<VV> Whitewall Cutter (Little Corvair)

[Bill Elliott]

A few years ago, my wife and I were arguing about which tires to get for 
her TR6... an expensive set of Michelin Redlines (like it came with) or 
a cheaper set of performance tires...but blackwalls. At the time, I 
lucked on a British tire/wheel vendor who let me order tires from 
Tirerack, then cut in (and painted red) a red sidewall for me. Much 
cheaper than the Michelins and 500% better driving on the modern rubber.

So we're at a Milwaukee car show with the TR6 and the other TR6 that 
showed up had chosen the same performance tires as me... minus the 
redline. I explained what I had gotten done and he said he would do the 
same... I came back from lunch and his car had redlines on it! One of 
the vendors there had a machine that did them right on the car! For 
something like $15 a tire.

Since then the Brit tire place has stopped offering the service (more 
than $15/tire)  (I think their guy retired and took his machine home 
with him) and I have yet to find anyone local (or at a car show) with 
the service.

I know I can take a hand grinder and DIY it... or rig up my own 
machine... but I thought I'd drop a note to the list and see if anyone 
knows where I might rent or buy a machine... the tires on the TR6 need 
replacing (not worn, just aged!) and I have four other sets of tires 
(including a set on her Corvair) that would look better in a period 
whitewall/redline. Or anyone offering the service in the mid-Atlantic...

I've actually found a place that carries the special rubber paint (in 
white, red, gold, and other colors)... but no inexpensive machine to be had.

Thanks!

Bill Elliott
Urbana, MD


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