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Hi Jac,
I rarely come onto the Forum these days but was here to Renew Membership and saw your post. I appreciate it was posted some time ago and you probably have your answer but here, for what it is worth:
I had a Somerset for many years, along with several Austins. (I’m down to just having my ’16’ now – 35 yrs I think.) I went through the change to Radial tyres in the ’70s and used the then common FX4 Taxi tyres. (They were actually called ‘Taxi tyres’ at that time.) I had them fitted all round and they were a massive improvement – without doubt. I’d heard (and have since) that they would make the steering heavy; would cause premature wear on the track rods etc. etc. Not only did I not find that to be true but for more than a decade, other than greasing the joints had no malfunction at all – anywhere on the steering/suspension. I would advise anyone to make the change.
As for my Austin ’16’ – I fitted that with those same tyres when I bought it – late ’80’s I think, it has had Radials ever since. It’s been used regularly, still is – out most months of the year and that too is much better on Radials.
Also worth pointing out whilst I’m at it: My local tyre place, used for 40+years, had always advised me to put tubes in the ‘Tubeless’ tyres on my old cars (I’ve had several other old motors alongside the Austins) Their point was the rims would leak /weren’t originally designed for ‘Tubeless’, along with a few other reasons. I followed this advice for many years – really had no reason not to.
One day, as I say many years down the line; a very knowledgeable Lecturer in Automotives and a friend, asked me why I would do this (fit tubes). He then stated the obvious! Manufacturers of Tubeless tyres, at their launch in the ’50s, wouldn’t launch them into a marketplace, then make a requirement that people fit modern wheels to accommodate them – they made them for the existing market.
Needless to say, I first made a trial on just one wheel but quickly found that not only did they not leak air when fitted to my standard ’16’ rims, but leaked less air than the wheels with tubes fitted!
Furthermore, the reasonably regular punctures my tubes suffered – as a result of the ridges inside ‘Tubeless’ tyres that chafe the tubes – ceased. Since fitting the tyres direct to the rims, as originally intended by the manufacturers, I’ve not had one puncture (probably 5 years now).
Obviously this doesn’t apply if your rims are not in reasonable condition ( but that would be the case with a modern rim – if it is damaged it’s likely to leak air) Also of course it won’t apply to wire wheels.
If anyone doubts this advice, have a look at the advertisements of the time when Tubeless tyres were launched by the various tyre manufacturers – you will see their original advice.
Regards,
Phil
If it helps, I used ordinary Taxi radials on my Somerset (same size wheels I think) 175 R 16 I believe. I run the same tyre on my 16HP too AND, to the surprise of many, as tubeless on the original rims! I’ve used these tyre on my Austins since 1976 by the way – never had a problem. If you have any queries please let me know.
Good Luck.
PhilHi Malcolm,
I no longer have a Somerset (Just the 16 now) but I owned a Somerset for many years. I always used General purpose grease for all the suspension and steering joints and drove many, many miles but never wore out, even as much as a track rod end. My thoughts are that as long as you use a good grease and use it regularly then the joint is lubricated. I know there are those that argue that oil is a ‘must’. I have the same discussions over oiling or greasing ‘Trunnions’ on the Triumph style susp. 150,000 miles on that suspension – and all greased.
As for the grease nipple size – I can’t help but suggest in the first instance you just unscrew your nipple and try squirting some grease through it by plugging directly into your grease gun. Most respond to that or a soaking in paraffin if the grease has gone hard.
Recommended lubricants would be in the hand book but I’d have to see if I still have one here. Let me know if you want me to look it out.
In any event – Good Luck!
PhilHi Peter,
I too am interested in Engine serial numbers. These for my Austin 16 BS1.
I’ve had the car almost 30 years and for the first time now have the engine out. The engine is a BMC Replacement unit with: ‘BMC Replacement. F69956’ on a plate on the side of the engine.I also have another engine that I bought about 15 yrs ago. I think it may have been a government surplus unit. It was bought as a refurbished unit and it’s condition supported that. That engine is different in some details and it bears an Engine serial No. stamped into the block. ‘1B 4697’
Can anyone enlighten me with information of any kind regarding the Serial Nos. of these Austin engines please?
Regards,
PhilHi Dave,
I found your comment about not using SAE 90 oil in the gearbox interesting. Can I press you to explain why please. (I have an Austin 16)
Regards,
PhilHi Digcot65 ??
It’s some years since I sold my Somerset however the manual says that: “Each rear wing is secured in 11 places. Four of these are hidden beneath each rear door rubber cushion…….. The remaining seven securing points are nuts and bolts passing through the wheel arch, six of which are accessible within the luggage compartment. To gain access to the seventh, remove the quarter casing situated above the wheel arch and partially obscured by the rear seat squab. ……..”I hope this is of some help. Good Luck with your project.
Regards,
Blue
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