Gary, as long as the wheels fit the spindles, are the stock 14 x 6, have correct backspacing and correct paint, and have the wheel covers installed with original or repro tires mounted, will a judge read the rim codes? In the open shows here the team of judges (12 at the show I attend) are paired to evaluate different areas of the car, appearance and operation including headlights, wipers, power accessories including clock, lights, etc. I got nailed on points last year when an original T-3 high beam decided to burn out on me as I hit the switch. However, if I had a brand new set of working halogens I don't know if I'd have taken a hit, or would maybe have lost 1 point on lights instead of 3. Yet I have Radial T/As on the car, like most of the non-concours cars, and didn't take a hit on that. The Radial T/As are old, 1989 vintage, and although they show very little wear and no cracking they are definitely old tires. And I've found from personal experience that old tires can be hazardous to your health.

I guess maybe I put too much importance on showing instead of driving, but it's nice to get a positive comment from the judges, who are concours car owners and ineligible to enter the event, even nicer than the "nice car" comments at the traffic lights. The car is more than a "nice car" but only I know all the flaws, and the judges work hard to find them.

I don't put a whole lot of miles on in any jog, maybe 50 or 100 but not because the car can't handle it, just because we usually go out in the evening due to work schedules that keep us at work until 7 p.m. By the time it gets dark it usually starts to cool off, and riding around in the dark in a convertible with the wind blowing the kids around in the back seat is something they don't enjoy as much as in the daytime.

A true trailer queen only touches the earth long enough to get judged, then goes back into the trailer for a trip back to its climate-controlled resting place. If you drive it, it's a car, and until they make unchippable paint, chrome and glass it won't be concours quality.