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Bias-Ply vs Radials


Pauls 53

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I have a 53 Belair Convertible - currently has original style bias-ply tires to maintain originality for judging.

They ride absolutely horrible - as we should be able to drive our vehicles and not just have show ponies, will the judges accept a change to radial tires without penalty or is it going to be a hit in judging?

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2 point per tire deduction including the spare if it can be seen.  If there is a perfect score car in your class this would mean you could not get a first place if there were any other deductions.  This used to be a higher deduction to where you could not get a first under any circumstances.   Personally I think bias look radials should be permitted as long as all are the same or close to the original size as a safety improvement but I don't make the rules.  I have a very nice, very unusual car I just bought that is fully restored but has radial tires on it.  I am not showing it because the cost of 5 bias plys is unbelievable and the ride and handling would be worse so I just enjoy driving it.  

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5 minutes ago, Pauls 53 said:

I am running some older Coker tires - do not know where the date code is on the tires - ride really rough and noisy.

Hmmm...I run Cokers on my 60.  For what they are the ride is nice.  Very quiet. I'm not sure of the age of two of them but I did purchase two replacements about 5 years ago.  All four run smoothly. 

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  • 3 months later...

I agree with Bloo.  You can find rims fairly inexpensively and then can shoe them with rubber and have a choice.  I would also show the car anyway with either tire, because an 8 or 10 point deduction still might put you ahead of the next guy that gets a lot more deductions for other things. You could also get a bias belted spare for the trunk that would save two points, because you probably never would use it anyway

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x3. I would get another set of rims and bias ply for AACA shows. Put a set of bias look/radials on for driving and all other shows. 8-10 points is a big deduction for an easy fix. 

 

Personally I have never ridden/drove with bias ply but from previous threads they should be riding smooth and not doing so may be indicative of another issue either bad tires or alignment, etc.

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