Should I have my driver judged?

[Chris E.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

Gordon,

Welcome to the NCRS! I think you will find that this organization is full of knowledge and the willingness to help. A few ideas for consideration.

1. Don't throw ANYTHING away.
2. Wash your car, bring it to a Chapter Flight Judging event.
3. While at the event, get out your pad of paper and pen, and take LOTS of notes.
4. HAVE FUN!
5. Once the car has been judged, consider what you want to do with it. You might be surpirsed at how well it scores.
6. Don't change anything without researching it first. If a part is obviously wrong (like wrong manufacturer), then OK. But sometimes the opinion on a part changes from one set of judges to the next. Don't take the first judging event as cast in stone. ASK a lot of questions before making changes to your car.

[Michael W.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

Judging is 10 very knowledgable guys crawling all over your car for the better part of the day pointing out to you what is right and what is wrong. For free. Can't get a better deal than that.

Judging is not quite free- but registration costs for chapter events are usually pretty reasonable.

[Paul J.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

Gordon, in your original post you asked about poor judging records possibly hurting the resale value of the car. Don't get hung up on this for the type of car that you're buying. I don't think a second or third flight (or second or third place in any show) would impact the price of any car that is not sold as a "Top Flight" car. I also don't think this would ever come up in the negotiations unless you volunteered the information. After all, did you ask if the car you just bought had ever been shown and what awards it won? Even if you did you would know that happened in the past, and may not be a good indication of what the car is now. When you buy a car like yours, it is what it is. If you were to restore the car then the high level awards will help sell it, and can affect the price if the car is good enough.

Paul

[Patrick T.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

I have a 67 (since 68) and made the mistake of restoring and adding things to my car before NCRS. I should have had it looked at for a Bowtie on the first try. But I eventually went from 2nd Flight to 2 Top Flights. Those driving points are just great.

Jerry, can I ask how much you paid for your car back in 1968 when it was one year old? PT

[Joel F.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

Jerry, can I ask how much you paid for your car back in 1968 when it was one year old? PT

IIRC, he traded a Datsun or something imported for it.

+1 to the "youngster" contingent. Of course these days the NCRS is the only place I actually feel young.

[Gordon W.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

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Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'll definitely follow up when I receive the car. Attached is a teaser photo.

-gw

[Michael J.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

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Thanks for all the advice, guys. I'll definitely follow up when I receive the car. Attached is a teaser photo.

-gw

Wait, you need to give us some close-ups Hi-res of the engine bay, interior, and undercarriage so we can all help out now.....Just Kidding.

[Stephen B.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

gordon - i bought a 1976 vette - cleaned it up and had it judged at chapeter level - got top flight -(took recommendations from sheets and did some more cleanup) drove it albuq for regional - got top flight(took recommendations did some more) drove to novi michigan for nationals - got top flight (from denver,colorado to novi - put 2,000 miles one way - yes you can drive it enjoy it and still get "top scores)also received the "sam folz" memorial award -having driven it the farthest and getting top fligh - how bout that for a driver. steve benson ncrs rmc

[Michael J.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

gordon - i bought a 1976 vette - cleaned it up and had it judged at chapeter level - got top flight -(took recommendations from sheets and did some more cleanup) drove it albuq for regional - got top flight(took recommendations did some more) drove to novi michigan for nationals - got top flight (from denver,colorado to novi - put 2,000 miles one way - yes you can drive it enjoy it and still get "top scores)also received the "sam folz" memorial award -having driven it the farthest and getting top fligh - how bout that for a driver. steve benson ncrs rmc

I tell you what, it don't get no better than that, and that is why NCRS is #1 compared to say SAAC, where only a single digit number of newly totally restored trailer queens ever get the top awards.

[Joe M.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

My 1960 is a driver and last fall, I decided to go through NCRS flight judging. I enjoyed the process and learned a lot about what was different about my car as compared to a new 1960; not what was wrong with my car, but what was different. It was then up to me to decide what, if anything, I wanted to change. I was a couple of points shy of Top Flight, which I should achieve this year and then I am finished with the judging process. I have corrected the big items that I can correct and not interested in chasing 1 point here and there. You can only go so far in NCRS judging with a driver, but for me that is OK.

[Edward B.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

Of course have it judged, you have nothing to lose except your entry fee. You will immediately learn if you enjoy the competative atmosphere of the judging process and wish to go further or if you are content to simply enjoy the car as is. Hopefully, the judges you meet will be like most, will extend a welcoming hand and will offer constructive suggestions for improvement. Be wary of bystanders who believe their function in life is simply to pick nits and criticize whether or not their opinions are backed by factual knowledge - these folks can ruin your day and your taste for the hobby. Don't take the judging process (or yourself) too seriously.

[Robert J.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

I'm also thinking about having the 55 judged. I can't make it to San Diego. Is there any events slated for N. Ca. in the near future? Thanks Bob

[Al E.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

I would like tro have my car judge as well, I just dont want to be ashamed by what they say.

[Joe M.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

The NCRS judging process does not shame anyone. It is a positive process if you take it the right way. If you view it as criticism, it will not be a pleasant experience. It is a learning experience, or should be. Then, you decide what you want to improve and what you don't want to improve. Increasing point total takes money to get there.

[Terry M.]

Re: Should I have my driver judged?

I would like tro have my car judge as well, I just dont want to be ashamed by what they say.

Al,

We judge your car, not you. No reason to feel ashamed, and as Joe says the process is intended to be positive. We offer you suggestions on how to improve your Corvette, but it is your car to do with as you wish. Also, it is not a perfect system and if you are considering major changes it would be in your best interest to get several opinions.