Curiosity Question C2

[Rob M.]

I was wondering if someone could tell me what the deduct would be for having dealer installed side-pipes on my '66. A prior owner installed them off a '67. They look and sound sooo good, I don't think I want to restore THAT part of the car. Could it still Top Flight?

Thanks,
rob

[Jack H.]

Re: Curiosity Question C2

No mystery here; situation is covered in your copy of the NCRS Judging Reference Manual (the 'white' book) under Section 4 (Standard Deduction Guidelines), Rule 14 (Added or Deleted Options).

"The detectable addition OR deletion of any regular porduction vehicle option subsequent to factory assembly is inconsistent with NCRS Judging Standards and therefore subject to a full deduction on originality and condition. Examples: Power top, windshield washers, power windows, power steering, power brakes, side-mounted exhaust."

Note the operative term 'detectable' qualifying "addition OR deletion'.... The car will play a cat's game with the judges and I assure you it will draw close scrutiny because side exhaust was a relatively rare factory production option and we tend to see LOTS of freshly restored Corvettes sporting the feature!

For '68-72 Corvettes, there are 28 originality and 22 condition points assigned to the exhaust system (50 points total). The Flight system is a 4500 point scale, so expect to lose about 1% for this dealer/owner inspired alteration of the car.

Yes, not only is it possible to still Top Flight such a car (you need 94% in aggregate) but it's possible to achieve the Mark of Excellence award as well (you need 97% in aggregate). But, you've essentially 'dropped' a tad over 1% in scoring safety margin (45 judging points = 1%) with the addition of the side exhaust system....

[Jack H.]

Economic View

Consider this thought pattern as you ponder what's best to do.... Suppose the car, for argument's sake, was worth $45,000.00 if it were a 'perfect' restoration. $45,000/4500 judging points = $10/judging point, on average.

Side exhaust deduction = 50 points. Therefore, the average economic 'damage' to the vehicle by past owner/dealer is 50 x $10 or $500.

The residual value of the side exhaust components removed to restore the car to its factory original, through frame, configuration SWAMPS the 'damage' done. Also, the extra labor and parts impact to properly restore the car to it's original exhaust system pales the scoring loss 'damage' as well.

Therefore, a 'correct economic' view of judges detecting the addition of the side exhaust and exacting a full deduction for it ought to be 'joy'.... The impact to the value of the car from scoring loss is minor compared to either the value of the exhaust components you now own as well as the cost to return the vehicle to its factory original configuration.

Can't tell you how often I've seen this that car take a full deduction for the addition of side exhaust and the owners want to 'fight' the judges over the call.... From a rational economic viewpoint, owners should simply smile and accept the deduction, then move on with their cars/lives!

[Rob M.]

Re: Economic View

Jack-

Thank you for your detailed and very logical response. I have the JG (white book and the TIM&JG), but I couldn't determine what the point value is for each part/section of the car. This might be a way to improve the guide so that people like me can better "self" evaluate the car prior to judging. Your economic view on correcting the car was some of the best advice I've heard yet in regards to restoring my car - I'll be using it from now on.

Thanks!