Wheels & Tires

The Original Tires and Wheels

The wheels were Dunlop 15” 48 spoke center-lock wire wheels painted silver-grey secured with a two-eared chromed bronze knock-off. The car was fitted with Dunlop Roadspeed RS4 tubed black-wall bias ply tires.

Tire and Wheel Modifications

I decided to use Dayton chrome/stainless wire wheels supplied by Hendrix Wire Wheel. The selected tires were Michelin 175 x 15″ ZX. Alan Hendrix and Jerry Anderson were both very helpful with the purchase and with follow up questions.

Tires and Wheels

Tires and Wheels

Fast forward to August 2015. I am way overdue to replace my Michelin ZXs. They still look great but they have surpassed their useful life by a considerable number of years! The sad news is that the ZXs are no longer available. That is a shame as I really liked the way they looked and performed. Following a fair amount of research, I have concluded that the Michelin XAS 180 HR15 is the best tire to replace my ZXs. Many Healey driver’s have switched to Vredestein Sprint Classics, but I favor the Michelin tire. The XAS has a slightly larger diameter: I believe 26.7″ versus the ZX 26.” The XAS has asymmetric treads favored for a smooth nice ride with good traction. There are a couple of downsides. Unfortunately these tires are $260 each plus another $27 for a tube for each tire. The ZXs were tubeless! My other concern is that the slightly larger tire may not fit in the boot. As a consequence, I have decided to take Allen Hendrix’s advice and go with a smaller 165 Nexen tire ($100) as a spare. This should work fine. On the off chance that I actually need the spare, it won’t be on the car for long.

So I ordered the XAS tires from Coker Tire in Chattanooga, TN and had them drop shipped to Allen Hendrix. Next week the wheels and ZXs go to Hendrix Wire Wheel to have the wheels checked, tires mounted and trued and then shipped back to me.

michelin-XAS-180HR-15

michelin-XAS-180HR-15

Nexen 165 for the Spare

Nexen 165 for the Spare

 

MK2 Wheels, Tires and Alignment

Alignment

As a supplement to the Service Manual, I found this document on the internet: Jaguar Tire Alignment. 

Knock-off (Spinner) Tool

I have always used a lead hammer to tighten or remove the spinners on my Big Healey and had planned to do the same for the Jaguar. However, in watching a YouTube video by DaveJaguar66, I was introduced to a new tool that Lionel Roberts at [email protected] makes for this purpose. It is machined from aluminum and therefore softer than the chrome spinner and it uses a 1-1/2″ socket and a long tommy bar. No more banging with a hammer and risking a missed blow striking bodywork! I have now tried the tool and love it. Lionel makes different size tools to accommodate differences in spinner size. As far as I am concerned this is a must-have tool.

So, now instead of a lead hammer, I will be carrying a tommy bar, a 1-1/2″ socket and Lionel’s tool in my boot!

Lionel’s Spinner Tool Outer Face

Lionel’s Spinner Tool Inner Face

Lionel’s Spinner Tool 1.5″ Socket

Lionel’s Spinner Tool In Action

 

No decisions on wheels and tires yet.

This factory note or update is interesting:

Factory Update regarding Tyres

New Tires & Fuel Pump

I am a little late recording this, but in September 2010 the Bugeye’s shoes were replaced. While the tread on the Wynstar tires looked just fine, they were over eight years old, so for safety sake it was time to replace them. The same tire was no longer available, so the Bugeye now has some P185/60R13 80 H Sumit HTR 200. These tires are not the same low profile as the Wynstars, but the ride is superior and the grip firmer than before. Details are available on the maintenance page of this site.

The Sprite was neglected a bit over this winter, so when a warm day came round near the end of February, it was time to start her up and give her a good run. Alas, no joy! Either the SU fuel pump was not sucking fuel or there was a clog in the line. After a few diagnostics, it became clear the fuel pump was the culprit. A negative ground electronic SU was ordered from Moss Motors and installed. While messing with the pump, it seemed the ideal time to switch out the old rubber fuel hose for a new hose that is no susceptible to deterioration from ethanol. That done, the Bugeye is now happy and running once again!

Fuel Pump Installed

Fuel Pump Installed

Fuel Pump Installed

Fuel Pump Installed

SU Fuel Pump Part Number

SU Fuel Pump Part Number