Judging prep

[Jeff W.]

What are the thoughts on having the right components, but they may not look new. Example, the master cylinder cover, mine is correct but has lost its dichromate color or the wiper actuator that is the same. Parts are in perfect working condition and original, they just do not look new. Thoughts?
Thanks

[Harmon C.]

Re: Judging prep

Jeff
The master cylinder cover if you got the best one made today it may lose points on originality. The original you have may lose a condition point it's your call and the results may be the same. The wiper actuator I would use the one you have and get it replated if needed or take the small hit.

Lyle

[Jeff W.]

Re: Judging prep

Thanks Lyle, I think I will stay with original.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Judging prep

I usually utilize original parts and take a small hit for condition.

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging prep

In most cases the judging points are biased toward originality. That is there are more points assigned to originality than to condition. This is because NCRS values originality more than condition.

[D S.]

Re: Judging prep

So, what you guys are saying is that having barren original parts like brake caps, headlight vacuum relays/brackets, and gas caps that have lost their color is more likely to gain points than being replated and lose points? I wondered why I saw a lot of bare metal caps and relays accompanying over- chromed valve covers, air cleaner lids, shielding, etc in Waco last month. Seems like a contradiction.

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging prep

Scott -- If the choice is between a barren original and a fresh detectable reproduction, the most points is often the barren original. If one can get an original correctly re-plated -- that is the best of all. There should be a deduction for over-restoration for "show chrome." Some folks are willing to live with that deduction because they want the bling. It is their car, and their choice.

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging prep

I forgot to mention that for best judging results a car should "flow." That is if most of the car appears to be worn original parts, it is best if all of the parts look that way. A freshly refinished part will stick out like a sore thumb on a car like that. Conversely, if the car is a fresh restoration, the old original part will stand out and receive unwanted attention from the judges.

This does present a challenge for both the judges and owner when a brand new paint job is put on a car that has not been freshened up in other areas. However, since different judging teams work on each area, these types of challenges can usually be surmounted if the judges can focus just the area they are assigned. Human nature being what it is, however, these situations can present difficulties in making a fair assessment.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: Judging prep

Yeah Terry is so right as usual. It is hard to work on a car 40+ and keep that 40 year old patina on one with out it looking out of place. When one messes with a part on the like the man said it should flow baby flow..
It is a art form and very few know how to pull it off. But like anything else in life there or masters that can do it. It is a blending of finishes that keep that look. And some guys just know how to do it.
Kelly