Re: [DML] NCT's in Concours

[delorean31@xxxx]

I think this is an important area of any concours event. Tires are one of 
the items that certainly fall into the "safety item" category. In a lot of 
concours competitions, items that are replaced due to safety concerns are not 
deducted for in judging. As long as the replacement part meets original 
specifications. Of course in this case this would mean replacing the tires 
with original sizes and specifications such as no white lettering and so 
forth. I think the correct Yokohama match is perfect or any other that meets 
the original size front and back. I don't think any tire manufacturer would 
tell you its safe to drive on twenty year old tires. No matter what the 
tread life they have left. Yes, I know some original NCT's still look new 
and the rubber is not cracked or worn. However tires do break down over 
time. I think a DeLorean Concours should look at safety items very closely. 
In my case for example I want my car to be as original or concours as 
possible. However when it comes to safety items I want to upgrade or replace 
where necessary to ensure the car is safe and if I want to drive from NJ to 
Cleveland for example I have no reservations about the car performing well 
without any unforeseen problems. On my car for example I have upgraded items 
that I believe we have learned over time are prone to problems. I have added 
a lockzilla, fanzilla, metal coolant bottle, and new Yokos to name a few. 
Also new window regulators and taillight circuit boards. My car was in like 
new condition when I bought it. In fact of all the items I mentioned that I 
replaced, I hadn't experienced problems with any of them before replacing 
them. However after studying the DML and researching the car as we all have, 
I learned the potential problems that might, and in fact, would likely occur. 
I wanted the car to as reliable as possible mechanically. However I want it 
to be stock as possible as well. I wouldn't change anything cosmetically on 
the car but that's my own preference and we each have our own taste. My 
NCT's had only 7000 miles on them when I took them off. The tread looked 
like new and they had no signs of dry rot or cracking. In fact they looked 
new. I have them stored in my garage. The ride was slightly harder but that 
is expected with a 20 year old tire as opposed to a new set. In any event I 
think items replaced for safety mechanically, which do not change the car 
cosmetically, should be allowed. I like the idea of being able to bring the 
original part to show you only changed the part for safety. An example would 
be to put on a metal coolant bottle but have the original with you for 
concours competition. Tires of course are different and should be excluded 
as long as they match original specs. No one should be expected to haul a 
set of original tired to a show. I would like to see an addendum to the 
concours handbook listing safety items that most, if not all members of the 
DeLorean community, would agree should be replaced or upgraded due to the 
fact that over time they have proven to be unsafe or unreliable. Just a few 
items to give an example in my opinion are: fan relay, lock module, coolant 
bottle. Also items such as tires that wear or break down over time. My two 
cents.

Gary Gore
Activities Director 
DeLorean Mid Atlantic
VIN 3360

In a message dated 12/30/00 8:41:18 PM Eastern Standard Time, 
james@xxxx writes:

<< This brings up an interesting question that I would like to present 
to the past and potential future judges of the Millennium 
Concours...how would you score two DeLoreans in a concours, one with 
worn NCT's, and other with say, new Yokohamas?

James
>>