Re: [DML] Re: NCT's in Concours

[Mike Substelny <msubstel@xxxx>]

Knut Grimsrud wrote:

> My inclination would be to award the 4 points according to these three
> categories as 2 points for correct tires, 1 point for wear, and 1 point for
> preparation. My feelings for this weighting is due to the degree of
> difficulty involved in getting good condition correct tires versus the
> difficulty of preparing them, etc. Thus, assuming the tires were all
> prepared properly for show, a worn set of NCT's would rate a score of
> approximately 3, while a new set of Yokahamas would rate about 2.

I agree with Knut's assessment, but with a proviso. There is a difference
between "worn" tires that are simply not new and "seriously worn" tires that
might pose a safety hazard.

For me, (assuming good preparation) like new NTCs will always get a 4.
Slightly worn NTCs will get a 3.5 or 3.0.
New Yokahamas might get a 2.0.
Unsafe NTCs would get a 2.0 or 1.5.

The moral: if you can't field good NTCs, you would be better off making your
DeLorean safe by installing Yokahamas.

I can think of two things that would make me stop and think for a long time.
First, what if an owner had perfect NTCs on one side and perfect Yokahamas on
the other side? Obviously that is inferior to the car with 4 perfect NTCs, but
should it be better or worse than a car with 4 perfect Yokahamas? Concours
philosophy tells me that mixing tires is bad, but attempting to preserve
originality is good. This would give me a huge headache. I would probably lean
toward being tough on that car, but afterwards I would lose sleep for a month.

Second, what about Goodyear Eagle GT IIs like Ken Montgomery has? I believe
they are closer to the original tires than Yokahamas in both construction and
appearance. I might give a perfect set of Eagle GT IIs a half point advantage
over equal quality Yokahamas, if that situation ever arose. What does everyone
else think?

Based on the experience of judging the truely fine concours cars in Saint Louis
and Cleveland, I know that there are still some excellent condition NTCs out
there. Anyone who is serious about competition will be able to find a set.

- Mike Substelny
Experienced judge of undercarriage (including tires)
and engine compartment (incuding alternator).