[foby.sebastian]

Originally Posted by singer_1948

I had been looking for tyre size 500/525 x 16 in the net and I came across a tractor tyre by MRF of size 550 x 16 (photo attached).
Does anyone know whether this tyre can be used as a substitute for 500/525 x 16 for vintage cars?
The tractor tyre has a 3 rib design. In case it can be used as a substitute, will it be possible to retread it with the standard car tyre tread?

5.25 - 16 is same size?

[singer_1948]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

5.25 - 16 is same size?

No, the tyre width of 500/525 x 16 will be less than 550 x 16 but the tyre rim diameter is the same 16 inches. So my doubt was was whether the wider 550 x 16 tyre would fit in the rim of the 500/525 x 16 tyre.
I understand from the internet that 500/525 x 16 means that this tyre would fit the original rims of cars that left the factory with tyres of the size 500X16 or 525X16. So I was wondering whether we could use it for 550x16 also.

[GTO]

Posting here in case it helps someone:

I am restoring Honeycomb radiator cores (fabricating new ones) for vintage Rolls Royces, Daimler etc. Can also do cosmetics / spares made to order. Recently worked on a 1922 Rolls from Delhi.

Iqbal Ahmed
iqmodelverk@yahoo.com
+91-712-2548693
Cellphone 09552732600
www.craftsmanshipmuseum.com/Ahmed.htm

[foby.sebastian]

Originally Posted by singer_1948

No, the tyre width of 500/525 x 16 will be less than 550 x 16 but the tyre rim diameter is the same 16 inches. So my doubt was was whether the wider 550 x 16 tyre would fit in the rim of the 500/525 x 16 tyre.
I understand from the internet that 500/525 x 16 means that this tyre would fit the original rims of cars that left the factory with tyres of the size 500X16 or 525X16. So I was wondering whether we could use it for 550x16 also.

I think 550 will fit. I guess you need to go with tube.

[singer_1948]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

I think 550 will fit. I guess you need to go with tube.

Possibly it should fit. But I am wondering why nobody ever thought of it when 500/525 x 16 tyres are so hard to get and quite expensive. Since the 550 x 16 is used as front tyres in tractors it should be having sufficient strength for use in small cars, at least. The only negative point I see is the tread which is unlike car tread. But at least the tractor tyres look better that the rounded edge motor cycle tyres I have see in some old Austins with 17" rim. Tube is not a problem as I have seen old Mahindra Jeep tubes (I think the tyre size is 600 x 16) being used in 500/525 x 16 tyres without a problem.

[foby.sebastian]

Originally Posted by singer_1948

Possibly it should fit. But I am wondering why nobody ever thought of it when 500/525 x 16 tyres are so hard to get and quite expensive. Since the 550 x 16 is used as front tyres in tractors it should be having sufficient strength for use in small cars, at least. The only negative point I see is the tread which is unlike car tread. But at least the tractor tyres look better that the rounded edge motor cycle tyres I have see in some old Austins with 17" rim. Tube is not a problem as I have seen old Mahindra Jeep tubes (I think the tyre size is 600 x 16) being used in 500/525 x 16 tyres without a problem.

Are you planning to retrofit the bigger size on a wirewheel?

[singer_1948]

Originally Posted by foby.sebastian

Are you planning to retrofit the bigger size on a wirewheel?

No. But it would not make any difference whether it is a wire wheel or disc. I was just looking at the possibilities as 500/525 x 16 is difficult to procure nowadays. 30 years ago I had bought new Dunlop Gold Seal tyres that were old stock from Chennai for Rs 900. I was trying to understand the feasibility of using the tractor tyres from the safety perspective.

[piyush shah]

This is a new unused( atleast this is what I have observed and looks unused to me) Wiper motor made by LUCAS TVS...the component shows a manufacturing date sometime in 1970...and is a DR3A( clearly written on the motor) wiper motor can be used on various British cars including Standard Herald,Mini,Minor amongst others..see if this is of any interest to anyone here...one can contact the seller at his number 8779641220 for more details...

