C1 54 tires

[Joe R.]

Just had my 54 judged at the SCC meet in Calabasas, CA. I found it to be very educational. I thought I knew a lot about this car, having owned her for 17 years, but the judges pointed out several things that I will work on.
One deduction that puzzles me though. I was dinged for not having original tires. I have the Coker 6.70 x 15 Firestones. The judge informed me that the "DOT" markings on the tires caused the deduction. Although I understand that the DOT did not exist in 1954, how can it be possible that anyone could be expected to have the originals after so many years?

One side note: the manufacturer (Coker) informed me that the gov't requires the DOT rating to be marked on the tires, and they cannot supply them without.

Even though I drive this car, I am striving for an even higher standard of originality that she currently has been judged as having. Does anyone have any further thoughts on this?
Joe #24865

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 54 tires

tread pattern on cooker repos aren't configured like the originals. since you drive the old girl, i'd use the DOT tires and live with the deduct. good luck, mike

[Joe R.]

Re: C1 54 tires

Mike, since I will replace the tires soon (they're 10 yrs old), can you give me a recommendation/direction as to which ones best represent the originals?

Thanks.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 54 tires

when i restored my 61 about 7 years ago, Kelsey in ? Ohio(they used to add in Hemmings), had tread pattern more closly replicating the original tread. haven't checked into it lately but will have to do so next year as our 57 vette nears completion of itsw resto. perhaps others will chime in. mike

[Kent K.]

Re: C1 54 tires

Joe,

Was the deduction for repro tires 3 points or some other number? If 3, that's the best you'll get without original tires, and then, who would trust their life to them?

Merry Christmas,
Kent

[Richard M.]

Re: C1 54 tires

Joe,

Yes that's expected, but if you drive to the event you get mileage points, and have those other bonus items to get points to help offset things like not having "non"DOT tires. I personally think that's such a great thing....those bonus points. Only other option is to find 5 "new" old stock non DOT tires, 5 additional correct rims, and hope the tires don't disintegrate when they mount them, and swap them out when you trailer the car to the events, or have a friend follow you in their pickup truck with the tires. (yes I'm being a bit comical here, but some folks may be doing this)

I've had several sets of Allstate & Coker 6.70x15's BFG Silvertowns on my 59 for 22 years and drive it all the time. Yes like driving on railroad tracks but that's what I like about them. Gives you a TRUE feeling of the road.

Rich

[Joseph T.]

Re: C1 54 tires

Ask coker if they will sell you a set of non dot tires with a release letter.

[Mike M.]

Re: C1 54 tires

doubt cooker will sell without DOT designation. if your buffing grinder accidentally drops on the EMBOSSED dot designation, if it hits just right, the dot might just disappear.If the grinder cuts too deep and leaves scars, fine sandpaper might fall on the tire and gyrate back and forth. then if yer lucky, Lemon Pledge might fall off the shelf and further hide the grind marks. all this i'm told could happen , if ya pray hard enough. regards and merry christmas.mike

[Joseph T.]

Re: C1 54 tires

Mike..the only reason I mention this is..a friend requested this on a set of red lines and they did it...( I am told ).

Joe

[Roy B.]

Re: C1 54 tires

My original NOS tire as a spare for my 55 Corvette has the size in the tread area as C1's had.

[Bernard M.]

Re: C1 54 tires

Joe,
You will find standard deduction tables for tires, among other things, in the NCRS Judging Reference Manual. It may help you decide on which tires are best suited to your purpose by detailing the point deductions for different levels of deviation from original.