Original Dunlop Wheels

Guy Vinall

13 March 2012 at 19:24 #48814

I have my original 5 wheels & have recently purchaed another 5 original wheels. These have all been blasted, coated & baked. I’m running these totally tubeless on the appropriate modern radials. It strikes me that I should just ask for confirmation that it is OK to do so? Your opinions would be appreciated. Regards, Guy Vinall.

h14

13 March 2012 at 20:56 #48815

Hi Guy,

I think manufacturers would state, as a matter of course, that wheels designed for tubed tyres were not suitable for tubeless tyres. Of course, the wheels probably pre-dated tubeless tyres, so quite naturally would not have been finished to the tolerances more ideal for tubeless tyres.
That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use tubeless tyres. Presumably you’ve checked the rims with particular attention to the tyre seating/sealing areas….any imperfections here, whilst not a concern for a tubed tyre, could result in leakage if a tubeless type is fitted.
The simple answer is, if they hold air, then you have nothing to worry about, and indeed, the seal is likely to improve as natural slight movement of the tyre in use will encourage the rubber to swell into any imperfections.
If you intend spirited driving, I’d wait for things to settle. There are various proprietary anti-leak compounds you could use, which would give peace of mind, but I suspect would leave an unpleasant gooey mess on your rims.
Don’t be tempted to fit tubes in tubeless tyres…did that with one of my father’s Rover 2000 tyres, & had repeated punctures as the rough surface of the inside of the tyre abraded the tube.

Usual disclaimers, I’m not a tyre expert,

Regards

Laurence

Guy Vinall

12 December 2012 at 19:16 #49918

Hello all,
I have now put nearly 5,000 miles on the DB Lagonda Rapide. 3,500 miles on the D type wheels with Pirelli Tyres & 1,500 miles on the original wheels with tubes & Avon Steel Radials. Both wheels & tyres are good. I would say the Pirelli’s deliver a marginal better ride & grip. Certainly if you are a spirited driver they are a better all weather tyre. I have just about taken both sets up to max speed & neither have scared me beyond the norm.