1968 cooper mk2. What wheels and tyres?
Discussion
Hello
My 1968 Austin Cooper mk2 is completely factory standard with the exception of the Dunlop D1 alloys. I think, but am not sure, that they were a factory option but irrespective, I would like to put the car back on standard period correct wheels and tyres.
Several of the obvious Mini places sell replica wheels ( eg mini spares).
Can anyone guide me as to
1) what width I need for a standard cooper (3.5 or 4.5) assuming 10"
2) what tyres are correct from the period? I see several are still available from vintage and race tyre suppliers
3) if anyone knows of an outfit that can supply wheels, period correct tyres etc as a package? (Most I see are modern tyres)
Thanks a lot
My 1968 Austin Cooper mk2 is completely factory standard with the exception of the Dunlop D1 alloys. I think, but am not sure, that they were a factory option but irrespective, I would like to put the car back on standard period correct wheels and tyres.
Several of the obvious Mini places sell replica wheels ( eg mini spares).
Can anyone guide me as to
1) what width I need for a standard cooper (3.5 or 4.5) assuming 10"
2) what tyres are correct from the period? I see several are still available from vintage and race tyre suppliers
3) if anyone knows of an outfit that can supply wheels, period correct tyres etc as a package? (Most I see are modern tyres)
Thanks a lot
A 1968 Mini Cooper 998 would have been supplied with the same 3.5" x 10" steel wheels as fitted to the 850 of the same era.
AS for tyres, they would have been Dunlop 145/80 x 10, probably SP41.
Hub caps would have been full diameter chrome plated steel ones.
10" 850 wheels are fairly easy to find. Falken do a 145 x 10 tyre which would look right.
AS for tyres, they would have been Dunlop 145/80 x 10, probably SP41.
Hub caps would have been full diameter chrome plated steel ones.
10" 850 wheels are fairly easy to find. Falken do a 145 x 10 tyre which would look right.
Extremely good, thank you. Don't suppose you know somewhere that could restore steel wheels to,old English white? Temptation is to buy new, replicas given price but that would be cheating.
I had found these as someone fitted them to a restoration car fitted in one of the mini mags
http://www.vintagetyres.com/item/99/145sr10-dunlop...
I had found these as someone fitted them to a restoration car fitted in one of the mini mags
http://www.vintagetyres.com/item/99/145sr10-dunlop...
This is one occasion where originality isn't best (IMO). If you're running the factory 7" disks (bacon slicers) and spacered drums I'd at least put on some 4.5" reverse rims or stick with your D1's. With 165's on they track just right and look a whole lot more purposeful than the spindlely original rims and 145's. Not a big fan of the big hubcaps either,each to their own of course. You could paint the RR's grey to fall in line with Mk2 'S's.
Whereabouts are you? I have a set of steel reverse rims and the smaller hub caps. My bro bought them for his 69 S but he sold it with its Dunlop alloys and the steels, in primer, will have to go. I can't imagine how much they would be to post or courier, so the nearer you are to Newbury in Berkshire the better.
Off topic, my brother emailed today to say the dealer who bought his S for £10,000 at Bonhams in April have just sold it in "Ripe for Restoration" condition for £14,000. He bought it in 1975 for a few hundred and ran it as his every day car for several years after which it was just used for best. It was still pretty original except from the wheels and Special Tuning seats.
We stopped in Kingston on the way to Bonhams at Hendon Museum to take a picture or two. He let me drive it and he was driving his wife's modern Mini Cooper. The old car was quicker away from the lights. We tried it several times
Good luck with your restoration.
We stopped in Kingston on the way to Bonhams at Hendon Museum to take a picture or two. He let me drive it and he was driving his wife's modern Mini Cooper. The old car was quicker away from the lights. We tried it several times
Good luck with your restoration.
Now, what are the tyres on those D1 alloys? It's not so much that I dislike the wheels, but they are fitted with some modern tyres and the combo looks out of place. I'll save the performance rubber for some other more sporting vehicles and happily replace with some suitable historic remakes.
They are whatever Groundhogs are called these days. I'll check.
Well, according to the Dunlop site they're now, and I quote, "145SR10 DUNLOP AQUAJET SP SPORT: CAR TYRE: ROAD: TL"
I'll ask my bro tomorrow if he remembers.
Apologies for calling your Min a restoration. When I read it again you're simply seeking a bit more originality. I tend to think of my cars when they're fifteen years old and older as on-going restorations.
Well, according to the Dunlop site they're now, and I quote, "145SR10 DUNLOP AQUAJET SP SPORT: CAR TYRE: ROAD: TL"
I'll ask my bro tomorrow if he remembers.
Apologies for calling your Min a restoration. When I read it again you're simply seeking a bit more originality. I tend to think of my cars when they're fifteen years old and older as on-going restorations.
Thanks a lot. Car sailed through the mot today and good job too as was cutting it a bit fine for Goodwood revival. Think I thought I was on the circuit this morning as I whizzed up Park Lane this morning. Amazing how you can keep up with the flow of modern traffic and more. Rather enjoyed it!
An eBay purchased Brixton wicker picnic set will add to the period cliche!
An eBay purchased Brixton wicker picnic set will add to the period cliche!
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