Judging Kit Recommendations ?

[Mark P.]

I would like to put together a kit to help me judge Corvettes (C1's and C2's) and wanted to get some recommendations from experienced judes what to carry and where to buy these items if they are hard to find.

Are Broach Busters one of the best ways to inspect a stamp pad ?

What would help be be able to see if a C1 transmission is correctly configured ? I judged Chassis on a 1956 on grass and could not even see the transmission.

Here are a couple of items I have:

1. I just ordered an "Ullman Lighted Inspection Mirror, LED, 2 3/8 after borrowing one at our Chapter meet over the weekend. It came in handy.
2. a 6" Starrett rule

3. a flashlight

4. mechanical pencil



I appreciate any advice. Thanks, Mark

[Alan D.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Mark,
Add a magnet and get a bright LED flashlight they last forever.

How about a borer scope and an IP camera to slide under the car? Only kidding, but as prices come down these will start to appear, maybe.

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Mark,
Add a magnet and get a bright LED flashlight they last forever.

How about a borer scope and an IP camera to slide under the car? Only kidding, but as prices come down these will start to appear, maybe.

I have seen the C4 guys with them, no maybe about it.

[John H.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Mark -

Belt buckle protective wrap

Extra bulb/batteries for flashlight

Handi-wipes and shop towel/rag

Camera

Note pad (for your own notes)

Magnifying mirror (for us old folks reading carb dates)

[Terry M.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

I would like to put together a kit to help me judge Corvettes (C1's and C2's) and wanted to get some recommendations from experienced judes what to carry and where to buy these items if they are hard to find.

Are Broach Busters one of the best ways to inspect a stamp pad ?

What would help be be able to see if a C1 transmission is correctly configured ? I judged Chassis on a 1956 on grass and could not even see the transmission.

Here are a couple of items I have:

1. I just ordered an "Ullman Lighted Inspection Mirror, LED, 2 3/8 after borrowing one at our Chapter meet over the weekend. It came in handy.
2. a 6" Starrett rule

3. a flashlight

4. mechanical pencil



I appreciate any advice. Thanks, Mark

Depends what part of the car and what years you are going to judge.

The chassis guys like a large hand mirror -- just like a women would use at a make-up table. They can direct the sun underneath for lighting, as well as see the frame for stencil and the rocker clips for side exhaust install. One side is magnified -- that helps as you get older.

For the engine compartment I like a smaller mirror K-D #2840 is one that is 1 1/4-inches around and slightly magnified. It is good for getting around the distributor to see the band.

I prefer a SureFire flashlight. Nice white Halogen light, but they eat batteries -- I carry a spare fully-charged battery and a spare bulb -- and they are not inexpensive. I paid $150 about a decade ago with two chargers. I have replaced each of the batteries once and one is due again. I do see a lot of guys going to LED lights, but I don't like the way they alter colors. When I bought the Sure Fire I told my wife I had the worlds most expensive flashlight.

A light on an extension occasionally comes in handy. Once in a while I have borrowed a little peanut bulb on the end of a foot long flexible wand to get around the vacuum hoses on the rear of the cylinder case to get cast dates.

A well run meet will supply sharpened pencils -- those work for me. If you are used to using a mechanical pencil go for it. I press too hard, and prefer a regular #2

On occasion I have borrowed a magnet, but usually only to confirm what I already knew -- and to make the owner feel better with my assessment. If I can't tell it is stainless without a magnet, I don't need to make the deduction, but that is me.

I haven't found the need for a rule on a C3, but other years may be different.

I have a gun sighting scope I will sometimes use for pads, but most of the time that isn't necessary. That is probably the same as what is now called a "broach buster." John Woods got mine from a good ol' Texas gun show.

Years ago at one of the National Conventions all the Team Leaders got a Rubbermaid clip board that opens like a box. I keep all my reference stuff in there. Go to the next Judging Retreat and you will get judging "cheat sheets" that are laminated. Keep them in the box. I also got a belt buckle cover at one of the Nationals some years back -- all the judges did. I keep that (I am now down to one -- I left one in the Men's room at the Valparaiso Fair Grounds last year) in the Rubbermaid box also.

[Alan S.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Hi Mark,
When cars are judged on a hard surface I've found that having a thick folded towel or kneeling pad helps my knees if judging the chassis section.
It seems like concrete is getting harder and my knees more tender as the years go by.
Regards,
Alan

[Michael W.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Fender covers. (write your name on the back)

A towel or pad big enough to lie on while looking underneath or if you need a quick snooze.

[Jean C.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

At our Chapter Meet Saturday, a car owner was using a digital camera with a long flex cable that housed the camera lens and an LED light. The camera screen was about the size of what you see on any digital camera. Not sure every judge needs one of these but it was useful on looking at engine "stuff" on a '90 ZR1.

I find it useful to have photos of various original components (other than what is already included in the TIM&JG) that you can use to show owners the difference between original and repro...mid-year parking lights comes to mind. Someone posted those on the TDB.

Also, someone posted a sheet of photos of bolt and screw types the other day that is now in my judging material. IMHO, this reference sheet should be included in each TIM&JG.

As others have said, make sure you have a supply of fresh batteries for your flashlight or lighted mirror.
Best regards,

[Jack H.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Those who judge in the C3 category should have the words and music for the judging song either committed to memory or packed along with their other tools...

[Edward J.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

I think everyone forgot to mention a ruler or tape measure?

[Patrick H.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

I think everyone forgot to mention a ruler or tape measure?

I've never used one and rarely seen the need for one.
Just my thoughts.

[Tom A.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Charlie where did you find the post with pictures of bolt &screw types?

At our Chapter Meet Saturday, a car owner was using a digital camera with a long flex cable that housed the camera lens and an LED light. The camera screen was about the size of what you see on any digital camera. Not sure every judge needs one of these but it was useful on looking at engine "stuff" on a '90 ZR1.

I find it useful to have photos of various original components (other than what is already included in the TIM&JG) that you can use to show owners the difference between original and repro...mid-year parking lights comes to mind. Someone posted those on the TDB.

Also, someone posted a sheet of photos of bolt and screw types the other day that is now in my judging material. IMHO, this reference sheet should be included in each TIM&JG.

As others have said, make sure you have a supply of fresh batteries for your flashlight or lighted mirror.
Best regards,

[Edward J.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Pat, you see that I am not a well seasoned judge, with all of 13 judging points.

[Jean C.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

Tom,
It was on a thread on another subject to which someone attached a sheet illustrating and describing different screw heads as it was related somehow. No bolts illustrated, my error.

Best regards,

[Mark D.]

Re: Judging Kit Recommendations ?

This is what I need to work through the entire day of judging.