Retro Tire 155 R13 on Steel wheels

[Gearbox]

Just finished up restoring my set of 13" x 4.5" steel rims for my 1962 Lotus Super Seven. I assume the newer equivalent to the original 155 R13's would be 155 80 13 or a 165 70 13. The only thing I can find in this size are in Kumos which I have on my Elan but wondering if anyone knew of any other options. Also noticed that these rims do not have a bead on the inside, so will I need to fit tubes inside the tires with these rims? Thanks Allan

[anthonyseven]

Just finished up restoring my set of 13" x 4.5" steel rims for my 1962 Lotus Super Seven. I assume the newer equivalent to the original 155 R13's would be 155 80 13 or a 165 70 13. The only thing I can find in this size are in Kumos which I have on my Elan but wondering if anyone knew of any other options.

 

Firestone F560 145 R13

[Gearbox]

Firestone F560 145 R13

 

Thanks Tony, but 145's instead of 155's? Is that the original fitment? also, did these tires require tubes for this rim? Thanks Allan

[breezy7]

Have you looked here? https://www.cokertire.com They may be able to answer your tube question too.

[anthonyseven]

Thanks Tony, but 145's instead of 155's? Is that the original fitment? also, did these tires require tubes for this rim? Thanks Allan

 

I believe that the original fitment was 132 (!) but I might be wrong. http://www.automobile-catalog.com/tire/1962/1432010/lotus_seven_a.html

 

I have the 145's on an original set of the optional wheels with elan-style cutouts; but I don't recall that makes a difference in tire size.

 

[Gearbox]

I believe that the original fitment was 132 (!) but I might be wrong. http://www.automobile-catalog.com/tire/1962/1432010/lotus_seven_a.html

 

I have the 145's on an original set of the optional wheels with elan-style cutouts; but I don't recall that makes a difference in tire size.

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]9213[/ATTACH]

 

Thanks Tony, and great picture! Do you have one showing the rear tires? I'm running 8.5" rear fenders (original was 7.5"?) and don't want to dwarf the wheels inside the fender wells. I am not opposed to using wheel spacers, but don't want to exceed 1". Also what size rear fenders are you using? Thanks Allan

[anthonyseven]

Thanks Tony, and great picture! Do you have one showing the rear tires? I'm running 8.5" rear fenders (original was 7.5"?) and don't want to dwarf the wheels inside the fender wells. I am not opposed to using wheel spacers, but don't want to exceed 1". Also what size rear fenders are you using? Thanks Allan

 

Conveniently I don't have a photo showing the rears, it is indeed ugly... Like socks and sandals... :ack:

 

 

I have standard Caterham rear wings to cover Toyo R888 185/60 on Panasports for the track. I don't swap for narrow S2 wings when I put the steelies on for show and street, that would be too much trouble for me.

 

I can tell you that it is much more fun to drive on the street with skinny tires. The steering becomes light as a feather and it drifts around every turn.

 

Really, folks don't notice how nerdy it looks.

Really. They don't.

:leaving:

[Gearbox]

LOL, you are too funny Tony.

[MudHut]

I'm new to the whole Seven way of doing things, so don't judge, but wow, with that itty-bitty tire the cars must be absolutely tossable! Talk about unsprung weight.

 

I'm from the other side of the tracks, so to speak.

 

http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo1/JHogan/ready_zps0e64e7d5.jpg

15 x 10 with 23.5 x 9.5 x 15

Jay

Edited December 3, 2015 by MudHut
indicated size of wheels and tires