12-03-2017, 08:01 PM
(12-03-2017, 01:12 PM)Refugee Wrote: I have switched to low mileage now and the MOT do advise that the tires have time dependent crazing on the rubber.
I had one of those warnings about 3 or 4 yeas ago, shortly before I went on a tour of the Ensign Bus Companies' depot at Purfleet.
Apart from running most of the bus services in Thurrock and a lot of rail replacement work they also sell second hand buses withdrawn from service by other operators - mainly London based. The vehicles are overhauled and modified, if necessary, to suit the buyer. Virtually all London buses have two doors which are not popular in the provinces so they specialise in removing the centre entrance!
However, another side of their business is the restoration of vintage buses. This isn't just a makeover to make them look pretty again or just for exhibiting at bus rallies and the like - everyone of their restorations is to Class VI MOT standards because, after restoration, they have to be capable of running in revenue earning service.
Tyres on any bus cost a fortune compared with their car counterparts and just imagine the cost of a full set of tyres and tubes for a 1930's double decker!
So, as we looked over one of their recently started restorations - not much more that a pile of sawdust and a pile of rust! - I asked them how they coped with the problem of old tyres perishing and was told that it is quite simple - the tyres are painted with a liquid rubber solution every year. I've no idea where you would obtain liquid rubber solution but it might be worth a try.
In my case, the need for a new clutch and a couple of other problems pushed the car into the 'beyond economical repair' category before the tyre issue further compounded the issue.
