A40 Devon tyres

[KevinJB]

When purchased nearly 3 years ago my 1951 Devon GS3 was fitted with Falken 175/80 R16 tyres, tubeless on the standard 3 inch wide A40 wheels. The car drove very well but the tyres looked way too wide for the wheels. Tyre professionals said they were potentially unsafe, even with tubes, as the 175/80 tyre needs a minimum rim width of four and a half inches. I have read a number of comments on this forum from owners who have also had tyre issues and would appreciate any feedback. Possibly a wider wheel ? A70 maybe?The diameter of the 175/80 R16 is OK, it’s just the rim width requirement that’s concerning me.

[devonlgf]

Kevin
i use waymaster 500/525×16 tyres on my Devon i find them very good they drive good
are quiet and look right I used taxi tyres on my previous car a 1954 somerset they
were ok but the steering was heavy at low speed and wheel changing not so easy due
to them being wider i think the waymaster are better but of cause they are more expensive!! you pays yer money and makes yer choice
regard Roger

[KevinJB]

Thanks Roger for your comments on the Waymaster tyres. However I really would like to utilise the tyres I already have, the Falken 175/80R16 Landair CT02. It has been suggested that possibly the A70 wheel might be ok to use. Does anyone know if the A70 wheel fits the A40 hub and what is the inside width of the A70 rim? There is plenty of space inside the A40 Devon mudguards to take the 175/80R16 tyres. I am in New Zealand and a former Austin and BMC partsman myself (many years ago) but I have found it fairly difficult to find anyone here with accurate knowledge of old Austins who can help.
Regards
KevinJB

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