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TR parts and Triumph parts, TR bits, Triumph Car Spares and accessories are available for TR2, TR3, TR3A, TR4, TR4A, TR5, TR6, TR7, TR8, Spitfire and Stag and other TR models are available from British car spares and parts company LBCarCo.

Triumph TR6 - Coker Tires

I presently have a new set of Goodyear 205/70-15 tires on my TR6. Actually they look real nice, however my van needs new tires. The van takes those size tires and I just found out there is a Coker distributer in town. I've been thinking of putting the tires from my Six on the van and ordering a set of redlines. I can get a set of Coker Classics 185R15 for $185.00 Cdn. each. Just wondering if anybody has had experience with these tires, and what they think? They also have Michelins for $280.00, but that's getting a bit pricey.

Doug Campbell (gooseless)
Doug Campbell

I also need new tires and would like redlines for the original look. I've heard bad things about coker tires being out of round and hard to balance. Locally I can get Michelins for about $250 CDN. The Roadster Factory lists Michelins on their online catalogue for $199US. I was thinking with the parts sale they are having right now and the favorable dollar it may actually work out cheaper to order from them. That is if they actually have them and include them in the sale. I figure for the same price as 4 tires here I could also get new tubes with the tires there. Of course I don't know what shipping would add.

Anyone know of other good sources for redlines?
C Wiebe

In about 1992, I was at Triumphest in Ventura California (No unfortunately I didn't have my TR there - I was on business) and I saw a fellow who goes to all these shows down there with his rig that he places under the tire, one at a time with that wheel lifted a bit, and his rig rotates your tire on the car. He grinds a groove into the sidewalls. Then he uses red stuff that I think is RTV rubber. He can do a set of 4 neat original looking "red-lines" in an hour and he is quite reasonable. He can also do the old very wide whitewalls for the older cars.

A friend from Wisconsin met him at another show in Oregon.

Don Elliott, 1958 TR3A
Don Elliott

Don has the right idea. Unless you just absolutely have to have the Michelin red lines, get a modern tire and have it "red lined." If you do go the Michelin red line route, be prepared for a tire that doesn't stick near as well. Best left to being your "show tires" instead of something to drive on everyday.
SteveP

Yup - If you like to drive you'll be very disappointed after getting rid of your 205/70's (although I don't know how good the Goodyears are) for "classic" 185's.

Brent B

Doug:
Take a look at "Diamond Back Classics" at this link.
http://widewhitewalltires.com/specialty.htm
They have a Dunlop Axiom Plus Radial 205/70/R15 that they've done a nice job of red-lining especially for TR6's. US$139.00 each, back in 2001.
The Coker Classics I've seen (could be that most are OK) have a pretty sloppy red-line job.

Keith
Keith

Keith,
Thanks for the info on the Dunlop Red line tres.
Joe Justice
Joe Justice

Somewhere in the back of the vast expanses of my mind I thought I remembered that the Coker tires were inferior. Thanks for the input. Sounds like I should stay with what I have. Maybe someday I'll run in to the guy with the travelling red line machine.

Doug
Doug Campbell

Ditching the concrete redline 165's for "regular" 205's was the biggest single SAFETY and HANDLING improvement I've made on my six. A "red line" doesn't help in either of those areas.

Rick O.
Rick Orthen

Here is a reply to an inquiry I sent about the Dunlop Red Line tyres.

Joe,
The 205/70R15 red lines are $144.00 each plus freight. Effective on Feb 15, 04 the price will be $148.00 each plus freight. Beginning with our 04 Catalog, we will be recommending the Dayton SE for use on the TR6. The SE has a 5.3 tread width versus the 5.7 of the Dunlop. We still can provide the tires in the Dunlop if that is your preference. We will need your zip code to quote freight.

Joe Justice
Joe Justice

All
My Local Discount Tire store here in Colorado was able to get me Vredestine Sprint Classic 185 HR 15 with redlines. With tax, mount, balance etc. it came to around $120 a corner. These tires are wonderful! I had Avons and really felt like I needed a rollbar. These things grip and corner like mad and made me fall in love with my TR6 all over again.

The local Good Year store also could get them but quoted a higher price. Another of our club members found them at Prestige Tires so I believe they are in regular distribution.

bob g
1978 Pageant Blue MGB
1976 Inca Yellow TR6
1973 Green Mallard MGB
1966 OEW MGB-GT
Robert Gloyd

Vredestine...........must be good.Dutch tires !!
Eric de Lange

Doug
I'm using Yokohama S760 by 195/65r/15
They are the most popular tyres for TR6s in Australia
Great in the Dry, Great in the wet, Great wearing, and no road noise.
They are a great fit for a 5 1/2 inch rim and are not too big on the wheel or under the guards.
You may be able to get them in "redline" in the states
They are about $140 AUD fitted here
regards Kevin F
June 1969 TR6 Injection
Kevin Farley

A second positive opinion on the Vredesteins.

I chose the Vredestein Sprint Classics in 185-15 as I wanted the original size and a period look. Plus, even though I try to keep the car as original as possible, I just could not stomach redlines on a magenta car.

The Sprints are HR rated, handle very well, are decent in the rain and have a correct period look. The only downside is they seem to wear a bit quicker than some other tires, but this is not a major concern on a limited use car.

I bought mine from Universal Vintage Tire for ~$110/ea. if my memory serves me.

Good luck, W

Wayne

This thread was discussed between 06/02/2004 and 13/02/2004

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