Classic Time for new rubber

The fronts on my classic are getting to the stage where new tyres are needed, my problem is that the rears are still in good order with loads of tread left.
Both front and rear are all terrain types which I thought I would change to std road tyres when it came time to buy new ones.
What problems am I going to get if I leave off changing all 4 at the same time? If I don't need to spend the money then why should I?
The existing tyres are 205/80/16 and I would stick with that size anyway.

For road tyres I like Nexen Rodian and from one of the online suppliers here in France you may well be able to get a set of 4 for not much more than 2 big name brands. Local garages will usually fit them for a modest fee.
By the bye, running different tyres or tyres with a different state of wear stresses the centre diff.

Datatek said:

For road tyres I like Nexen Rodian and from one of the online suppliers here in France you may well be able to get a set of 4 for not much more than 2 big name brands. Local garages will usually fit them for a modest fee.
By the bye, running different tyres or tyres with a different state of wear stresses the centre diff.

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Just the sort of opinion I was after thanks ref the ctr diff.
Think its going to be a set of 4 then. I do usually buy online and the local garage fits them for me, usually €10 each balanced for folding stuff.

Datatek said:

For road tyres I like Nexen Rodian and from one of the online suppliers here in France you may well be able to get a set of 4 for not much more than 2 big name brands. Local garages will usually fit them for a modest fee.
By the bye, running different tyres or tyres with a different state of wear stresses the centre diff.

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That's why old school info says swap front to back left to right to even up wear...

Shippers said:

That's why old school info says swap front to back left to right to even up wear...

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Front to back yes, every 6K miles. Left to right NO, as in many cases the tyres are directional, this is the case with the Nexen's.

Datatek said:

Front to back yes, every 6K miles. Left to right NO, as in many cases the tyres are directional, this is the case with the Nexen's.

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Didn't think at tyres as op has fitted were directional...what about spare when you get a flat most people just bung it on and forget...

Shippers said:

Didn't think at tyres as op has fitted were directional...what about spare when you get a flat most people just bung it on and forget...

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The spare I carry is not directional, but yes if the spare is directional it's a problem, potentially points on your licence if you get stopped and it's picked up. Unlikely I know.
I was just making the point that left to right is not always a good idea, indeed the tyre companies do not recommend it for any tyre type.

Datatek said:

I was just making the point that left to right is not always a good idea, indeed the tyre companies do not recommend it for any tyre type.

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Left to right swaps were normal in the days of cross-ply tyres, I think that recommendation ceased with the intro. of radials.

norseman said:

Left to right swaps were normal in the days of cross-ply tyres, I think that recommendation ceased with the intro. of radials.

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Correct.

Datatek said:

Correct.

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I did say old school
What tyres should I fit to my next resto project 1968 p6 LHD first registered here in Portugal... Would love to know who could afford that then info in car might point UK embassy...

Front to rear is ok but side to side has been frowned upon due to the change in loading of suspension components

Just thinking are modern tyres not directional from inside to outside as opposed to what your saying I've never seen my fitters looking to which side of car they fit wheels after new tyres...

Shropshire classic said:

Front to rear is ok but side to side has been frowned upon due to the change in loading of suspension components

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????

Shippers said:

Just thinking are modern tyres not directional from inside to outside as opposed to what your saying I've never seen my fitters looking to which side of car they fit wheels after new tyres...


????

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Some, but not all, tyres are directional and have an arrow on the sidewall indicating direction of rotation. I can well believe that tyre fitters take no notice though and they can get stroppy when it's pointed out.

Shippers said:

I did say old schoolView attachment 154404
What tyres should I fit to my next resto project 1968 p6 LHD first registered here in Portugal... Would love to know who could afford that then info in car might point UK embassy...

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That was once my dream car.

Datatek said:

That was once my dream car.

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Still toying with the idea of having a V8 auto mk 2 version when SHMBO retires, brassed off with paying over £300 in ved for our daily.

Shippers said:

I did say old schoolView attachment 154404
What tyres should I fit to my next resto project 1968 p6 LHD first registered here in Portugal... Would love to know who could afford that then info in car might point UK embassy...

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I had a 1970 2.0tc, a 1975 2.2sc and 1969 2.0sc.. beautiful cars.. I always wanted the P6 3.5 V8 S manual version. You could use the gearbox from an SD1 apparently?
Never had much luck with any of mine..all of them were duffers... Unfortunately.. the 1970 2.0tc was the only year to have rear fixed quarter lights in the back doors. They started refitting them again after that.