Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

[Paul O.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Gil

On the safety fuel line clamps if you are speaking of the spring color coded ones we do not look for a date. We look at the ears of the clamp and color. The ears should be about a 1/4" long and squared off not rounded like later replacements. The rounded eared ones indicate a later version so the date is later then the car. Also we look for filed square rounded ears type the ears are much shorter due to the filing. The original clamps are not safety type they would cut your skin the rounded later ones were the safety type.

On the spoiler original ones were also more ply able then the current reproductions and also fit the shape and contour of the lower valance much better. The current ones curve up at the end to early causing a miss fitting look. As everyone else has stated bolt heads toward the engine nuts toward the front of car and blackish to dark gray finish.

As Grant stated there is no heat riser just a spacer if that was what we had written down my partner and I made an error on that item. At our rate of pay we should not make those errors but sometimes we do. Please accept our apology for the error we are getting old and at the end of a long day we sometimes make errors.

Paul 18046

[Terry M.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Gill,

I am curious. Do you have a current 1968-69 Judging Manual?

Your question about the bolts and nuts holding the front spoiler is answered directly from there -- as Reba quoted.

[Gil D.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Grant thanks for the response. Yes I would very much appreciate the loan of your T Top bags. Just need to be 2/68 or earlier. Thanks -
Gil

[Gary B.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Lift eye usually found on big block cars.
Gary

[Gil D.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Gil

On the safety fuel line clamps if you are speaking of the spring color coded ones we do not look for a date. We look at the ears of the clamp and color. The ears should be about a 1/4" long and squared off not rounded like later replacements. The rounded eared ones indicate a later version so the date is later then the car. Also we look for filed square rounded ears type the ears are much shorter due to the filing. The original clamps are not safety type they would cut your skin the rounded later ones were the safety type.

On the spoiler original ones were also more ply able then the current reproductions and also fit the shape and contour of the lower valance much better. The current ones curve up at the end to early causing a miss fitting look. As everyone else has stated bolt heads toward the engine nuts toward the front of car and blackish to dark gray finish.

As Grant stated there is no heat riser just a spacer if that was what we had written down my partner and I made an error on that item. At our rate of pay we should not make those errors but sometimes we do. Please accept our apology for the error we are getting old and at the end of a long day we sometimes make errors.

Paul 18046

Paul no apology needed. Enjoyed our visit during the show. Just don't want to make repeated mistakes this time as I'd like to get to the National this year versus West Coast next year. That could be a big problem logistically next year. So I'm paying close attention to all of the fixes. Thanks for all your help.

Gil

[Gil D.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Gill,

I am curious. Do you have a current 1968-69 Judging Manual?

Your question about the bolts and nuts holding the front spoiler is answered directly from there -- as Reba quoted.

Yes Terry I used the judging manual. We used the guidance the first time and got docked. So we reversed and got docked again. I'm going to use the manual and this thread to confirm if add'l problems occur. Thanks Terry.
Gil

[Gil D.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Thanks Gary for the picture. I think this will help a lot of folks.
Gil

[Terry M.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Yes Terry I used the judging manual. We used the guidance the first time and got docked. So we reversed and got docked again. I'm going to use the manual and this thread to confirm if add'l problems occur. Thanks Terry.
Gil

I thought that language in the manual (which has been in every 1970-1972 manual since 1993. The 1968-69 manual copies it soon after.) was pretty clear, and showing a judge that ought to convince him/her how the bolts and nuts should be oriented. If not, there is always the appeal to the team leader and then the judging chairman. Know your car and respectfully keep the judges towing the line.

The system only works to the extent people are willing to make it work.

[Terry B.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Hi Gil,

'68's and especially the L-88's don't make the judging field at every meet. '68's have so many one year only parts and even changes during the production year that it is difficult for even the most experienced judge to get everything right. Some of the areas of the '68/'69 judging manual are not clear and in some cases wrong. There is a group of experienced judges and owners working on the revision of the manual and it will be better, much better.

I have found that if an owner is respectful of the judges, and the judges are also respectful of the owner's knowledge, that they can discuss the item(s) and generally come to an agreement about the area in dispute. If both sides cannot come to a mutual agreement, then the team leader, if it is at a regional or national meet, can be called in. The key, I believe, is to communicate and be respectful of each other's view point and also bring all your manuals including the Performance Verification Manual and the AIM.

[Edward J.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Hi Gil,

'68's and especially the L-88's don't make the judging field at every meet. '68's have so many one year only parts and even changes during the production year that it is difficult for even the most experienced judge to get everything right. Some of the areas of the '68/'69 judging manual are not clear and in some cases wrong. There is a group of experienced judges and owners working on the revision of the manual and it will be better, much better.

I have found that if an owner is respectful of the judges, and the judges are also respectful of the owner's knowledge, that they can discuss the item(s) and generally come to an agreement about the area in dispute. If both sides cannot come to a mutual agreement, then the team leader, if it is at a regional or national meet, can be called in. The key, I believe, is to communicate and be respectful of each other's view point and also bring all your manuals including the Performance Verification Manual and the AIM.

Terry, Well said, I Think that the learning process for all the judges will never stop and that new found discoverys on all make cars will never stop.I Know that the judges I have OJ'd at meets will gladly listen to the owners if a question arises, But only after there inspection is finished.

[Gary B.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

The difference between "Safety" clamps and non-safety clamps. I believe, and it's just my opinion, the rounded edges of the clamps did not come into being until the mid 70's. For sure up to 72's did not use them.

Sometimes, you can find some longer than normal tangs on the safety clamps, file them square, touch up the paint, and fool the judges. What does not usually pass is filing them square and making the tangs real short, so short that they would be hard to squeeze with a pliers.

Gary

[Gary B.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

One more thought on the intake manifold gaskets. If I remember, as I get older it's harder to do, those are the numbers that was on the gaskets. The gaskets are an after-market brand, probably Fel-Pro and was painted silver to hide the blue gaskets. But, I looked at so many cars that day, it kinds of runs together.

When installed, you can usually see the GM part numbers on the gaskets. The rubber gaskets for the end rails, should also have a GM logo on the tabs that stick out.

Gary

[Kevin G.]

Re: Getting Ready for NCRS NJ Regional

Gil,

Along with the items you have listed, it would be a very good idea to spend some time going over the Operations section. Failures add up quickly!

Regards,