Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

[George H.]

or any other Firestone series of the same size. No penalty should be given for these replacement tires. The Manuel goes on to point out the current service replacement

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

George,

Two items.
First, tires are judged using the Standard Deduction guidelines, not the Judging Guide. I would suggest you look those up in the Judging Reference Manual.
Second, there is a massively updated Third Edition of the 73-74 JG that came out a few years ago. If you’re considering having your 73 judged, throw out the old pink Second Edition and buy the new one.

[George H.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

I appreciate the feedback Patrick. My name is George Hunt. I was part of the 1973-1974 update Tec Manual 3rd Edition Team working with Tom Russo and others. Spent more that 2-years helping to work on it. You can fine my name on the inside cover of the 3rd edition which i review frequently. Tires, page 97-99, has the same reference to the Firestone Recall as does the 2nd edition, bottom of page 97. Not sure what judging manual you are referring to. I when onto our NCRS Store and looked to buy the Judging Reference Manuel that can give me definitive answer to my question. Is that the 9th edition selling for $20? I appreciate the help. We may need to amend our 3rd edition for clarification. As a side note, i just attended the Sun Fest Florida Chapter Winter Reginal meet in Lakeland and the NCRS booth had no copy of the 73/74 3dr Edition for sale.

[Gary B.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

George,

Yes, the 9th edition of the Judging Reference Manual for $20 is what you want.

Gary

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

I appreciate the feedback Patrick. My name is George Hunt. I was part of the 1973-1974 update Tec Manual 3rd Edition Team working with Tom Russo and others. Spent more that 2-years helping to work on it. You can fine my name on the inside cover of the 3rd edition which i review frequently. Tires, page 97-99, has the same reference to the Firestone Recall as does the 2nd edition, bottom of page 97. Not sure what judging manual you are referring to. I when onto our NCRS Store and looked to buy the Judging Reference Manuel that can give me definitive answer to my question. Is that the 9th edition selling for $20? I appreciate the help. We may need to amend our 3rd edition for clarification. As a side note, i just attended the Sun Fest Florida Chapter Winter Reginal meet in Lakeland and the NCRS booth had no copy of the 73/74 3dr Edition for sale.

Hi George,

You'll find my name there too. Thus, I was surprised you referenced the second pink edition...?
The 9th Edition of the JRM, which is new, will give you the tire standard deduction guidelines for tires on page 42, but as it really hasn't changed much over time previous editions will also have the flow chart.

In my experience, tires used by dealers to replace the Firestone 500s still receive a deduction, though minimal.

New tires (i.e. not made in 1973-77) will receive deductions as outlined in the JRM. For new tires expect a 10-60% deduction depending on how much the new tire deviates from the original based on design, construction, material, tread width and pattern, etc. It states a current OEM tire is a 60% deduction, so that is likely what you will receive since today's tire looks nothing like the original with regard to lettering, tread, etc.

[George H.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

That is good information and I thank you. I'll buy that 9th edition and run with it.

Member of the Florida Chapter
'73 Coupe, LS4/M21
Yellow Metallic 953 (original paint)
Interior Trim 404 Black Leather
Body Trim Build: LO6, July 7, 1973
Delivery: 9-18-73 Dealer: E.F. Connell, Jacksonville FL
Sticker Price: $7,280.50 + FL Tax
Second Owner since 2-4-80

[Ralph S.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

I still have some Firestone 500 original tires white stripe & white lettered do people use them for judging ?

[Mark F.]

[Ralph S.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

Yes the tires are available for sale

[Ralph S.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

I have 3 Firestone 500 tires with broken belts they have a bulge in the tread when inflated is there any historical value in them or should i scrap them

[Doug C.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

Would filling the Firestone 500s with foam be acceptable (and safe) for judging?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

Would filling the Firestone 500s with foam be acceptable (and safe) for judging?

We have generally put tubes in them.

[Duke W.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

Come-on guys, this is getting ridiculous... foam, tubes, on tread separated tires? They wouldn't even be safe rolling on and off a trailer. What if a chassis judge was next to one of those turds and it blows out.

Either get a set of tires that receives a minimum deduction or get NCRS to reduce the deduction. Those seventies vintage American made radials are absolute junk and a safety hazard if some Mickey Mouse way is found to "rejuvenate" them.

Duke

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

Come-on guys, this is getting ridiculous... foam, tubes, on tread separated tires?
Duke

I wouldn't touch them if they've started to separate.

[Bob B.]

Re: Judging Tires for my 1973 Corvette

I have had 2 original 1975 Firestone 500's explode just sitting on the tire rack- I like the originality / novelty /story with the 500's,
BUT THE ARE DANGEROUS