How many guys run Bill Board Tires here or that you know. Who has had issues?

[REAL 1]

Every Cobra Or replica thereof on the road is non DOT approved. The issue is BBs dry out sooner then DOT tires and should be switched for a new set sooner then tires with more elastomers in them.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

The issue is BBs dry out sooner then DOT tires and should be switched for a new set sooner then tires with more elastomers in them.

And there you go, suffice to say, the real bottom line is, don't bother with the bill boards for street use. Cool is one thing, but safety is another.


Bill S.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Every Cobra Or replica thereof on the road is non DOT approved.

Actually that is not really true.

Many (most?) replicas are DOT compliant, however they are not NHTSA compliant. DOT sets standards for components i.e. brake hoses are double crimped, have compilant sheathing, etc. That is a DOT standard. So is windshield glass meeting AS1 DOT standards, seat belt certification, etc. NHTSA sets standards of performance i.e. braking distance, interior materials flammability, crash standards and so on.

Most of the parts you purchase to build a replica are DOT approved. If you got brake hoses at the auto parts store they are approved. If you used DOT brake fluid, ditto. Sealed beam headlamps, ditto again.

Many people confuse DOT with NHTSA, they are not the same.

[REAL 1]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Actually that is not really true.

Many (most?) replicas are DOT compliant, however they are not NHTSA compliant. DOT sets standards for components i.e. brake hoses are double crimped, have compilant sheathing, etc. That is a DOT standard. So is windshield glass meeting AS1 DOT standards, seat belt certification, etc. NHTSA sets standards of performance i.e. braking distance, interior materials flammability, crash standards and so on.

Most of the parts you purchase to build a replica are DOT approved. If you got brake hoses at the auto parts store they are approved. If you used DOT brake fluid, ditto. Sealed beam headlamps, ditto again.

Many people confuse DOT with NHTSA, they are not the same.

Yes..but NHSTA is an agency of the DOT. While many components in Cobras and replicas are DOT compliant many are not ie. your windshields, visors, many seat belts etc..not one of these cars would meet NHSTA safety standards and thus be DOT approved.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

not one of these cars would meet NHSTA safety standards and thus be DOT approved.

No, they would be DOT approved but NOT NHTSA approved. Big difference. And they are ALL departments of the US Government so NONE of them are "Government" approved.

Beware.......Obama is watching...............

[Thor maine]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

No, they would be DOT approved but NOT NHTSA approved. Big difference. And they are ALL departments of the US Government so NONE of them are "Government" approved.

Beware.......Obama is watching...............

Yeah yeah the Obama stuff. Big difference with this, our Hot Rods that are shaped like a Cobra in our home states have been certified to be street legal through, "specialty build- home build- limited production built- show only-antiques- or what ever ,but they are registered, insured and legal for the street. Goodyear BBs no matter what you do are NOT LEGAL FOR THE STREET! And if you are involved in an accident and the cops or insurance investigator is sharp you will get your ass handed to you. Your insurance may be voided you will loose everything, and regardless if you are killed in the crash your estate will loose, because of your " willful disregard". All because you want the right look for your Cobra.

[RodKnock]

Originally Posted by REAL 1

Every Cobra Or replica thereof on the road is non DOT approved. The issue is BBs dry out sooner then DOT tires and should be switched for a new set sooner then tires with more elastomers in them.

I agree with the first sentence. EDIT: Cobras are NOT Federally approved, and who cares what agency.

I would also add that nearly all cars make contact with the road in only 4 spots. Personally, I would want those 4 contact spots to be extraordinarily safe.