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Post by kiwijim on Mar 18, 2008 7:37:32 GMT 10
Hi all, HELP... the restoration of my Thomson-T-line Gleneagle has come to a grinding halt, the reason...I can-not for the love of money find any tyres any-where. I am desperate for a couple of near new 165 x 15r 6ply light truck tyres, I have tried other sizes such as the only other size available being a 195 x 15 but nothing larger than a 165 or 175 will fit over the hub and go inside the wheel arch. the hub measurements are...center hole being 100mm and the distance between the 5 studs is 90mm. Does anyone know of a 14" wheel with this patten ?, if I could find some wheels suitable there are tyres available. Any ideas or assistance most welcome. thanks all...Kiwijim.  |
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Post by atouchofglass on Mar 19, 2008 6:39:48 GMT 10
Greetings Kiwijim Having read your post yesterday I thought about your dilemma Hhhuuuummm .... no answer from me  The next option would be to replace the hubs...... That lead onto the idea that the suspension could be upgraded if you needed. Yes it is a lot more time, money and effort than a couple of tyres. but it is an option. That way you will never need to have this hassle again. Becasue I was thinking you will come up with this problem again as soon as the tyres are worn out or one is badly punctured. Not good news but it would get you on the road. Atog |
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Post by Deleted on Mar 19, 2008 18:41:15 GMT 10
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 19, 2008 22:26:28 GMT 10
G'Day all, thanks for the suggestions, "Yep" it looks like the oxy torch will have to be bought into action, I had only mentioned to some-one yesterday that there could be a heck of a problem if I did find tyres and then blow one on our travels, well there goes our Easter travels.
It will be a big job removing the independent swing arms with twin coil springs and shock absorbers then welding spring hangers, my next worry will be...will the new springs raise the van to high off the road, at present the suspension is in the horizontal position and only has a movement of about 30mm from top to bottom, fitting leaf springs will raise the van about 100 to 150mm as far as I can calculate.
I suppose this is the only option I have apart from selling it as a Scottish dog kennel, "what the heck" ;D
I'm gonna give a go and to hell with the expense.
Cheers kiwijim.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 20, 2008 7:35:42 GMT 10
If I read you correctly, removing the independent and replacing with leaf spring suspension would have to be the last and very retrograde step. You can have your existing rims modified very easily and relatively cheaply. They simply chop out your existing rim centres and weld them to a brand new rim. Just make sure u get the offset right. Perhaps try Retro Wheels 74 Roberts Ave, Mortdale (Sydney) NSW 2223 Phone: 02-9570 3033 Fax: 02-9570 4055 or www.adelaidewheels.com.au/wheel.htmlIf this is not a goer, then replace only the axle stubs, brakes and hub with modern running gear/specs. But please keep the independent suspension  I presume u've googled '165R15 light truck'. There's a few hits that list them in catalogue. But maybe they're not available? |
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Post by atouchofglass on Mar 20, 2008 17:20:58 GMT 10
kiwijim
I agree with wahroonga... keep the independent suspension..... its what we all want as a retrofit.
Going to leaf springs would be a step back in time.
Atog
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Post by ukbrian on Mar 20, 2008 19:54:45 GMT 10
KiwiJim My advice would be to ignore the engineering solutions so far suggested. The first UK tyre supplier I got on google has about six makes of tyres to suit your requirements. www.mytyres.co.uk/Tyres.htmlJust insert 165 - 80 - 15, and ensure that you select one with a load rating above 85 (500kg per tyre) I would check to see if there are importers in NZ for the brands listed, who might not have the size in stock but should be able to get them from the manufacturer. Alternatively ask if the UK suppliers would ship to NZ, if they won't I might be able to help by getting them delivered to my home in the UK and between us we could come up with some way of getting them shipped. |
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Post by kiwijim on Mar 21, 2008 3:20:40 GMT 10
"Crikey" my Head-ache has sure received more help and good advise in the last few days than I have been able to get in the last two months from all the locations around the world that I have contacted. most company's contacted re- tyres or wheel change have found it easier to say Sorry can't help, or mostly just don't reply at all.
first off to answer.... Wahroonga , I will contact the Adelaide Company you mentioned, thats another hopeful, thanks... and I agree, ripping out the whole under-carriage may be a bad move as I looked at the van last night and found that I would have to strengthen the whole chassis to install leaf springs, replacing the stub,hub and drum will still be a big job as it is a steer- horn axle or drop axle set-up and all welded, which means the the lot will still have to come out to be turned down for new bearings, I think a wheel re-build may be the best way to go and go to a common 14" tyre.
"GEE" sorry folks this is turning into a novel....to answer UKBRIAN....thanks for your offer of assistance Brian, I have been in touch with England recently RE:- tyres and yes they are available there, BUT when I did my sums and worked out the cost of the tyre, add VAT, add freight and consider the currency exchange rate...each tyre was going to cost app $ 550.00 Aust each to get here...thats more than what I payed for the whole van !!!
one last comment regarding company's advertising they have stock of 165 x15r LC tyres here (in Perth) , on contacting them the answer has been the same every time..."NUP" haven't had them for about 8 years, they can't answer when I ask why they still advertise.
Thats all Folks, thanks for the help ....next developments shortly.
Kiwijim.
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