Tyre advice from Longstone Tyres
Discussion
Hi Team
http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/
Longstone Classic Tyres stock an enormous variety of sizes of tyres from all of the best quality manufacturers of Classic tyres. We encourage our customers to fit the best tyre for their car determined by what is available and what our customers are intending to do with their classic car.
I hoped we could use this space to discuss any tyre related questions people might have.
http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/
Longstone Classic Tyres stock an enormous variety of sizes of tyres from all of the best quality manufacturers of Classic tyres. We encourage our customers to fit the best tyre for their car determined by what is available and what our customers are intending to do with their classic car.
I hoped we could use this space to discuss any tyre related questions people might have.
Shezbo said:
Big Al. said:
Members please note this is a PH sponsored advertiser, please refrain from sending in reports.
TYIA
Don't understand your comment?TYIA
If Longstone are good - bad - cheap or expensive...are we not to say? Please expand - thanks
Markgenesis said:
What do you have available in 205/60/14 ?, seems to be a very limited choice these days.
Also could a 215/60/14 be used as a substitute ?
Hmm! you are right. 215/60R14 is a very uncomon size. What car is that for?Also could a 215/60/14 be used as a substitute ?
The only thing i know of is a B F Goodrich COMP T/A with raised white letters.
I'm going to guess that it is some aftermarket wheels on something that should fit 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, or maybe altogether rim diameter.
I've been looking around for replacement 185/70x13 tyres and had noticed at least one of the specialist tyre companies offer something suitable, but, as you said, at a much higher price than buying a no-name product from a local fitter if I can find one with that size.
My main concern, as my car is a second car and doesn't really do that much mileage, is that the tyres will become useless through age long before they wear out, and it seems a pity to be throwing out tyres for age. For example I have Goodyear NCT3 on there at the moment, at least ten years old, and possibly the cause of some of the poor ride quality.
So, is there anything you can do in your more modern manufacturing process to prolong the life of the tyres you're selling, to counter the issue of recommended eight-odd year lifespan for those of us who don't use the car that much? While I want it to be a decent ride, I'm not throwing around A-roads the whole time (poor road surface quality, other drivers, hard to rebuild if stuffed), so in a way the cheapo holds some appeal, especially if I'm going to throw it away when it's still got 5mm of tread just because it's a bit old.
My main concern, as my car is a second car and doesn't really do that much mileage, is that the tyres will become useless through age long before they wear out, and it seems a pity to be throwing out tyres for age. For example I have Goodyear NCT3 on there at the moment, at least ten years old, and possibly the cause of some of the poor ride quality.
So, is there anything you can do in your more modern manufacturing process to prolong the life of the tyres you're selling, to counter the issue of recommended eight-odd year lifespan for those of us who don't use the car that much? While I want it to be a decent ride, I'm not throwing around A-roads the whole time (poor road surface quality, other drivers, hard to rebuild if stuffed), so in a way the cheapo holds some appeal, especially if I'm going to throw it away when it's still got 5mm of tread just because it's a bit old.
Why are tyres for classic cars so expensive compared to mainstream products and why are they only sold through one or two outlets ?
I appreciate that the volumes are smaller but does that explain three or four times the price ?
It does rather appear to be some form of cartel, why can't the mainstream suppliers obtain the classic ranges of tyres ?
I appreciate that the volumes are smaller but does that explain three or four times the price ?
It does rather appear to be some form of cartel, why can't the mainstream suppliers obtain the classic ranges of tyres ?
Ok, I'll bite and give a full and honest review of Longstone as someone who has actually used them...
[obvious disclaimer that I'm not in any way involved with them]
I wanted a set of specific tyres for my rally DS and decided on Longstone for a number of reasons. Firstly was the expertise - as part of the price they were fully fitted and balanced. We take that for granted with modern wheels but older stuff takes a bit of time, finesse and the right kit. Secondly was price because at the time they were offering a deal for 4 (or 5) tyres. I assume they still do offers like this from time to time.
They weren't too far from me so I slogged down the A1 to them and couldn't have been made more welcome. Dougal is a proper lad and the workshop is a real cave of man s
t. Bits of old stuff everywhere to pique your interest. Immediately offered tea and biscuits and was free to wander around the place (no H&S bks there 
) - I ended up helping Dougal and his son wrestle a gearbox into one of his old pre-war snotters.
