[Healeys] Walmart Tires

[Bob Brown]

List,
As we may recall the subject of Walmart tires came up in the "Mad Dash"
story. Since it was a mad dash from San DIego to Chicago in 3 day s to 
catch
a an international flight, emergency measures were required. 
The tire that
required replacing was new ( a set of 4 one mionth before the 
trip). A staple
was seen in the tire at a gas stop, exit 272 I-80 in Kearny, NE.
The tire held
air but with 700-800 miles remaining could not be trusted. 
Walmart had 
195-60/r15 Goodyear American Eagles or Birdgestones. I had 
195s on the car.
Crome wires no tubes, except for the spare. I purchased 2 tires, 
put both on
the rear, for a match on the axle. The spare was replaced with the 
other good
recently purchased tire. They did have a time mounting the 195 on 
a original
painted wheel with a tube, but it is a spare. I will replace that wheel 
in
the near future to match the remaining wheels. They did attempt balancing, 
I
don;t recal what machine, but did not have a problem with therear as we
continued.  
So for just under $200 and 1 hours time we were back on the road.
The Walmart 
employees mentioned that they see quite a variety of tires to
mount being 
in the middle of the Cornhusker state, farmers and their sons
have a wide 
variety ofd vehicles needing tires.  Npt being able to locate
Austin-Healey in 
their computer to write up the purchase was their major
problem but they 
worked around that to expedite our stay.
BTW, as we waited
Ian noticed a set of tires ona rack that were just right for 
a Sprite if
needed. 
Bob


Subject: Re: [Healeys] Walmart Tires

And how about the
balancing of said wheels and tires?

Keith Pennell

> This begs the
question....what make and size tire for a Healey was available 
> at Walmart?
And with the likelihood of wire wheels, somebody at a Walmart 
> actually knew
how to handle and install tubes?
> 
> Rich Chrysler