Discontinued Tires,,, now what?

[Doug F.]

i recently got a top flight with my 89 convertable at a local meet, one of my biggest point deduction came from having the wrong brand of tire, in researching what i need, (goodyear), i found that the tire goodyear makes that is the closest to tread pattern has been dis-continued,,now what do i do??? yes i can put on another goodyear, but it isnt close to treadpattern or markings,, thus from my manuels stand point, i will lose up to 30% of my points, thats out of my control about the tire not being made ,, so ,, any suggestions??? thanks, doug

[Harmon C.]

Re: Discontinued Tires,,, now what?

At a large swap meet Corvette parts vendors sometimes have used original Corvette tires. You could check the driveline ads and also run a wanted ad in the next Drivline. Other than finding the exact original that was used on your 89 any replacement tire will get a deduction from the table in the Judging Reference Manual.
Lyle

[Michael W.]

You're in the same boat

as every other Corvette owner with cars built prior to 1973- no 'repro' tires are being made.

Your choices are to find a good used original tire or do the best your can with replacement tires and take the hit in points.

[Edward M.]

Re: You're in the same boat

I have the original tires that came off of my 1990 Corvette with 35K miles on them. Tread is good but they are hard as a rock. I didn't feel safe driving on them, but I figured that someone could use them for judging purposes. Interested?

[Doug F.]

Re: You're in the same boat

I appreciate the offer, but i like to drive this car and 17 yr old rubber is way past safe,, im having the same problem with my 95 too,,,thanks again

[William C.]

Re: You're in the same boat

I solved the issue with my '89 with the purchase of a spare set of wheels and a set of new Goodyeqars, kept the originals on the old wheels, drive on the new spare wheels and tires. Plan on driving to Charlotte that way, otherwise it's into the trailer, too much fun to drive for that.

[Chris Patrick]

Re: You're in the same boat

Since I have come out of the lurking stage a couple of days ago, I guess I might as well put in my 2 cents.

I don't see this as a problem any different than that of any old Corvette owner. No one has good usable and drivable tires that are perfect for judging. They buy the right ones for judging, an extra set of wheels, and put them on for shows and meets. Then they take them off for street tires for the rest of the time.

It is the cost of doing business, so to speak. You should buy Ed's tires, an extra set of wheels, and be right in there for those 30 points on the next judging meet. Otherwise, buy whatever street tire you can get and suffer the 30 points.

This is common practice for most consumables. And if you haven't checked ebay, then you are in for a shock what a set of these old consumables will go for. $100 gas filters. $100 spark plugs. $50 oil canisters. and so on.

[Harmon C.]

Re: You're in the same boat

Chris
The difference is 72 and older tires are reproduced and get most of the points are new and can be driven on. No radials for 73 and up are reproduced and I have been told never will be as the cost is much more than making the older tires.
Lyle