They had some young French lad in on a placement and he was taken with the car so him and Dougal got cracking.
Price wise they're not cheap but about in line with other firms that sell rarer, older tyres. I can't quite remember what I paid for my 4 Michelins but it stung my botty a little bit. Still, they were the right tool for the job and overall I was very happy.
Would I use them again: yes, absolutely. They're a nice bunch of people selling the stuff we want/need at a price that is in line with the market. If I was buying to fit myself I'd probably shop around to see who gave the best deal and then call Longstone - if they matched it they'd get the business. If not, not. If I was having them fitted I'd use them again 100%.
Credit where it's due, gents.
[obvious disclaimer that I'm not in any way involved with them]
I wanted a set of specific tyres for my rally DS and decided on Longstone for a number of reasons. Firstly was the expertise - as part of the price they were fully fitted and balanced. We take that for granted with modern wheels but older stuff takes a bit of time, finesse and the right kit. Secondly was price because at the time they were offering a deal for 4 (or 5) tyres. I assume they still do offers like this from time to time.
They weren't too far from me so I slogged down the A1 to them and couldn't have been made more welcome. Dougal is a proper lad and the workshop is a real cave of man s
t. Bits of old stuff everywhere to pique your interest. Immediately offered tea and biscuits and was free to wander around the place (no H&S bks there ) - I ended up helping Dougal and his son wrestle a gearbox into one of his old pre-war snotters.They had some young French lad in on a placement and he was taken with the car so him and Dougal got cracking.
Price wise they're not cheap but about in line with other firms that sell rarer, older tyres. I can't quite remember what I paid for my 4 Michelins but it stung my botty a little bit. Still, they were the right tool for the job and overall I was very happy.
Would I use them again: yes, absolutely. They're a nice bunch of people selling the stuff we want/need at a price that is in line with the market. If I was buying to fit myself I'd probably shop around to see who gave the best deal and then call Longstone - if they matched it they'd get the business. If not, not. If I was having them fitted I'd use them again 100%.
Credit where it's due, gents.
Edited by benjj on Tuesday 28th October 12:05
droopsnoot said:
I've been looking around for replacement 185/70x13 tyres and had noticed at least one of the specialist tyre companies offer something suitable, but, as you said, at a much higher price than buying a no-name product from a local fitter if I can find one with that size.
My main concern, as my car is a second car and doesn't really do that much mileage, is that the tyres will become useless through age long before they wear out, and it seems a pity to be throwing out tyres for age. For example I have Goodyear NCT3 on there at the moment, at least ten years old, and possibly the cause of some of the poor ride quality.
So, is there anything you can do in your more modern manufacturing process to prolong the life of the tyres you're selling, to counter the issue of recommended eight-odd year lifespan for those of us who don't use the car that much? While I want it to be a decent ride, I'm not throwing around A-roads the whole time (poor road surface quality, other drivers, hard to rebuild if stuffed), so in a way the cheapo holds some appeal, especially if I'm going to throw it away when it's still got 5mm of tread just because it's a bit old.
HiMy main concern, as my car is a second car and doesn't really do that much mileage, is that the tyres will become useless through age long before they wear out, and it seems a pity to be throwing out tyres for age. For example I have Goodyear NCT3 on there at the moment, at least ten years old, and possibly the cause of some of the poor ride quality.
So, is there anything you can do in your more modern manufacturing process to prolong the life of the tyres you're selling, to counter the issue of recommended eight-odd year lifespan for those of us who don't use the car that much? While I want it to be a decent ride, I'm not throwing around A-roads the whole time (poor road surface quality, other drivers, hard to rebuild if stuffed), so in a way the cheapo holds some appeal, especially if I'm going to throw it away when it's still got 5mm of tread just because it's a bit old.
185/70R13 is very much an example of a tyre that is easily available from your local tyre dealer at a really good price and you don't need the help of a specialist like Longstone Tyres.
However if you want a genuine period tyre then i can supply 185/70VR13 Michelin XDX http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/185-70vr13-mi... which is a fantastic tyre. I sell very few of them, but if you do have an Alpine A310 then you want a V rated tyre with the correct profile to keep the handling right then you would be please it was available.