[Akhilesh Agarwa]

My name is Akhilesh Agarwal, a 65 year old mechanical engineer living in Lucknow. I have five vintage cars-
1929 Austin 7 Chummy
1934 Standard 12
1956 Fiat 1100 Millicento
1948 Fiat 500 Topolino A (sv)
1951 Fiat 500 Topolino C (ohv)
I have had the last two for 20 and 10 years respectively, and am maintaining them in good regular working condition. Photo-


I specialise in engines, particularly Topolino engines and have found ways of successfully repairing their aluminium heads. I have the following parts available for exchange/sale-
Flywheel
Inlet manifold (sv engine)
Sump chamber
Oil pump
Crankshaft
Pistons
Connecting rods
Starter (ohv engine)
Differential parts
Clutch pressure plate
Gearbox
Propeller shaft
Brake drums
Rear half axle
Steering box
Front leaf spring
Carburetor/distributor
I am always on the look out for Topolino parts to buy.

If any Topolino owners have trouble with their aluminium cylinder heads due to corrosion, I will be glad to help.

[parthmehd]

Originally Posted by singer_1948

Does anyone know where I can buy 500/525 x 16 tyres in India?

Well, I tried but could not get any. Tyre height for the tractor tyres would be too much and they may scrap the wheel arches, so check before buying. I imported my set ( many years ago) and you could do the same. I have a set supplied by Vintage Tyre Supplies, The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Had it shipped from UK and it was delivered at my doorstep. Very expensive to ship, but it keeps the car going !!

[singer_1948]

Originally Posted by parthmehd

Well, I tried but could not get any. Tyre height for the tractor tyres would be too much and they may scrap the wheel arches, so check before buying. I imported my set ( many years ago) and you could do the same. I have a set supplied by Vintage Tyre Supplies, The National Motor Museum, Beaulieu. Had it shipped from UK and it was delivered at my doorstep. Very expensive to ship, but it keeps the car going !!

Thanks, you have a point there. I too agree that the tyre height could be too much for a car. Importing the tyres is prohibitively expensive as you have mentioned.

[karlosdeville]

Originally Posted by Elegant Pig

I just received a very interesting call from a gentleman in Ratlam.

He has a 1932 4-seater FIAT 508 (Reg No MPE 4583). He said it has a soft top. (I assume that means it's a convertible car.)

His grand father bought it and it's with his family for the last 60 odd years.

The car does not have the original engine. He's using a padmini engine at the moment.

He said he's not rich and cannot afford to spend a lot of money on the car.

HOWEVER, he's trying his best to restore her! He has found an old mechanic in Ratlam who has some experience of working on these old beauties.

He needs help in procuring some parts for this car. I promised him that I'll put a query on this forum and if people do respond to it, I'll put them in touch with him. So here I am!

By the way, he found out my phone no from this same thread.

I do hope some of you would help him.

Thanks.

Just came across this picture

[Akhilesh Agarwa]

Dear Karlosdeville,
I would like to offer my help to the gentleman from Ratlam, please give him my reference. My email Id is
Akhileshagarwal2000@yahoo.com

I would like to clarify that Fiat Ballilla 508 is an earlier model from the 30's, while my experience is with the later Fiat Topolinos and Millicento, but they are similar, and I have familiarity with Fiat engineering and design. Fiat was known for good design and sturdy construction.

Re parts, I found the best source of Topolino parts is ebay motors Italy, France, and even Canada/Australia. Almost everything is available, but expensive. You have to bid for and win the auction for every individual item, and pay the courier cost, which is also expensive. Austin 7 parts are comparatively cheaper in U.K.

Please ask him to write to me explaining his problems in technical terms with photos if convenient. He should concentrate on the mechanicals first and body work later.

Re the engine, what happened to the original engine ? He can use the Padmini engine, but better to restore the original engine if it is traceable.

Akhilesh Agarwal

[piyush shah]

I intend to inform about the new found availability of 2 water-pumps for Fiat 1100/103 (original Italian GGT brand)..a guy here is interested to sell this to interested people...one can reach at 8779641220 for more details..

[Abloch]

Greetings!

I'm new to the forum and am hoping someone may be able to assist me. I am in search of the grill and headlight surrounds from a 1955 DeSoto Diplomat. These were never marketed in North America and I NEED one for my project. Did a search here and was only able to find a few expired ads.

If anyone has an idea or someone I can contact please let me know.

Thanks for your help, Andrew