bowtie chassis judging question

[Hank H.]

Based on the 80-85% criteria for the chassis section star, my question is if shocks, calipers and mufflers only (not pipes) have been replaced on a car that retains all other original chassis components, am I already out of contention percentage wise with the deductions for those non original items?

[Bob D.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

Hank

Based on my experience with Bowtie judging, you should still be in contention for a star on the chassis. Some others my chime with more experience, but there are quite a few line items for judging on the chassis.

Bob

[Paul B.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

Based on the 80-85% criteria for the chassis section star, my question is if shocks, calipers and mufflers only (not pipes) have been replaced on a car that retains all other original chassis components, am I already out of contention percentage wise with the deductions for those non original items?

....those exact items were not original on my Silver '68 coupe's chassis(43,000mi car)when it received 4 Star Bowtie Award in 2004 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada.

[Michael W.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

I remember your car well Paul. It was a treat to look at.

As stated if only those items have been swapped, I wouldn't worry. They're sort of considered normal wear items.

[Roy S.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

Remember in the quantitative assessment the age factor is added to your raw score and it can be up to 3.6% depending on the year of your vehicle so a 76.4 chassis with a 3.6 age factor would net the required quantitative 80%. The tough decision becomes the qualitative vote! It has nothing to do with the above number other than it is not taken if you do not have the required 80% for the Star.

[Mike G.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

how can someone tell your calipers have been replaced? unless they are brand new clean and everything else is dirty. they dont have date codes. i look to see if the machined areas are painted black. make sure that part is not painted and you should be fine.
the right side mufflers have been replaced on most of them. that is the side that rusts out.

[Terry M.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

how can someone tell your calipers have been replaced? unless they are brand new clean and everything else is dirty. they dont have date codes. i look to see if the machined areas are painted black. make sure that part is not painted and you should be fine.
the right side mufflers have been replaced on most of them. that is the side that rusts out.

Calipers have casting numbers that can be seen and judged. If the calipers have the right casting number, the fastener heads have no wrench marks, and the brakes look about as old as the rest of the chassis, the judge can't tell if they are original or not.

That said, the premise of Bowtie Judging is different than Flight Judging. In Flight Judging fooling the judges is allowed (well sort of), but in Bowtie Judging the owner is expected to 'fess up to the items that have been changed. If the judges note too many inconsistencies between the owners story and the car.... well, that is what the qualitative vote is for and why so many cars fail that vote.

[Patrick H.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

they dont have date codes.

Yes, I believe they do have date codes based on some inspections. However, they are very, VERY small stamped numbers and essentially impossible to see on the car.

Patrick

[Paul O.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

Hank with out viewing the car if only those few items have been replaced and the rest of the Chassis is well preserved. Some rust but most of the finishes, markings, bolts and other items are deemed original and are considered of a educational example of that point of production. I see no problem for the car gaining that star. But as stated this is without seeing the chassis so I am making a SWAG (Scientific, Wild, A#!, Guess) here. The chassis does not need to be perfect to gain a star.

Paul 18046

[Hank H.]

Re: bowtie chassis judging question

Thanks very much for all of the replies and great information. Sounds like my direction will be "gentle clean" and try for a team leader recommendation at a regional event versus any restoration for now.