Tires for Ace Bristol with 15" wheels

[bex1210]

My Ace Bristol has the optional 15" wheels, and 6.40-15 tires. I see that Michelin makes a 180HR-15, with the XAS tread pattern. According to Michelin's specs, the tire is 6.90" wide, which is about 0.50" wider than my 6.40-15.
   
   There is less than 0.50" clearance between my rear tires and the inside vertical aluminum panels, when measured statically. So I have no idea how small the clearance when running.
   
   Does anyone have experience with these 180HR-15 Michelins, and is there a rear clearance problem? (If you have 16" wheels, Michelin sells a 175/80-16, which is listed as having the same width as their 180HR-15).
   
   Harry

[simon]

Harry
   In our experience, as one of the UK's premier classic tyre retailers, Ace's on 15" wheels have no clearance problems when running a 185x15 tyre so fitting the 180x15 should pose no problems at all. The dimensions of the 640x15 tyres currently available and the 180x15 are virtually identical (see www.longstonetires.com for info ). If you want any more info please e mail us! As far as tyres for a 16" wheel go we can now offer a 550HR16 Michelin X or a 165HR16 Avon Turbosteel, both designed with the AC Ace in mind.
   Regards
   Simon Cox
   Longstone Tyres

[bex1210]

Simon:
   
   Thanks for the information and data. It is good to know that no clearance problem exists. (My 6.40-15 measures slightly narrower than do the 6.40-15 on your website)
   
   Harry