I apologize in advance for the way off topic post, but thought someone here might be able to help. Our '69 Mini needs replacements for its Nankang 145/70 R 12 tires. I have been able to find taller 12s, but fear they wouldn't fit. I've tried Coker - can anyone suggest a source for these tiny tires? Thanks, Will
Will, I import minis/other cars for a living here in the west coast. My guys have gone home for the weekend, but will be back Monday, and I can have them go through the hangar to see what is available, if you want. Since you didn't mention if you are looking for brand new tires, or slightly used will do, I figured, if I could help, why not. Great cars they are. -Ryan
http://www.mytyres.co.uk/start.html http://www.minimania.com/web/STSearch/TIRES/ItemPropParents/TIRES/Level/LVL3/SUBTYPE/SearchText/ShowIcons/Yes/Search_Inventory.cfm Dynlop makes a 155-80-12 which might fit. Alternately, how about fitting a nice set of 13" minilites and seeing what that would do for the car. There are many more tires available in 13, and I'm sure you could ger an appropriate rolling diameter ans width to fit these. Just a thought, good hunting.
Gentlemen, sorry for the delay in replying. I wanted to post a few pics with my reply. What is it? That's an interesting question. The car has some Cooper bits - shift knob and decals, for example, but I'm not convinced. This Mini has been updated - an air bag, for example. Factory update? Odd:
A VIN # is visible at the front of the engine compartment - painted red, it's barely visible. I believe I checked once, and the VIN indicates a Cooper, but the VIN tag looks as though it was riveted on as an afterthought. I've thought about the minilites, but am loathe to buy into rubbing problems. One sees a lot of minilites, though, so how bad could it be? Ryan, I appreciate the offer. Typing this before I check your profile but, do you have a website for your import business? My wife and I love micro and minicars. Thanks to all for the replies. This is a fantastic car, very forgiving at speed, surprising power and handling - I understand why these little cars could be raced.
An air bag? I can possibly see someone installing a steering wheel with an air bag in it, but I can't believe that they also installed all of the sensors and computers necessary to actually activate an air bag. Nice car!
Will, You are certainly welcome. Let me know if you are looking for brand new tires or used will do, and I will have the guys look in the hangar for what we have left over from the last shipment. I do not have a website for my business. I do about 98% Japanese imports,m and its basically a word of mouth business. I do about 2-3 containers a month. I bought a 03 Cooper S and got involved in the boards about 18 months ago, and saw a very good niche in importing the Original coopers as well. That currently comprises about 15-20% of my business. I understand it is more of a niche vehicle, and 94% of my customers have been from minicooperonline.com and mini2.com and roadfly. Most of it is word of mouth, and people I have met through the newer mini who want to add a original to their garage. I will be getting out of the mini business in about 2 more months, as I feel the market is getting saturated. To conclude, I basically import to order, so 9 out of 10 of my cars are presold before they get here. If you are looking for something specific, just let me know, and I can certainly help you out. -Ryan
