Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

[Donald T.]

I'm trying to remove the DOT markings from some new repro tires. I know some of our more crafty members have managed to do this successfully. I cut them off with a razor blade, but I can still see the impression left in the tire. Any tips on how to make them disappear?

[Dick W.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

I won't tell you how to do it, but a broad tip on a large soldering iron, a little recappers gum rubber, and a little time usually works.

[Stewart A.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Practice on an old tire with an angle grinder with a flap disc on it. The disc has folds of sandpaper on it and is slightly coned in shape so only 1/4 of an inch will touch the rubber surface. I had a guy that put a red line on my tires a couple of years ago and slightly etched out a line completely around the tire perfectly but I forgot what he used it was something like a die grinder. Can you let me know how you go and what you use because I want to do the same thing. I thought the raised white lettering would have black rubber behind it so I was a bit scared to fiddle with it because if you expose the black its very hard to match the white.
could stuff the look of the tire.

[Bruce B.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Take a DA (orbital sander) and start with 220 grit and see what it does on a test tire. Use the finest paper you can and keep the sander moving to minimize heat buildup. Go to a finer paper to get a finer finish.
I used this method to remove the word "polyester" from some tires.
Good Luck.

[Jeff A.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Something I may try, but we really need to step back and take a realistic look at where this hobby is heading!

[Stewart A.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Yeah the lengths are getting crazy its what fanatics do I suppose.

[Gary C.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Removal of DOT is not the only thing one would have to do - there's also the filing in of the serial number branding. Gary....

[Richard M.]

This is all very interesting, and triggered a little button in my head. Sorry I do not want to be a "highjacker" of the thread, but I think the topic has been covered, quite cleverly I must add.

In my opinion, I think our judging criteria should consider making certain safety items allowable with no deductions. Tires are a big one. Other than properly functioning brakes, I think tires are the most important part of the automobile. Our lives depend on them. We rely on them to do their jobs every day. Some of us drive our cars to NCRS judged events, some don't. I would never drive on a non DOT set of tires anywhere, not even carry one as a spare.

Many judged marques,(e.g. we have our Jaguar judged in JCNA), allow any correctly sized appropriate tire . We get more entrants driving their cars to events than trailered.

I think our NCRS judging guidelines should allow SAFE, correctly sized and marked DOT approved tires with NO deductions. Ok, maybe allow "extra" points for non-DOTs.

IMHO,
Rich(1959 with 5 "DOT" BFG Silvertowns!)

[Terry D.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

I agree with Rich about the tires. Seems to me removing the dot is just as fraudulent as altering a stamp pad on the engine.
Pity the poor guy who buys such a car as an all original, numbers matching car only to find out it really isn't. Is this where we want the hobby headed? Just my old two cents worth.
Terry

[Joel F.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

I thought I had read on this board that non-DOT reproduction tires were available by Coker or someone but only if specifically requested. Or am I mistaken on this? It certainly would not be the first time . . .

[Joseph S.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

I appologize for jumping in here and adding fuel to the fire but I can get by wondering why someone would want to remove the DOT markings from a reproduction tire. The point deduction in the Standard deduct table of the Judging Reference manual is only 3 points. There is enough configuration difference in every repro tire that they all are distinguishable from an original piece. So just removing the DOT seams like wasted effort to me. I guess what I am trying to say is that The team leaders have allowed for reproduction tires to be used on the judging field and have alotted a very minor deduction for thier use. So are those 3 points that important?

[Donald T.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

I thought I had read on this board that non-DOT reproduction tires were available by Coker or someone but only if specifically requested. Or am I mistaken on this? It certainly would not be the first time . . .

Joel,

For goldline tires, the repro Firestone Super Sports are available without DOT markings. However, they are different in configuration than originals. The repro Power Cushions are much closer in configuration to originals but have the DOT markings. Therefore, using Power Cushions and removing the DOT markings are as close as you can get in a repro goldline.

[Mike M.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Good point Joe
Apparently the 3 points are very important to some people, especially when the car shows up on the internet the day after receiving it's award.
HaND

[Donald T.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

I agree with Rich about the tires. Seems to me removing the dot is just as fraudulent as altering a stamp pad on the engine.
Pity the poor guy who buys such a car as an all original, numbers matching car only to find out it really isn't. Is this where we want the hobby headed? Just my old two cents worth.
Terry

Terry,

Removing DOT markings is fraudulent? I am not trying to defraud anyone, and have no intention of trying to pass the tires off as originals. Any repro part is susceptible to being misrepresented as original by a seller, but the blame should fall on the seller and not the manufacturer or the restorer.

[Terry D.]

Re: Removing DOT Tire DOT Markings

Are you not trying to fool the Judges? What would be your definition of fraud then? If you are the restorer, are you not going to be the seller down the road? Or are you saying if you get paid to do it by the owner then you are clear of any wrong doing?
I personally don't see any difference, but hey that's just me!
Terry