68 judging issues

[GDaina]

I own a 68 L-89, October build date. Purchased the car from Roger Penske Chevrolet, Philly, Pa. w/4000 miles in late April, 1969. The center carb is 3660, 742 date, also the left valve cover DOES NOT have the recess for the power brake unit. Since this is an early 68, I have a number of 67 components, including the third member.

I have not been too concerned with the numbers aspect until recently, and from what I read, the valve cover and the center carb is wrong, even though these components were on the car when purchased. Eventualy I would like the car to be judged, but don't want to do battle because the judging manual states one thing, and I say another. Has anyone else run up against a problem such as this?

I know, I know, you can't fight city hall, so why not buy the stuff that the manual calls for? Same thing when an innocent man is accused of a crime and told just confess, and get it over with.

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 judging issues

I also have an early Nov. sb 68. These cars are full of oddball stuff, more than any other year. More so if it is optioned with low volume choices. All is lost if ya just change your car to agree with the manual.The Manuals have errors and many have been straightened out thru verification of original "oddballs". Make sure you really look into the history before riping that part off the car. Its not to say the dealer had his little fingers into your car before you got it. 67 production parts on early 68's is quite real.

[Gene M.]

Re: 68 judging issues

I also have an early Nov. sb 68. These cars are full of oddball stuff, more than any other year. More so if it is optioned with low volume choices. All is lost if ya just change your car to agree with the manual.The Manuals have errors and many have been straightened out thru verification of original "oddballs". Make sure you really look into the history before riping that part off the car. Its not to say the dealer had his little fingers into your car before you got it. 67 production parts on early 68's is quite real.

[Jack H.]

Re: 68 judging issues

I agree wholeheartedly with Gene's advice. Your '68 car is one of the real challenges in Corvettedom. Like '63 and '57FI it's a first run item where many running changes were being made. There are errors in our guide books and that's the reason the name was changed from judging 'manual' to judging 'guide'....

If you believe your car is correct in its original configuration, stand your ground and discuss the issues with the judges and team leader (don't argue -- they have a job to do and, like a policeman, there's only so much time available to make a judgement call). If you drive your car to the meet, the milage driven bonus can more than compensate for that rare 'bad' call. Plus, you just might have an impact and improve our club's knowledge.

On the other hand, I've yet to meet an original owner from the era who walked the assembly line and took factory delivery of his car. Things do happen in the factory that present mysteries later (car pulled for QA/QC repair) and it wouldn't be the first time something happened in transit to the dealership that caused the delivering dealer to effect repair by replacement prior to owner pickup....

[Jack H.]

Re: 68 judging issues

I agree wholeheartedly with Gene's advice. Your '68 car is one of the real challenges in Corvettedom. Like '63 and '57FI it's a first run item where many running changes were being made. There are errors in our guide books and that's the reason the name was changed from judging 'manual' to judging 'guide'....

If you believe your car is correct in its original configuration, stand your ground and discuss the issues with the judges and team leader (don't argue -- they have a job to do and, like a policeman, there's only so much time available to make a judgement call). If you drive your car to the meet, the milage driven bonus can more than compensate for that rare 'bad' call. Plus, you just might have an impact and improve our club's knowledge.

On the other hand, I've yet to meet an original owner from the era who walked the assembly line and took factory delivery of his car. Things do happen in the factory that present mysteries later (car pulled for QA/QC repair) and it wouldn't be the first time something happened in transit to the dealership that caused the delivering dealer to effect repair by replacement prior to owner pickup....

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 judging issues

"GDaina"----

The circumstances which you described is a very common one and presents the restorer with the ultimate paradox: do I make my car non-original so that it can be "original"? I'm sure we'd all be surprised at how many Corvettes out there have been made NON ORIGINAL just to conform to the notion that all of the cars were made JUST ONE WAY. I agree with the other posters. If you have a very good basis for believing that your configuration is original, I'd leave it that way.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 judging issues

"GDaina"----

The circumstances which you described is a very common one and presents the restorer with the ultimate paradox: do I make my car non-original so that it can be "original"? I'm sure we'd all be surprised at how many Corvettes out there have been made NON ORIGINAL just to conform to the notion that all of the cars were made JUST ONE WAY. I agree with the other posters. If you have a very good basis for believing that your configuration is original, I'd leave it that way.

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 judging issues

G,

Ditto. You need to understand that 68's are a world unto themselves, and any judge worth his salt realizes that. Consider having the car judged as it sits, and see what others say (if possible).

Even on my "normal" small block 71, a year with few changes, it is surprising how many small things didn't necessarily conform.

Patrick Hulst

[Patrick H.]

Re: 68 judging issues

G,

Ditto. You need to understand that 68's are a world unto themselves, and any judge worth his salt realizes that. Consider having the car judged as it sits, and see what others say (if possible).

Even on my "normal" small block 71, a year with few changes, it is surprising how many small things didn't necessarily conform.

Patrick Hulst