Re: Denman 17-7.50 Tires

Posted by Owen_Dyneto On 2014/11/3 10:05:47

I've had 2 sets of 7:00 x 17 Lesters over the 40,000+ miles I've driven my 34. The whitewall width is a bit wider than the OEM tires were and the tread pattern isn't exactly "of the era" but I've found them to be excellent road tires and for a tour car I'd recommend them highly - they are probably the most common tire on touring Classics 1936 and earlier. My current set is now about 20 years old and due for replacement soon, never a problem with them - not even a flat. The reason I haven't replaced them yet is that it's foolish to replace the tires and not the tubes but 1934 was the last year for metal valve stem tubes and reliable tubes of this type seem to be a problem and I'm too much of a purist to go with rubber valve stems.

I very much like the look of the Bedford Cord tires but have heard not-so-good reports about them for use other than as a show tire. Have you looked at the 7:00 x 17 Firestone mold tire which has been available for some time? There is also a very attractive GoodYear mold tire available but I believe it is not yet available in 7:00 x 17, just 7.50.

You're the first person I can recall ever saying that the Lester 7:00 x 17 looked "small". In rough "eye ball" comparison to an old prewar U.S. Royal Master carcass I have, they pretty match exactly sizewise.