Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I'd expect newly powder coated rims to be airtight - so no need for inner tubes
Not all tubes are of the same quality and may vary in thickness affecting balance - but again id expect that to be marginal.
If still a lot of weights without tubes and wheels are ok then I'd be inclined to have a moan to Longstone direct.

I don't think I'd fit tubes unless the rim was porous. Tubed tyres deflate very rapidly when punctured by a nail/screw with air leaking between tube and tyre and out around the valve. Tubeless on the other hand 'seal' around the nail generally leaking only slowly. A 'blow out' is therefore a more significant risk with tubed tyres.

So where are we with the original steel wheels? Is the rim profile suitable (safe) for use with tubeless tyres? Somewhere in the back of my mind is a warning that they're not although it's more of a feeling than anything concrete.
If the steel wheels need a tube how about modern replacements like Minilites? Are their rim profiles safe for tubeless? As they get used for so many different cars I can't imagine Elan versions being produced without the safety bead.

The J suffix rim is good for tubeless tyres and was the de facto standard for many years.
The retaining hump that we are now familiar with was patented in 1986 by Goodyear.

i've owned my s2/s3 since 81 AND never needed tubes BECAUSE a couple of coats of paint on the inside of the rims will sufficiently seal them: less weights everywhere!! (maybe 100gr of paint for 4!!) sandy

I have had a consistent problem with stick on weights coming off newly powder coated wheels. Although it goes against the grain to sand a newly painted finish I could only get stick on weights to stay on if I took the surface back with 400 wet and dry. Moving the tyre on the rim to get the two out of balance opposite each other is the only way I have managed to get some rim/tyre combinations to balance.

MarkDa wrote:I'd expect newly powder coated rims to be airtight - so no need for inner tubes
Not all tubes are of the same quality and may vary in thickness affecting balance - but again id expect that to be marginal.
If still a lot of weights without tubes and wheels are ok then I'd be inclined to have a moan to Longstone direct.

I don't think I'd fit tubes unless the rim was porous. Tubed tyres deflate very rapidly when punctured by a nail/screw with air leaking between tube and tyre and out around the valve. Tubeless on the other hand 'seal' around the nail generally leaking only slowly. A 'blow out' is therefore a more significant risk with tubed tyres.

My MGB needs tubes because it has wire wheels (they can't be made airtight because of the spoke ends). When I had the tyres changed on the +2 I discovered this also had tubes, which I assumed was due to similar worrries about the rivets leaking (the old tyres were tubeless). According to the tyre fitter, you can tell whether you have tubes or not just by looking at the base of the valve. Didn't have the option to go tubeless, as I was getting Michelin XAS fitted which are tubed.

BTW I can confirm the rapid deflation of tubed tyres. I bought new tyres and tubes from a reputable MGB dealer. Less than a week later I had a "blow out" due to the inner tube failing (rubbing against the inside of the tyre). Luckily I was only going about 40mph, but it was pretty scary and the tyre was almost off the rim by the time the car stopped Had all the tubes replaced with Michelin Airstop tubes - compared to the crap the dealer sold me these were about twice as thick and were powdered. Yes, I like Michelin, they're on my main car as well Just a shame they're closing the UK factory...

Just for information........Having spoken with Longstone regarding the "dot" weight distribution indicators on tyres, they confirm that the technique is not used on classic tyres.
I need to find a "sympathetic" tyre fitter/technician in North Wales to remove the innertubes and rebalance the wheels with attention to tyre and wheel weight distribution. ........anyone?

No brainer in North Wales.
Go to Buckley Tyres in Buckley. Ask for John Atkin the owner. He still works the floor so completely understand the customer experience. He has the epuipment to od all types of wheels including wires etc and the guys are very knowledgeable. They have balanced all my cars and their customer service is beyond reproach.

Going back to the original post - I have fond memories of the CN36 tyre on my company car Escort and then Dolomite Sprint in the late 70s
I seem to remember them being highly recommended by the late great LJK Setright writing in Car magazine.

Thanks Richard
On my way!

Just to be sure...........

Buckley Tyre Service
Mount Terrace Works
Buckley
Clwyd
CH7 3AE

???????

That's the one. On the main drag through Buckley. 01244 544575. Ask to speak to John and if he isn't there then Wayne. I have no connection to them other than being a very satisfied customer.

If heading East they are on the left and the turn in is more than 90 degrees.

Hello Richard,
took my wheels to Buckley, they did a great job ballacing my wheels correctly and carefully. Thanks for the reccomendation, which I heartilly endorse.
Regards
Bob

Delighted it worked. That is exactly what this Forum is for and as a multiple car owner I have to say that LotusElan.net is hands down the best, most authoritative, most positive and helpful forum for any of the car makes I own.