C1 Show Tire selection

[Mark C.]

Hi,
I finally got my first Corvette, a 58'. The car currently rids on an attractive set of radials with an original spare in the trunk. I am trying to determine if it is worth it to get a set of "show only" tires. It looks like even it I get a set of Bias Ply tires I will still loose 60% of the points because they will have a DOT stamp. Am I reading that correctly? As the tires are worth a 30 originality points (for all 5) it appears that there are only about 10 points on the table here. Is that correct? Is it possible to get reproduction Non Dot tires where you can get full originality points?
Thanks as I am new to corvettes and new to the board
Mark (real newbie)

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Mark, search the previous posts as this has come up often. Variables include the specific repro. tire you buy (Firestone, Good Year, etc.). The posts will help you decide which tire to get and points for that tire.

Steve

[Gary C.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Mark, yes reproduction tires lose points. Recommend you purchase a Judging Reference Manual and 58-60 Judging Manual from the NCRS store if you don't have them. The Judging Reference Manual explains all of the "standard deductions". DOT bias ply tires of original manufacturer type will only be 10%. However, radials could receive a dediction of from 60 to 100% depending upon the criteria in the Judging Reference Manual. Enjoy your new acquisition. Gary....

[Mark C.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Hi, Steve, I did but it is not really clear
1 If reproduction non Dot tires are available
2. The actual point deduction for DOT reproduction I saw some conflicting data and really want to be sure before I go through the trouble of getting another set of Tires / wheels to use for show.
Thanks for your patience am I am brand new!
Mark

[Mark C.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Gary,
I thanks thats exactly what I needed to hear it in only a 10% deduction for OEL like tires with DOT stamp. So of the 24 points available for the 4 driving wheels I have a shot at about 21 which would be worth doing.
Thanks again
Mark

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Yes, tires are a 30 point item and with five tires, that boils down to 6 originality points per tire. NCRS rule specifically allow the spare to deviate from the from the four road mounted tires and be considered separately.

I don't think you're going to find a reproduction non-DOT tire out there due to current Federal law regarding manufacturer conformance. So, the best you can expect to get is a 90% originality credit for current day reproduction tires mounted on the driving wheels...and that's IF they're excellent reproductions that don't deviate from the factory originals in other ways (size of white wall, sidewall marks, Etc.).

Many who want to drive their car AND show it, simply accept the deduction for current day service replacement tires on the four mounted wheels. Today's radials handle MUCH better than either original non-DOT (rare items) or DOT reproductions...

[Mark C.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Ok so are there radials out there that will get "some" points?
Mark

[Edward B.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Have your car judged a time or two to see how it fares - you may find some items that will garner you more points per dollars than tires.

[Jack H.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

It's in the NCRS Judging Reference Manual under Section 4, Standard Deductions, Rule 5, Tires:

"Deduct 60%--Current-day OEM brand, service-replacement size bias or radial ply tires of current equivalent sizing designation and correct whitewall width."

You copy of the Judging Guide should recite what's considered equivalent size. It'll tell you who the original factory tire supplier were. So, the only issue left in your search is finding an 'equivalent' white wall width.

That can be tricky, but easily solved if you choose standard black wall tires...

[Mark C.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Thanks to all for the Tire education, I'm sure I will be evaluating other items as I get the car ready
Thanks again
Mark

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Mark, I believe a number of folks have learned that the Good Year is closer to original.

Steve

[Stewart A.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Steve does this good Year have a name. Are they Whites or black walls and do you know what the sizes are that would be very helpful. Stewart

[Mark C.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Steve,
Unfortunately for 58-60 Goodyear is not listed as an OEM brand. They only list U.S. Royal "Air Ride", B.F. Goodrich "Silvertown", and Firestone.
Mark

[Greg M.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Steve,
Unfortunately for 58-60 Goodyear is not listed as an OEM brand. They only list U.S. Royal "Air Ride", B.F. Goodrich "Silvertown", and Firestone.
Mark

So which one of the above three do you prefer in reproduction form? I will be purchasing repro bias ply tires for my 1960 project later this year and wondered what the preferred brand is amoung them? Is one a better reproduction than the other. I do have a n.o.s. U.S. Royal "Air Ride" tire that I have considered using for the spare if the U.S. Royal repro tire is a nice one! Thank you for any comments you may have!

Greg
30406

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 Show Tire selection

Mark:

As one in the same situation, just remember that if you get a set of bias ply, you will also need four more steel wheels to mount them on. I don't think you will want to go to the local garage and have them switched every time you want to show the car (or maybe once a year is worth doing.) just a thought and an additional expense as you think through your options.

steve