Flt Judging 73 conv w/ Added Options?

[Thomas O.]

This is my first post in 3-4 yrs. I have three concerns. I have a 73 convert 952 yellow. I would like to add power steering and power windows. The car is a near numbers matching. Is it possible to still enter the car in to judging with these additions and approximately what would be the number of the points lost?

Secondly the paint is in reasonably good and original condition. There is a relatively small amount of road rash and about 9 small chips on the right side. Left side is ok. I would appreciate suggestions as to how I could remedy these issues. Thanks
Tom

[Tom R.]

Re: Flt Judging 73 conv w/ Added Options?

All Corvettes are welcomed to a Corvette flight judging events so there should little reservation there about entering it.

The greater issue is changes made that affect judging criteria and I would suggest securing a copy of the judging manual and sheets and working through it yourself or fellow Corvette enthusiasts...such as your local NCRS Chapter. It would be a challenge for a judge to offer a score not knowing all that would be affected by the change. For example, power windows. Will you replace door panels to remove the holes where the cranks were located? If not, the holes would be there and that would affect the completeness of the door panel. Or, do you leave the cranks in place and add power window switches? In which case, a door panel with both switches and cranks, just grew something which affects originality and probably warrants a 20% point loss for the door panel...one element of interior judging.

In later C3 years 76 +, the Vega steering wheel came with base steering whereas the three spoke steering wheel came with power steering. So how were these two systems configured in 73? What's judged here, on the interior, is the column and steering wheel. Is it consistent with function. Then there is the chassis side of equipment required for power steering judged as linkage, power steering control valve, etc. This is why I suggest running through this on your own to get a feel for the impact such changes would have on flight judging. I suspect few judges can roll out a number for an estimated point loss without an actual visual of the impact of such changes. Though many would be entertained by the speculation!

Hope this helps.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: Flt Judging 73 conv w/ Added Options?

This is my first post in 3-4 yrs. I have three concerns. I have a 73 convert 952 yellow. I would like to add power steering and power windows. The car is a near numbers matching. Is it possible to still enter the car in to judging with these additions and approximately what would be the number of the points lost?

Secondly the paint is in reasonably good and original condition. There is a relatively small amount of road rash and about 9 small chips on the right side. Left side is ok. I would appreciate suggestions as to how I could remedy these issues. Thanks
Tom

Hi Thomas,
By all means you can have your car judged. The changes you are considering will effect your total score unless you use all the correct items with correct part numbers and date codes etc. you'll need to replace the door panels because of the handles. On the 73 the PW switches are located on the console, that will also need to be changed or modified. There are many components judged on the PS and AC systems too.
Just as T.R. recommended in his post I would also suggest you download the 73-77 judging scoring sheets from this website. You should also order a copy of the 73-74 Judging Manual if you don't already have it. It might not be available right now, but Paul O. has reordered and some will be in stock soon. With these valuable references you will be able to see everything involved in the items you want to add.

On the 73 the AC System and Blower Motor is judged under mechanical for a pt. total of 45. (26- originality and 19- condition). The PS linkage and control valve is judged under Chasis for a total 15 pts. (8- originality and 7- condition). Your PS pump, pulleys, mounting hardware, and SB belt guard are all judged under mechanical, and are all included with the alternator and components, for a total of 43 pts. (26 originality and 17- condition).
So you can see there is a lot to consider judging all these items. As far as your paint from what you describe its doesn't sound too bad. There has been plenty of recent discussion on paint here on the forum.
You could have your car judged as is, then afterwards make your changes. Just a thought!��
Good lick with whatever path you decide to take. I hope this info was helpful.
Regards,
Jim