I also have a Avon CR6ZZ http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/185-70hr13-av... which is a great road legal race tyre.
The majority of cars that want a tyre this size tend to want a budget tyre.
Sadly there is nothing you can do about tyre ageing. when they are old they are old. keeping the weight off the tyres when they are stood is good and keeping them in the dark and cool helps. I'm sorry to say it is one of the costs of classic car ownership.
mph said:
Why are tyres for classic cars so expensive compared to mainstream products and why are they only sold through one or two outlets ?
I appreciate that the volumes are smaller but does that explain three or four times the price ?
It does rather appear to be some form of cartel, why can't the mainstream suppliers obtain the classic ranges of tyres ?
It is batch sizes and quality that determine prices. If you look at tyres for rare sports cars where there is clearly only ever going to be a few made and very little demand for the tyres the price is also high compared to tyres for say a Mondeo. I appreciate that the volumes are smaller but does that explain three or four times the price ?
It does rather appear to be some form of cartel, why can't the mainstream suppliers obtain the classic ranges of tyres ?
If you have a Ferrari or a Rolls Royce you need a good quality tyre in an uncommon size and that just costs with modern cars as well.
The tyres i recommend here will be top quality tyres, from the best brands such as Michelin and Pirelli so you are also paying for quality.
In my mind the prices are justifiable, but they do sometimes add up to a large credit card bill.
As part of Longstone Tyres service we also offer sympathy and a shoulder to cry on.
Thank You Benjj
I would suggest the best thing for users of Pistonheads is to ring us up on 00 44 1302 711123 . if you ring and haggle you will get the best price available in most cases. we will give discounts were we can.
We prefer to remain part of the real world where people actually talk to each other. we work on T'internet because we have to, a chat is better than an email.
Dougal
P.S. this is our saftey video. here we are testing snow studs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxx1Zn-NaW8&lis...
I would suggest the best thing for users of Pistonheads is to ring us up on 00 44 1302 711123 . if you ring and haggle you will get the best price available in most cases. we will give discounts were we can.
We prefer to remain part of the real world where people actually talk to each other. we work on T'internet because we have to, a chat is better than an email.
Dougal
P.S. this is our saftey video. here we are testing snow studs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fxx1Zn-NaW8&lis...
Did`nt mean to offend Mr Longstone, but i can only speak as i find, i phoned you guys on 2 occasions, once for a quote on a set of tyres for my 120 and once for my series one E Type, both quotes were around 40 quid extra each than i finally got them for through a local tyre guy who sells every day car tyres.
I also wonder why tyres for classic cars have to be so much more expensive than modern cars, i cant help thinking that classic car tyre dealers think that because we own these quite expensive cars, then we`re "made of money" and therefore can be ripped off. It does`nt happen with classic car parts,which i find are reasonably priced. I mean some of these classic tyres are plus 200 quid each,seems a lot of money for such dated patterns, where as high tec tyres for say BMW or Mercedes are cheaper.
I also wonder why tyres for classic cars have to be so much more expensive than modern cars, i cant help thinking that classic car tyre dealers think that because we own these quite expensive cars, then we`re "made of money" and therefore can be ripped off. It does`nt happen with classic car parts,which i find are reasonably priced. I mean some of these classic tyres are plus 200 quid each,seems a lot of money for such dated patterns, where as high tec tyres for say BMW or Mercedes are cheaper.
EXKAY120 said:
Did`nt mean to offend Mr Longstone, but i can only speak as i find, i phoned you guys on 2 occasions, once for a quote on a set of tyres for my 120 and once for my series one E Type, both quotes were around 40 quid extra each than i finally got them for through a local tyre guy who sells every day car tyres.
