Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

[Paul S.]

Hi all,

I am in the process of restoring my '69 base convertible. It has been repainted a few times but is still its original Monza Red color. The quality isn't great, though, so a repaint is definitely in its future somewhere down the line before I am all done.

I am currently planning to keep the car its original color, but I will admit that I have always wanted a yellow C3. Hypothetically speaking, if I decided to change the paint color to yellow, would I basically be precluding myself from ever winning a Top Flight award, since the body color would no longer match the trim tag? How about the lower-level flight awards?

Like I said, I probably won't end up actually changing the color, but I was just curious...


Thanks,
Paul

[Bob R.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

You would lose 85 points 45 for originality and 40 for condition would you still make top flight? How many points would you lose for other things on the car? You need 94% for top flight 85% for second flight 75% for third flight

[Paul S.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Thanks, Bob! So if I understand correctly, a car that is not the original color would be down to 4415 points immediately (4500 - 85). That would take it down to a 98.1%. Putting bonus points aside for the sake of this discussion, that would leave 185 additional points that could be lost, and the car would still earn Top Flight. Is my thinking (and math) correct here?

If so, my question is, how realistic would this be? As someone unfamiliar with the judging process, I am not sure how much "wiggle room" 185 points really gives you.

My car has all of the original major components, and I am in the process of acquiring the few missing pieces, so I definitely will have all of the correct numbers-matching/dated-coded components installed when it goes through the judging process. However, I am sure there will be some aspects that I won't get 100% correct in fit, finish, etc.. Also, I doubt I will be able to bring myself to purchase original bias-ply tires just for judging, when the car has a brand-new set of replica red-line radials on it right now.

Thoughts? Opinions? Has anyone seen a color-change C3 earn Top Flight?


Thanks,
Paul

[Don H.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Sure,
you can make over 94% with a color change. Just drive your car to the meet, probably at least 100 miles one way to get 1 percentage point. Drive 200 miles, two percentage points. Mileage bonus points will make up for major hits like color change, added pipes, Pirelli tires, etc.

[Russ S.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Paul, To learn how realistic it would be and learn a lot about your car, I suggest if you aren't all ready judging to start doing as much as you can. It would help you a lot in the restoration of your car.

Thanks, Bob! So if I understand correctly, a car that is not the original color would be down to 4415 points immediately (4500 - 85). That would take it down to a 98.1%. Putting bonus points aside for the sake of this discussion, that would leave 185 additional points that could be lost, and the car would still earn Top Flight. Is my thinking (and math) correct here?

If so, my question is, how realistic would this be? As someone unfamiliar with the judging process, I am not sure how much "wiggle room" 185 points really gives you.

My car has all of the original major components, and I am in the process of acquiring the few missing pieces, so I definitely will have all of the correct numbers-matching/dated-coded components installed when it goes through the judging process. However, I am sure there will be some aspects that I won't get 100% correct in fit, finish, etc.. Also, I doubt I will be able to bring myself to purchase original bias-ply tires just for judging, when the car has a brand-new set of replica red-line radials on it right now.

Thoughts? Opinions? Has anyone seen a color-change C3 earn Top Flight?


Thanks,
Paul

[Terry M.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Hi all,

I am in the process of restoring my '69 base convertible. It has been repainted a few times but is still its original Monza Red color. The quality isn't great, though, so a repaint is definitely in its future somewhere down the line before I am all done.

I am currently planning to keep the car its original color, but I will admit that I have always wanted a yellow C3. Hypothetically speaking, if I decided to change the paint color to yellow, would I basically be precluding myself from ever winning a Top Flight award, since the body color would no longer match the trim tag? How about the lower-level flight awards?

Like I said, I probably won't end up actually changing the color, but I was just curious...


Thanks,
Paul

Paul,
It has been done in at least one case that I am aware of, at the Illinois Chapter meet.

[Michael H.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Paul,

You can also gain additional points for driving your car to a Judging event. Normally for every 100 miles = 1 point up to 10%. Look in your Judging Reference Manual.

Mike

[Larry E.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

FWIW: Too bad you do not have a C1. You could show up with any color (Original for that year) you desire and nothing would be said. If you desire
to change the color in a year or so; no problem get another award. Kinda shoots my theory about all Corvettes(Regardless of year) should have a same challenge for getting an award. Oh well--Larry

[Kenneth B.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

You would lose 85 points 45 for originality and 40 for condition would you still make top flight? How many points would you lose for other things on the car? You need 94% for top flight 85% for second flight 75% for third flight

It's the same deduction also if it's the right color but the jams are too shinny. I got a top flight with my 67 400 AC coupe a few years ago even though it got the full 85 point deduction at the Indiana chapter meet.

[Paul S.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

It's the same deduction also if it's the right color but the jams are too shinny. I got a top flight with my 67 400 AC coupe a few years ago even though it got the full 85 point deduction at the Indiana chapter meet.

Wow -- that seems a little excessive just for the door jams being too shiny! Good to know that Top Flight can be achieved even if the full 85 points are lost, though.

Thanks for all the replies, guys. This definitely gives me something to think about when the time comes to repaint the car...

[Reba W.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Just make sure it is the correct yellow for 1969.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Can a color change C3 win Top Flight?

Just make sure it is the correct yellow for 1969.

Does it make a difference?

In theory if the color doesn't match the Trim Tag, couldn't you paint it pink lacquer and receive the same 85 point deduction? As long as it's applied and "looks like factory application" you'd receive the color deduction but not necessarily other deductions.