot. Thanks.
Ed Eastman

Ed - Unless you are going to use the car for show and never drive it any further than on and off a trailer, I would suggest you forget about the originality of the tires and go with radials. I believe that I have 165/75 - 15 tires on our TD. I originally went with the "original" bias ply 5.50x15 tires and after spending a few miles being jerked all over the road by every little irregularity in the pavement, I couldn't wait for them to wear to the point where I could justify replacing them with radials. We drive the TD all the time (we have a choice in vehicles to drive - our 66 MGB or the 53 TD) in all kinds of weather and with the radials, it is very pleasant to drive - with the bias ply tires it wasn't. Cheers - Dave
David DuBois

Just go in and mention you need tires for a VW beetle and the odds are pretty good there is a set in "the back".
gordon lawson - TD 27667

You might be a bit happier with 6.50x15 as well...
gordon lawson - TD 27667

Hi Ed,

Around here we T-series guys get the Ultra Metric 165R15. Good tread, it isn't Japenese (the Japenese names just look a bit weird on our T-series) and the tire performs well.

warmly
dave
Dave Braun

My '53 TD came with bias ply wide white wall tires, and my list of projects was headed by a front end rebuild. My tire guy recommended a set of VW beetle radials before I did anything drastic. What a difference in ride and handling! I scratched the front end rebuild from my list of things to do.
Dick
RF Wacht

Ed:
I run my TF (1250) on Cooper Sport 1000 Metric G/T 165R15. The tread is extremely good on slippery pavement and the ride is soft. I run them at 32psi which might be on the high side, but the tire wear is minimal. You might try Coker Tire. They have a very wide selection of tires (tyres) and are great to do business with. Good luck.
SEAMUS
F. HEALY

I also use 165R15 on my TF but I find that it is a bit wide for the spare tire carrier and rubs on the gas tank strap. My carrier may be a bit close to the tank but I was thinking about trying to find a 155 size tire for the spare. Any other TF owners with a tight fit on the spare tire?

John
John Progess

John,
If your TF is a wire wheel, simply use two appropriate 1/4 in thick O-rings as spacers on your spare tire carrier to move the tire away from the tank. I have used this on my TF for 25 years. If disk wheels use washers on the studs ( or O-rings).
Don Harmer

I've got Vredestein 155/R15 Sprint Classics on my TD (recommended by British Wire Wheel but bought locally). I requested the 165s but when I showed up at the tire place they had failed to order them. They had a set of 155s in the back which they sold to me at a discount. I'm very happy with their appearance and performance. To John Progress' point, my 155s come within a hairs width of the spare tire rack, so I can imagine you might have a problem with the 165s.

Bryan
52 TD MkII
B Sieling

Mines the other way. Vredestein 165/R15 on wires and the bottom is pushing the license plate bracket out from the car. Not sure what I'm going to do with it.
LaVerne

My spare is a 1978 firestone 155/15 bias ply with the 'nubs' still on it...holds air and should do to get me to a shop. (just couldn't throw it out with the other 4).
gordon lawson - TD 27667

Ed, let me know if you just want one for an 'authentic' spare. I have a very decent looking, ancient, 5.50-15 that you can have for the shipping costs.
Bud Krueger

I've had good luck with Kumho 165R/15's. Nice tires, nice price. The Tire Rack will send them to your door very reasonably.
Tom

I also have the Kumho's on mine, it came that way. Didn't like the name, but have to admit they are a good tire. They seem to hardly wear.
Larry Ayres

This thread was discussed between 10/04/2006 and 11/04/2006

MG TD TF 1500 index

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