Blockley Tyres?

Vredestein 185R15s are hard (impossible) to come by at present. Blockley tyres have been suggested to me as a possible alternative. Does anyone have any experience with this supplier? Posted by vaningen 23/03/2016 22:38:46

I have just experienced this exact same problem - I ended up buying two Dunlop tyres.  Dave Posted by DaveT 30/03/2016 11:26:36

Try Northhants tyres. Posted by Angus D'Arcy-Drake 04/04/2016 09:16:40

What is the modern equivalent? 185/65/15 ?  Plenty of different choices in that size. Posted by johnlayzell 06/04/2016 10:27:46

Modern equivalent is 185/80 x 15 which is 'full' profile. 185/65 x 15 has a smaller rolling circumference and will affect gearing and look wrong under the wheelarch. Posted by tf1695 06/04/2016 11:10:14

I have found Hankook 185/80/15 to be very good. It is important to keep in mind the overall diameter of the tyre. The originals had a diameter of about 27.5 inches and it is necessary to keep as close to that as possible. Anything smaller besides looking out of place will bring your engine revs up and your speedo will no longer be accurate.   Richard  Melbourne Posted by RichardWallach 07/04/2016 00:26:58

Thanks!  185/80/15 should have a diameter of 26.65", but that size is not commonly available now.  Same thing with 195/80/15 (27.28").  205/70/15 (26.3") is readily available, but may be too wide for your wheels!  Good luck! Posted by johnlayzell 07/04/2016 13:02:54

The ex-W.M.Dunn TA21 was fitted with nearly new Hankook 185 80 15 tyres when I purchased it.  I was dubious about the handling (heavy, wallowing, some cornering squeal at times) at first, running with `book´ pressures. They also appeared fairly flat.  However, with higher pressure, ca. 40 - 42 psi they are very useable and show no problems in any conditions. The size appears correct, and very comparable to cross-plies in original pictures.  I have driven a few thousand miles with the Hankooks now, fronts are wearing slightly on the inside, but turn-in is sharp without understeer so I am happy. They are worth considering providing you are prepared to run them at higher pressures than recommended in the owners manual. The `T´ rating would probably not be a problem for most TA users.  Giles Lacey Posted by lacey giles 19/04/2016 21:57:44