1963 Muffler Blackout

[Greg B.]

At the Phoenix Regional meet, the judging sheet indicated that the mufflers should have blackout. In previous regional meets this wasn't noted. The judging manual doesn't mention blackout on the mufflers. Since I found some errors on the judging sheets, I want to confirm that '63 mufflers should have blackout applied before doing it. Input would be welcomed, Greg Barr

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Greg, yes it should have blackout. Look for example before you start. Bowtie 63's are few and far between with original mufflers. Essentially it was just enough to disguise the muffler so as not to be seen from the side.

[Dave S.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

At the Phoenix Regional meet, the judging sheet indicated that the mufflers should have blackout. In previous regional meets this wasn't noted. The judging manual doesn't mention blackout on the mufflers. Since I found some errors on the judging sheets, I want to confirm that '63 mufflers should have blackout applied before doing it. Input would be welcomed, Greg Barr

[David H.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Greg

Don't change an original car to make it match a Judging Guide. Doing so just potentially loses history.

Judging Guides are your source for restoration. Guides reflect our best knowledge as to how things were. Guides are revised as our knowledge increases - that's why you don't change original cars.

Observations (in your case blackout) from judges are their personal opinion. May be true, but, lacks definitive support - otherwise that "fact" would already be in that Guide.

Advice to leave it be is appropriate.

Dave

[Gary B.]

[Greg B.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Thanks for every ones input. I'm going to go with the minimum amount. Greg

[Harry S.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Typically, a new version of a manual becomes available after the National Convention. Saying that, if a new manual is ready, look for it in August.

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Greg,
Do some searching - that's been a heated discussions from the past. You will find multiple pictures of that muffler black out, that said:
Follow the JG and what is expected, in your case if blackout is not mentioned (called for) than do NOT due, if the JG catches up with reality then you
can always black out later. In general you need to follow the JG and where there appears to be a conflict follow it HOWEVER, if that means destroying an original part,
just accept the deduction or note and hope more is learned later. Guess you can figure where I stand

[Gary B.]

[Greg B.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Just looked in Nolan Adams book and he shows the underside of a Nov '62 build with the entire exhaust system blacked out. The mufflers look to have more blackout on the outer edge towards the wheel well. Greg

[Alan D.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

There is also tons of pictures on this site showing same and I have seen an original (NCRS verified) 65 396 with remains of black out, again follow the JG if you are not destroying a part (assuming the mufflers are not original) DO not fight! (I assume your 63 is not an example of an untouched car)
Know lots of pictures exist of the 63 early production run

[Michael J.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Just looked in Nolan Adams book and he shows the underside of a Nov '62 build with the entire exhaust system blacked out. The mufflers look to have more blackout on the outer edge towards the wheel well. Greg

There was discussion here about not altering original parts to fit the TIM&JG, are your mufflers and exhaust system original to your car when it left the factory?

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

I'd leave it alone.

[Greg B.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Too late. I did it this weekend. Took the advice that you are just trying to blacken so the mufflers aren't visible through the wheel well. We will see what the judges say in Phoenix.

[Michael G.]

Re: 1963 Muffler Blackout

Well, good luck