When I bought my Supermirafiori it had been re-commissioned after years of non use. This included 4 new tyres but they were of a budget brand call Sava and sized 165/80/13. I never had any confidence in them especially after reading a car magazine comparison of wet stopping distances for such tyres compared with bigger name brands. Plus they seemed too skinny for a twin cam Fiat!
I had always planned to buy a set of Pirelli boots for her
in 185/70/13 size but the local tyre suppliers struggled to source them - They could quote a price (?400 for 5) but they never turned up.
I turned to the trusty internet and came across this outfit based in Germany. Total cost including postage ?294 so I took a chance and ordered them late last Friday night (3rd). The order was confirmed on Monday by e-mail and the tyres arrived on Thursday (9th). Exactly as ordered and well packaged.
http://www.eiretyres.com/start.htmlStraight down to Advance tyre to have them fitted at a cost ?30 and now the car looks like it should with those tall skinny tyres banished. Took it for a run last night and it now feels much better planted especially on roundabouts. When the road is drier I'll explore the limits a bit more.
I had thought of going even wider at 205/60/13 like some of the Sports around here but I guessed that the steering would be too heavy.
Lucky I ordered a spare as well as the one in the boot looked as if it was as old as the car (an unused wheel) and had a weak sidewall.
The other main task completed was to fit a radio/CD unit. Got a good deal on a nice Blaupunkt and the sound quality is quite nice for an old car environment.
The car is now in the garage for a full service including all fluids (gearbox, back axle, coolant, brake fluid), rear seat belts to be fitted, RHD headlamps (from Gremlino) and a full anti-rust treatment. Can't wait to get it back and put the final cosmetic touches to the car in advance of the big trip.?