VCCA Home Forums GENERAL DISCUSSION VCCA Judging Questions Getting ready for judgeing

I am considering entering my ”˜41 Special Deluxe Coupe in a VCCA judging meet.

My question is, even though I printed the articles from the web site but they are 3-4 years old, is there newer criteria that would allow me to understand the process further ??

In addition, I’ve talked to 3 rather senior VCCA members who although do not know each other shared a rather questionable view of "judging" And I would like any feed back on this process.

And if any one has feedback and ideas on just how to prepare a car I would surely appreciate that information as well.

Many Thanks & Happy Motoring,
Michael

Interesting question!

I also was told by senior members that since my car has a 235 motor and radial tires to "just forget it". :( :( :(

Hmmmm! Well that makes responses to my judging question 4 for 4....??

Bob as you know, I’m a very new to the VCCA club so I have no direct experience with judging. But I would wonder why, If you own a great looking car, pay your dues, fly the VCCA flag and are offering support to the VCCA organization Why tires would subordinate your car. Why wouldn't they just dock you some points ??

Well, I seem to be coming away from my question with more questions. {?} Maybe when I read all the rules I'll have a better idea of the criteria.

Thanks & Happy Motoring
Michael

The whole idea of the VCCA is to be as authentic as possible, and radial tires on a 40 are not authentic. Sure rides and looks nice though. Restoration and Preservation is the "Motto" of the VCCA. Its just like religion though, some members interpret the words stricter that others. Makes for some very interesting discussions for sure.

Radial tires do not disqualify you for judging, however it does provide you with a handicap on the way in.

Even if you have a V-8 in your 1940, radial tires and a 350 automatic transmission, you may still present it for judging. It does however pose the question: WHY?

Remember, the fellows who are doing the judging are members of your club, and do you really think it is prudent to submit an obvious incorrect vehicle for them to judge. Would it not be the spirit of the game for the judges to spend their time, effort, and knowledge on a car that the owner at least has made an effort to have a correct vehicle?

First, I would suggest that you go to the VCCA Home Page and open up and read "How we Judge", keeping in mind the "Restoration and Preservation of Chevrolet Vehicles" creed that VCCA is founded upon.

The VCCA Judging sheet calls for a mandatory 100 point deduction for a non-authenic engine, a 4 point deduction for each radial tire on a vehicle not originally so equipped, 100 point deduction for non-authenic body/panels, 100 point deduction for non-authenic paint colors, a 100 point deduction for aftermarket air conditioning, plus a lot more little stuff.

As hard as it is to accept, my advise to anyone having a car judged, is don't take the deductions personally and don't make any changes to the vehicle based upon some point deduction assessed unless you know that the deduction was correct or you have comfirmed the questionable area with several knowledgeable individuals. Judges have been known to be wrong and remember they are volunteers. If you feel you were unjustly given point deductions, just rise above the criticism and move on to the next judging event where chances are pretty good that area won't be critcized again, if you are in fact correct.

I would also suggest that if you attend a judging event that you volunteer to be a judge also. One of the best things I've taken from the VCCA are the acquaintances and friendships I've acquired with other team members while being a part of a judging team.

Ray,
No 350, auto trans or a/c for this guy!! I do have an authentic 1940 Radio Though!

Looks fantastic. Will I see it at the NW Meet this year?

Hopefully!! :)

Well said Oldie!! I suggest not taking it extra serious. Remember the judges are volunteers and may not be experts on your year car/truck. They are to ask the owner if there is something in question as to authenticity. And the owner should provide the documentation is necessary. If you plan to drive the 40 I would sacrifice the bias ply for radial's. My 48 with radials rides like a dream. I will not go back to bias to gain the points.

I want to let you know that the Board of Directors passed the proposal to make a Chevrolet Driver Participation Class. This is in response to listening to our members while traveling across the country over the past 7 years. We have a sub-committee working on the language and policy development as we speak. This is based on the foundation that the AACA has developed for their members. We still will be upholding the mission statement of the club but we will be opening up a CDPC class at National Meets. This class will have some compensations for those who drive or tour. Be a bit patient. We are making progress.

Michael, I have also sent you a judging form and manual so that you can have a better idea what the process is for the VCCA. Welcome aboard!

Novasscott can you send me a judging form also

Ray
Do you think there will be a CDPC Class at the NW Meet?

Most likely they will not. All the plans are already cast in stone and too late to change anything.

Do you have an application yet?

I think so.

hrndog, send me your address at my email which is novasscott@aol.com and I will send you the material.

We hope to have the CDPC class ready for 2006

Does that mean trophies will be given for Jr., Sr., and CDPC?...I like the idea but there will end up being only one or two cars in a class + the HPOFC cars.

Speaking of getting ready for judging.... If I install seat belts in my car (54 Chev), like my wife is 'requesting,' will I lose points for not being original???

No Bill, seat belts are exempt from judging as long as they are period correct. These would be the old fashioned type, not the inertia belts which were standard in 1974. The only item of deduction would be if the condition of the belts were bad.

Put them in!

I will go along with that, Now what is a period seat belt for a 1928 National AB Sedan??????? Leather with a nickle plated buckle????

Hey Steve I'm the guy who wrote to you some years ago while I was on vacation on Maui with 'congrats' on the articles you used to put in the G&D.

I'm kinda confused by your post about seat belts. I wasn't aware that Chevrolet offered seat belts in 1954. So, what would 'period correct' seat belts be?? Bill.

Any of the plain latch type buckel belts sold would be fine.I have the JC Whitney ones in my cars.They look almost like what Cherolet offered in 1955.Also available from Chevs of the '40's, etc.

MrMack, A plain leather belt and a large nail to hold it to the floor.

Well Thanks You ! to all of you for info and opinions on Judging.

I recieved THE VCCA judging manual, rad your thoughts and "walked " my car with a couple of my local members, so thanks all of you and to whom ever sent me the VCCA information, and all of you for your worthy views.

Now I have to go get my car ready for judging......

Happy Motoring
Mike

Michael, I should have checked here before I sent the long email direct to you earlier this evening.

I think it's good that you've decided to have your car judged because I think you'll have fun doing it for the first time with your 41.

I have a couple of questions. Are you having it judged soon?? This summer?? What meet?? I guess the All Cal is next week in Carson City. My recollection is they don't do judging at most
All Cal Meets.

And, if you don't mind, I'd like to know how it works out. Not point by point. Just overall; like how many points.

Good luck; but be sure to have fun too!!

Bill.