I also wonder why tyres for classic cars have to be so much more expensive than modern cars, i cant help thinking that classic car tyre dealers think that because we own these quite expensive cars, then we`re "made of money" and therefore can be ripped off. It does`nt happen with classic car parts,which i find are reasonably priced. I mean some of these classic tyres are plus 200 quid each,seems a lot of money for such dated patterns, where as high tec tyres for say BMW or Mercedes are cheaper.
many modern tyres are also well over £ 200 each when you buy a quality brand, and they are made in much larger quantities that these specialist tyres that we distribute. I also wonder why tyres for classic cars have to be so much more expensive than modern cars, i cant help thinking that classic car tyre dealers think that because we own these quite expensive cars, then we`re "made of money" and therefore can be ripped off. It does`nt happen with classic car parts,which i find are reasonably priced. I mean some of these classic tyres are plus 200 quid each,seems a lot of money for such dated patterns, where as high tec tyres for say BMW or Mercedes are cheaper.
can i ask what tyres you fitted to your XK and E-type?
Well i pretty much agree with what you say.
We don't have anything to do with Blockley. And they would be cheaper than any of the tyres i would have encouraged you to fit to an XK. here are my XK recomendations http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/jaguar-xk
The Avon tyre is pretty good. If you are still on 185VR15 i would have encouraged you to fit the Pirelli Cinturato. That is what Jaguar fitted to the series 1 e-type if you wanted a radial. the other thing about the Cinturato, other than it's originality, is that it is such a progressive tyre for sporty driving in cars of this era.
Michelin make an XVS in the size 185VR15 which is fantastic for motorway cruising. It is an Asymmetric tyre developed alongside the technology of your cars era and it improves the directional stability of classic cars that don't have a great deal of the caster that modern cars have.
If you have fitted 205/70VR15 i would have recomended Michelin's XWX again an excellent tyre. This is the tyre that the Uk police fitted to their XJ6 cars to improve the handling. (and the nicked me for speeding in my dad's car).
We do supply Avon TurboSteel and yes they are good. I would be amazed if you bought these for £ 40 less each than i sell them for.
here is my E-type recomendations http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/jaguar-e-type there is a great film of my mate spinning his e-type at Spa.
At the bottom of this page http://www.cinturato.net/page/e-type-jaguar-tires there is the "Tortoise and Hare" which is a great Pirelli promotional film made in the 60's of a lady with her daughter blasting around Italy in an e-type Roadster.
We don't have anything to do with Blockley. And they would be cheaper than any of the tyres i would have encouraged you to fit to an XK. here are my XK recomendations http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/jaguar-xk
The Avon tyre is pretty good. If you are still on 185VR15 i would have encouraged you to fit the Pirelli Cinturato. That is what Jaguar fitted to the series 1 e-type if you wanted a radial. the other thing about the Cinturato, other than it's originality, is that it is such a progressive tyre for sporty driving in cars of this era.
Michelin make an XVS in the size 185VR15 which is fantastic for motorway cruising. It is an Asymmetric tyre developed alongside the technology of your cars era and it improves the directional stability of classic cars that don't have a great deal of the caster that modern cars have.
If you have fitted 205/70VR15 i would have recomended Michelin's XWX again an excellent tyre. This is the tyre that the Uk police fitted to their XJ6 cars to improve the handling. (and the nicked me for speeding in my dad's car).
We do supply Avon TurboSteel and yes they are good. I would be amazed if you bought these for £ 40 less each than i sell them for.
here is my E-type recomendations http://www.longstonetyres.co.uk/page/jaguar-e-type there is a great film of my mate spinning his e-type at Spa.
At the bottom of this page http://www.cinturato.net/page/e-type-jaguar-tires there is the "Tortoise and Hare" which is a great Pirelli promotional film made in the 60's of a lady with her daughter blasting around Italy in an e-type Roadster.
LongstoneTyres said:
Hmm! you are right. 215/60R14 is a very uncomon size. What car is that for?
The only thing i know of is a B F Goodrich COMP T/A with raised white letters.
I'm going to guess that it is some aftermarket wheels on something that should fit 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, or maybe altogether rim diameter.
S1 Lotus Elite with standard alloys, stock size is 205/60/14, only decent tyre i've found in that size is a Falken, BFG's are the ones i spotted in 215/60/14, just about twice the price of the Falken though, the 215 tyre would probably work find it hard to justify the expense of the BFG's over the Falkens.The only thing i know of is a B F Goodrich COMP T/A with raised white letters.
I'm going to guess that it is some aftermarket wheels on something that should fit 195/70R14 or 205/70R14, or maybe altogether rim diameter.
Car currently has ancient Good Year Eagle NCT2's on the front and budget NEXEN's on the rear.
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