72 LT1 valve cover decal

[Fred H.]

I was recently given a 1 point deduction for having a service replacement decal on our 72 LT1 (2025 LV Nationals). Discussing the deduction with the judge, the indicator for identifying SR or OEM is to shine a bright flash light at an angle from above. Apparently OEM decals cast a purple hue and SR do not. I don't find that information in the 7th Edition TIMJG ?

[Terry M.]

I don't find that information in the 7th Edition TIMJG ?

I don't either Fred.

With current judging manual format we are limited to about 300 pages. Expecting ALL the information about our Corvettes to be in a 311 page manual is just too much. It can't be done. We have to decide what to include and what to exclude.

Then consider that new information becomes available before the next edition can be published, and the limitations of the manuals should become apparent. It is called a "Judging Guide" for these reasons.

If you had questions about this judging the appropriate method is to ask the Team Leader at the event.

[Joe L.]

I was recently given a 1 point deduction for having a service replacement decal on our 72 LT1 (2025 LV Nationals). Discussing the deduction with the judge, the indicator for identifying SR or OEM is to shine a bright flash light at an angle from above. Apparently OEM decals cast a purple hue and SR do not. I don't find that information in the 7th Edition TIMJG ?

Fred-----

Although I do not participate in the judging process either as a judge or having my cars judged and as I have previously stated, I disagree with the sort of judging methodology you described. I do not know if the "test methodology" your valve cover emblem was subjected to is valid, or not. However, I regard such a test as a form of qualitative analysis. If that sort of analysis is acceptable in NCRS judging, it could easily be expanded to many other sorts of techniques. I do not consider that any form of qualitative or quantitative analysis is appropriate in the judging process.

By the way, just to be clear, I do completely support NCRS judging regardless of the fact that I do not participate in it.

[James G.]

FWIW the originals are black anodized aluminum and the reproductions are not anodized they are either black paint or black powder coat - black anodizing has a purplish cast to it.
You should be able to find a NOS one if you look around.

[Fred H.]

Thanks for the response, I understand the differences of OEM valve cover decals and reproduction decals. I believe historicaly if the TIMJG doesn't address this circumstance, it would be more appropriate an annotation not a deduction. Just my opinion.

[Allen N.]

I thought the object of restoring our Corvettes was to make them APPEAR as close to original as possible. If I research a replacement label or part, and find one that appears just like a new one to the naked eye under normal lighting, why should it receive any deduction? There was quite a bit of discussion on this topic at the last judging school in Frisco, Texas, and it sounded like NCRS was trying to get away from taking this type of deduction.

[Gary B.]

Allen,

Based on what James Groome says about the originals, namely “black anodizing has a purplish cast to it”, that the repros lack, it sounds to me like it is possible to tell a repro from an original with the naked eye. Whether that difference in finish is enough to justify a 1 point deduction, I can’t say.

Gary

[Terry M.]

Thanks for the response, I understand the differences of OEM valve cover decals and reproduction decals. I believe historicaly if the TIMJG doesn't address this circumstance, it would be more appropriate an annotation not a deduction. Just my opinion.

Fred
There is no historical rule or precedent for this belief, however your opinion is not unreasonable. But you must note, as I said earlier, there is no way the TIM&JG can contain all the information about the subject Corvettes. To expect it to is unreasonable. As for opinions: We all have them, and you know the rest of that expression.

Your car lost one point, out of 4510 points. I certainly hope that one point didn't make the difference between Top Flight and Second Flight. If it did, there must have been other more serious issues.

As I also pointed out earlier: The time and place to address these kinds of concerns is at the meet with the appropriate Team Leader. Once the car is judged and the score sheets turned into the Tabulation room everything is done. We can go on at length here, as many have, but that has no consequence except to stir the pot and create more frustrations. All to no end.

Just because I am curious I will do my own research as to the validity of this judging detail. I happen to know where there are a few original LT1 rocker covers with original labels. I do not intend to publicize the results of my research. Because I believe this is, as Shakespeare said: "Much ado about nothing," I do not intend to stir the pot any more.

Please enjoy your Corvette for what it is and have fun. Life is too short to do otherwise.