1980 1982 Judging manual questions
Is there anyone on the forum that can answer some questions I have pertaining to the 1980-1982 judging manual? I have reached out to NCRS to no avail. I am restoring an 81 and have several questions. My email is raybrown@mindsring.com thank you
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
thank you. the JM says that an aluminum dog bone strut was used on the FE7 option for 1981. The assembly manual for 1981 makes no mention of it and from internet searches it appears that they were used in late 1982 . Who is correct?
The AIR mounting clamp on the 81 is 14018783 the judging manual says 14007354 yet that bracket was last used on a 79. The parts catalog says 14037668. Internet searches say my part 14018783. Not sure which is correct
Washer fluid reservoir neck on my car is 344810 which agrees to JM. On the side of reservoir my 1981 says 14009239 and 2202937. The judging manual says 5045644 and 4961311 (Parts catalog say those part numbers were last used in 1979. thanks for any input I am trying to make this 23k mile car perfectComment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
Ray
NEVER CHANGE AN ORIGINAL CAR TO MAKE IT MATCH A JUDGING GUIDE.
Your 23k mile car is likely ok - give it benefit of doubt before changing anything. As you stated, aluminum struts look like late 1982 equipment.
Your "783" AIR clamp I believe is correct. That same part number is on my 1980.
Likely, same with washer reservoir. Familiarize yourself with NCRS judging process before you change anything. Obtain a copy of NCRS' Judging Reference Manual (JRM) - NCRS Bookstore. Your Technical Information and Judging Guide 1980-1982 tells you WHAT to judge. JRM tells you HOW to judge.
Before doing anything. Read JRM Section 9 - NCRS Bowtie Awards. It will help you prepare. Specifically, DON'T DO MUCH! You can destroy a lot of Originality by too aggressive cleaning. NOT A CLEANING CONTEST - There are 4500 points in Flight Judging - only 80 points total are assigned to Cleanliness.
EXAMPLE: Take your washer reservoir question. Evaluated under Chassis section there are 10 points assigned to Originality and 4 to Condition.
If those PN are not typical production, then that would be a Configuration deduction of 20% or 2 points out of 4500 points total.
Read the Bowtie Award section before you start changing anything.
DaveJudging Chairman Mid-Way USA (Kansas) ChapterComment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
thank you Dave. I will heed your great advice!Comment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
Ray
I would encourage you to continue your research with those configurations that you find in conflict...but then heed the advice of both David and Ray. Over time you will draw conclusions of what's happened either during production or to your 81. AIMs are not Gospel and neither are TIMJGs...they are only a snapshot in time. The factory pulled and replaced pages constantly and we see that more in the late model years as production skyrocketed from some 30,000 units to over 53,000 by 1979. All in the same factory...it was about production getting Corvettes out the door with a parts mix that borrowed from the next production changeover.
The technical writer for that 80-82 manual has passed and so has his expertise. I know of no others that have his level of knowledge. It's unfortunate but regarding late model C3s, the expertise level is not that of the early C3 years. It drops rather dramatically because owners drive the cars and they perform well. Few restore these late model cars and that's where the research occurs to identify what you've encountered and can explain it. We are in the midst to revise the 78-79 manual and, one would have thought that with over 100,000 units built in 78-79, we would be overwhelmed. Well, we are underwhelmed and its because owners enjoy the cars and are not about to take them apart. So that expertise has yet to flourish. But do keep us posted as you discover new factoids about your 81. You'll see another discussion about a 78 owner who is restoring a 78 Pace Car and has had numerous questions. But that's what it will take to build that expertise within NCRS.Tom Russo
78 SA NCRS 5 Star Bowtie78 Pace Car L82 M2100 MY/TR/ConvComment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
thanks for the comments and input Tom. A 1981 was my first Corvette back in 1981 so there is sentimental value to rebuilding this one. Looked for a long time and found a four speed and am enjoying getting it back to where it should be. I will post what I find because I am very anal with correctness.Comment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
Ray
".. because I am very anal with correctness... "
John Hinckley article on Assembly Instruction Manual AIM and Running Changes is a useful study. Link below
AIM, while very useful, isn't the last word.
For example: During 1963 production there were over 600 Running Changes or average about 3 per day.
Depending on WHEN your car was assembled, correct will vary. Problem is, most of those running change sheets were trashed. Your AIM reflects those end of production builds. What happened during a years production gets shaded in mystery. NCRS Technical Guides document dates (VIN) when some of those changes occurred - and that's why you don't want to change an original car. Don't want to destroy history.
Bottom line - enjoy that car. At 23k miles sounds like a great car.
Dave
Judging Chairman Mid-Way USA (Kansas) ChapterComment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
Thanks Dave for the comment. The article is very informative I learned something! I assumed the AIM was updated for the changes when they occurred so all the AIMS were final updates. Oops! Bad assumption. I appreciate all the valuable feedback from everyoneComment
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Re: 1980 1982 Judging manual questions
it is a StLouis car. Yes I was aware of the paint process at the two plants. Thats why the 81's and 82'2 had the two tone paint option. BG wanted to show the new paint capabilities. My very first Corvette was an 81 two tone in the claret/burgundy paint. I loved the color combo.Comment
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