NCRS Judging Question

[Duane D.]

I have 1980 C3 that I have owned and maintained with all genuine GM or AC-Delco parts since 81. When it comes to the drive belts, I have maintained all the correct GM part numbers, however over the years are different brands like Gates and Goodyear with different color ink stampings. My question is does it matter to NCRS judging if the brands or ink colors are different if they are all properly GM stamped part numbers? Thanks for any clarification.

[Terry M.]

Re: NCRS Judging Question

I have 1980 C3 that I have owned and maintained with all genuine GM or AC-Delco parts since 81. When it comes to the drive belts, I have maintained all the correct GM part numbers, however over the years are different brands like Gates and Goodyear with different color ink stampings. My question is does it matter to NCRS judging if the brands or ink colors are different if they are all properly GM stamped part numbers? Thanks for any clarification.

The answer to your question depends on the kind of NCRS judging you are talking about:

Bow Tie Judging the part must be the original part installed at St. Louis. No substitutions permitted.

For Flight Judging if there is no difference in Configuration, Date, Completeness, Installation, or Finish the part receives no originality deduction. Your replacement fan belts have a finish difference. Since I can't see them (not that it would make any difference to me) they may/may not have a configuration difference. Some judges would argue the different brand is a configuration difference. I would not agree with that, but that is what makes the world a fun place to live in.

Short answer is your replacement belts are likely to receive a small deduction due to finish and maybe configuration. Remember you have 4510 points to lose in flight judging. A couple of points here and there are no big deal. It is wise to give the judges something easy to spot for a deduction or they will hunt all the harder to find something.That is human nature. Use it to your advantage rather than fighting it.

[Duane D.]

Re: NCRS Judging Question

Thanks Terry for taking the time to explain. I appreciate your thorough explanation. I was just going through my car in preparation for Top Flight judging and have one belt I replaced over 10 years ago that was printed in yellow ink (Goodyear belt) and all my other belts are stamped white. I will leave as is and let the judges determine the outcome. As you mentioned, they need something to ding.

Duane

[Tom R.]

Re: NCRS Judging Question

It is wise to give the judges something easy to spot for a deduction or they will hunt all the harder to find something. That is human nature. Use it to your advantage rather than fighting it.

Now there is wisdom in those words!

Remember, you know what has been changed. Use it as a test to see how insightful the assigned crew of judges can be and spot those changes. Use it to your advantage!

[Terry M.]

Re: NCRS Judging Question

Thanks Terry for taking the time to explain. I appreciate your thorough explanation. I was just going through my car in preparation for Top Flight judging and have one belt I replaced over 10 years ago that was printed in yellow ink (Goodyear belt) and all my other belts are stamped white. I will leave as is and let the judges determine the outcome. As you mentioned, they need something to ding.

Duane

Remember for common items like fan belts Chevrolet was unlikely to allow single sourcing, that is assUming that fan belt had other applications than Corvette. It is entirely possible that Goodyear was also an OEM supplier. Some fan belts have date codes on them and that may be a downfall, but depending on where the belt stops turning that logo may not even be visible.

Thanks Tom for the kind words. I learned that "trick" longer ago than I care to mention. Maybe we can use it in March.

[Joe R.]

Re: NCRS Judging Question

Terry,

Love the "Throw the Dog a Bone" theory!

Works every time!

JR