[737Driver]

In an attempt to play the Devil's advocate, does anyone use reproduction tires on your restorations? Originals are available although usually more expensive. Do you always apply laquer paint, because it to is available? How about original poor quality chrome valve covers instead of the gorgeous reproductions? And is the Tonawanda decal the original or a reproduction.

I bought my carb from Eric and my completely original smog system from Bill Hodel. My distributor came from Jeff Dotterer and I have original valve stems and caps and am looking for NOS original tires. I am trying my best to keep things original. On my Corvette I even found original braided and correctly dated spark plug wires.

882 and 884 alternators in the Corvette community are getting darned near impossible to find. John Pirkle almost never sees them anymore. I am very fortunate he is restoring my original now. If you do find one, oh boy, get ready to spend some more than serious money. If someone did put a restamp 884 on a restoration, would they be trying something that is unforgiveable (on the sly, I believe it was)? I believe the day is approaching when a reproduction on some of these items will be the only alternative for some if they want 'matching numbers.' I believe that some folks may simply not have the expendable income to fork it over even if they do find a rare item. Should they absolutely not be allowed in the hobby?

I hear what you folks are saying and as a NCRS and Bloomington Gold judge, I have to stay on my toes to be able to detect these items. I don't, however, think it is heresy for some to use them. At NCRS and BG, we judge the item based on how it appears in comparison to original. If it is undetectable, it gets full credit. If it is detectable then a point deduction is made.

I do admire and appreciate seeing original parts. I don't believe those that may use reproductions such as tires, alternaters, valve covers, etc. should be banished for unacceptable behavior.

Regards,

Mark