Series 3 Bar Grip Tyres?

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1977 said:
Hi there,
I have always loved Willys Jeep bar grip tyres but does anyone know if these tires would be legal on a 1977 series 3 in the UK? I think they are the right size being 600x16. And I know they are poor at handling, but I am drawn to their design simplicity.
There is a link below to the page.

Thanks for your help.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WW2-WILLYS-MB-FORD-GPW-BAR-GRIP-MILITARY-TYRES-NEW-NICE-PATTERN-LONG-LIFE/151920533441?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid=222007&algo=SIC.MBE&ao=1&asc=20140122125356&meid=26e8c5ff84454042b712f84b5d9bd9ba&pid=100005&rk=1&rkt=6&sd=151932345729
Click to expand...
as long as they are e marked they would be legal I agree they look good but I will warn you they are scary to drive on in the wet
 
Considering the tyre is the only thing in contact with the ground is it worth risking the poor handling and grip just for the look? I only ask because it could be the difference between stopping in time or an accident.
 
I did 1200 road miles round france a couple of years back, in the 101, on bar grips.

The whole time, the vehicle was trying to leave the road. Its like theres just endless slack in the steering, so, you hold it on one way, then it slips over, and you hold it on the other.

It wasnt until i drove bar grips that i understood those old films - where someone was driving, in a straight line, but constantly rocking the steering wheel from side to side...

...and this is coming from someone who's first car was a '54 morris minor.

I changed the rubber to michelin xzl (radials) and, sure, its still a 101, but its a whole world of difference.


Each to their own, but, my feeling is that, if you only go from your yard, to wherever you show the vehicle OR wherever you offroad, then, sure, stick with the bar grips, but, if you actually do any significant mileage on tarmac, really, do yourself (and everyone else on the road, who you could slip into!) a favor, and get some sensible tyres.


Are those 'continental' bar-grip type tyres radial or cross ply? If theyre radial, i guess they could be a kind-of compromise. Not one that id go for though - id just get some sensible tyres, and increase my life expectancy as a result...
 
There are other period tyres. What about Avon Rangemasters? I run then on my S3. A good all round tyre which is good off road.
 
I am currently on 600r16 Westlake tyres with standard road tread, and I'm often steering like I'm in the 30s when in a strait line. And imposable for grip when stopping. so bar grips don't sound like a good idea?
What about something like a Avon traction tire, but a lot cheaper, is there such a thing? But are they any better for on the road?
 
As said Avon range masters are good. I have two up front on my 109. Even at Tdi speeds they are good.

However if your steering all the time is your steering set up correctly?
When I had crossplys on mine I wasn't correcting constantly and this is on rutted Devonshire lanes.
 
1977 said:
I am currently on 600r16 Westlake tyres with standard road tread, and I'm often steering like I'm in the 30s when in a strait line. And imposable for grip when stopping. so bar grips don't sound like a good idea?
What about something like a Avon traction tire, but a lot cheaper, is there such a thing? But are they any better for on the road?
Click to expand...

Had Westlakes on series before now, without causing handling issues on road. They wont have as much grip under braking as a road tyre, but shouldnt be dangerous or unpredictable. Sounds like you might have a steering or swivel issue.
Also, are all your tyres matched for make, condition, and tread wear?

109inches said:
As said Avon range masters are good. I have two up front on my 109. Even at Tdi speeds they are good.

However if your steering all the time is your steering set up correctly?
When I had crossplys on mine I wasn't correcting constantly and this is on rutted Devonshire lanes.
Click to expand...

Never heard of anyone having a problem with Rangemaster.

The handling on mine is fine on 7.50 R16 Fedima remoulds. As I said, I leave plenty of stopping distance, but they feel safe and predictable on road, the lanes round here are in a dreadful state too.
 
1977 said:
I know my steering is not right because, well have a look at the thread in series "Recommission Chassis Rebuild = Steering Problems" https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/recommission-chassis-rebuild-steering-problems.294489/
In in terms of stopping I have a single line cv type breaks, which are more than playing up. As I'm struggling with the master cylinder setup.
So the tyres are sort of the finishing touch.
Click to expand...

I see. Didnt realise you had previous form! :D

Probably best to go with what james suggests about the steering! :)
Brakes are fairly simple, and the components are cheap, sometimes they are a bit tricky to bleed, but you will get there if you follow the methods that have been posted on the forum.

Once that is sorted, doubt if you will have a problem with the bar grips if you are going ro drive it like a landrover, as opposed to lots of main road use.
 
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