Cross Ply Tyre Question

[l5foye]

I hope this is the right place for this ?
I am restoring an old car (1936 Austin) and the tyres are like new but have cracks on the sidewalls. The cracks are just skin deep. Is there any way of restoring them? I would be happy enough to drive on them but the MoT people would probably not share my view. The tyres cost about £100 each, hence my try at restoring them.

 

[GRAV888]

Are we talking an Austin 7 here?
I have a 1933 Austin 7 that was my great uncles (although it's at my dads place in Wales).
I'll ask him where he gets his from.
Have you got the size handy?

He also has around 20 other vintage cars and shed loads of spares if you get stuck for any parts.

 

[BTB 500]

IIRC tyres are supposed to be replaced every 6 or so years, regardless of wear. This is because the rubber ages and deteriorates ... leading to the cracks you describe.

Caravan tyres are the classic example, the tread on those never really wears at all. Hence replacement is based purely on age and deterioration.

 

[l5foye]

GRAV888- the car is an Austin 10; tyre size is 500/525x16- last check on price showed £110 ! Details on any spare parts would be much appreciated.
BTB500- I cannot disagree with what you say. It looks like I may abandon any idea of restoring or doctoring the tyres. Why is it that my attempts to be a skinflint never work?

 

[GRAV888]

I'm going to my dads in a couple of weeks and will ask him what he has for a 10.
I keep trying to get his Riley Merlin off him, but he won't budge yet.
Only 3 in existance