Just bought 2 new front types, Michelin XAS 180R15 89H TT. I have arranged to get them fitted but now realise I should really fit new inner tubes.
Which tubes should I be using? I have found reference to Michelin 15E Offset Valve Inner Tube but can't find them in NL. Any suggestions?

 

I have no suggestion about the tubes, but please note that regarding your new tires, you MUST remove any labels on the inside of the tire. Failure to do this will lead to abrasion of the inner tube and eventually a flat tire (and that situation can arise while driving at speed).
I know this from experience (twice)!

 

When I was in NL, Peter (can't remember his family name) at Autobedrijf Westland (Profile Tyre Centre) in Wateringen was very helpful. He had a few classic cars himself. Otherwise, I'd imagine Longstone would post some to you.

 

Longstone Tyres will have the correct Michelin tubes. Listen to Peter re NL. Michelin Classic Tyres have a smooth internal finish to suit a tube. Modern tyres are rough finished internally & no good for tubes.

 

Refresh page for edit.

 

I remember the name: it was Peter van den Berg. I think he was a few years older than me so he may not be as active in the business these days.

 

Why bother inner tubes at all, I run the exact same tire on my Jaguar and I've always gone tubeless ?
The same with my MK VI Bentley.

 

And MWS wires are now Tubeless. But that would cost a new set of wire centre lock wheels.

 

Not thinking today, I should have thought that Rishi is running wire wheels.
I'll blame it on my crown/root canal problem.

 

Yes running wires. Good luck recovering! I know it’s not life threatening but root canal work has traumatised me!

 

I sympathise with you. I had just jumped on a plane to China when a root canal temporary filling flared up. Managed with a Swiss Army knife to lever the temporary filling out & release the pressure.

 

Thanks everyone. I contacted Longstone in the UK and they put me in touch with Oldtimer B.V. in the Netherlands. Helped superbly by Cees who pointed out that I actually need the Michelin 15 E (not the F) for my 180 R15’s. He will dispatch the tubes today.

 

Excellent news!

 

Speaking of tubes....

I recently got a 1960 MK2 with steel wheels presumably original. Had a flat a few weeks ago and had to get a replacement tube. No issue getting the tube but big issue finding a shop near me who actually knew what a tube was let alone how to change it. One national tire store's told me they have no one that can do it. Another di not understand what I was asking. Sign of the times I suppose.

Anyhow I changed it myself as I have an old manual bead breaker and an old oil damped Snap-On bubble balancer. No issues as the tire/tube/rim did not require any weights.

But my bigger question is, are tubes necessary on the steel wheels? I do see the wheels are riveted together which would assume the rivets are not leak tight. Any comments here? Can the inner rivet surfaces be sealed much like the newer wire wheels which can use tubeless tires?

Thanks
jjsandsms

 

In principle, tubes aren't necessary with steel wheels and I've known people who run Mk2s with tubeless tyres, presumably some with origiinal wheels. However, the original wheels are now around 60 years old, so it might be case of try it and see how it goes. The series 1 XJ6 steel wheels are fine with tubeless tyres and it's an easy upgrade.

 

When I bought the car it had 4 new tires with new tubes in all. Have the Vredestein-sport classics, nice tires.

jjsandsms

 

I have 4.5J rims on my Mark 1 and recently put on tubeless tires. Seem to hold air just fine at about 90 days now. I did have the wheels bead blasted and painted before the new tires were mounted. FWIW.
Schmitty

 

Unbelievable how different she feels with the new tyres. I though she drove well but this feels totally different. Much more stable, more like a modern car.
Next week getting the alignment done, there was excessive wear on the inside of the old front tyres.

 

So it's towing out.

 

Michelin tyres always feel different & better. Michelin spends more rated by tonnes of rubber milled on development than any other tyre company in the world and by some margin.