I also have NCT's on my car with just over 6K miles. They do ride hard but I have nothing to compare to as I never drove on them when new. Tires are not meant to be used that are this old. With that being said if you have a very aggressive inspection program ie: you remove the tires and inspect the tread and sidewalls, keep a close eye on inflation pressures and watch the wear pattern they can be used. I wouldn't jump in the car and drive to California on them but I have driven them as long as 4 hours at a time. You must watch for any change in driving charactoristics and feel for delaminations in the sidewalls. Tire technology has improved since these tires were made so with the right choice you can improve safety and handling over what was "state of the art" in 1981. The only reason I still keep the NCT's on is for origionality. If I had an extra set of rims I probably would change them. Using a premium tire cleaner with UV protection is useful to keep them looking new and prevent "dry rot". In the offseason raise the car and keep away from ozone producing sources like electric motors with brushes and sunlight. If you want a relieable tire you can trust put the NCT's away and get a modern tire. David Teitelbaum vin 10757