Change the Nature of NCRS?

[Everett Ogilvie]

[Warren F.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Everett:

You bet, I agree!

I stated earlier that there are 2 large organizations that cater to Corvettes in conditions other than factory guise. WSCC and NCCC welcome all Corvettes. NCRS is an organization for the preservation and restoration of Corvettes as 'built by the factory', let's keep it that way. There is no other national organization that caters to Corvettes this way. It is why I joined, and many others, let's not dilute this fine organization any further by infusing additional judging categories, when there are two other organizations that welcome cars that are of a configuration other than factory correct.

[Eric Eade]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

I agree with what you are saying, I don't think I would go as far to say that they want to fix a broken NCRS as much as want a kind, gentle NCRS to feel included into.

With the passing of time the criteria to reach flight levels has continued to evolve and made those award levels more difficult to obtain. However, in another way, the improved ability to scrutinize every nut and bolt to OEM perfection allows us to better document these aging piece of history.

From my experience, the NCRS welcomes all owners and enthusiasts to get involved at the level that they feel comfortable and also allows the owners to make the ultimate decision to restore or modify their cars for their different reasons. The Sportsman class offers a level of participation for everyone.

There aren't too many definitions of NC"Restorers"S that I can think of.
My 2 cents, Eric

[Mike M.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Agree 100 %. keep NCRS the way it is. it's not broke and hence no need to repair it to please a couple of newcomers who have yet to begin to earn their keep.mike

[Chuck S.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Everett, you have succintly captured the essence of how I feel, and what I have tried to say since this bs began. My opinion is that everything of interest to NCRS members pursuing "restoration" (and more) is already being considered; establishment of a "Flight Challenged" class is outside the original intent of NCRS. If the "Sportsman" class is not to those individuals liking, then they should pursue their goals elsewhere.

And, this is absolutely, positively the last post I will make on this subject.

[John M.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Don't make any changes, it's fine the way it is. It ain't broke. I am presently a member and one of those guys making a "custom", although quite authentic, Corvette (engine and color change). I also have had a Top Flight Corvette. Both cars have provided a tremndous amount of enjoyment, if for slightly different reasons. I don't plan to have the latest one judged but I'm certainly going to drive it to every chapter and other NCRS event that I can. I'm sure I'll take some ribbing but it's still a thing of beauty.

[Roy B.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS? NO

But what is the Sportsman LEVEL?, I hear talk about. Please! it's a parking space that is guarded, nothing more. Oh! you do get a ribbon. And that's OK ,am not complaining because I don't have my Corvettes judged. And I do get to park closer to the flight cars.

[Dick C.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS, WHY ?

Before I took the leap and had my car flight judged I spent two years reading the judging manual, talking to other owners, talking to judges and started to correct some items on my 67 coupe. When I had it judged the first time at a chapter meet(2001), I had a good idea how the car would do. 2nd flight first time out. Corrected more items and I installed side exhaust, had the car stripped and painted (base/clear). The car has a quartz clock, non dated carb and it has a decked pad. These are big hit items, but I know what I have and its the way I wanted it. I know what's right and what's wrong about my car. I was told by a couple of judges that even the way the car was it might still top flight.
Drove the car from MA to Quebec(2003 regional meet), still not sure it would top flight. Had the car judged and received a top flight award. Having an idea what the hits would be prior to the meet, I knew it would be close. How close? 90 judging points and 4 driving points = 94 points and top flight. Keep NCRS the way it is, it works. Corvette lovers and owners need to educate themselves and NCRS has the tools. Do the meets at all levels, get involved in judging, talk to owners and judges. Ask questions, use the NCRS Discussion Board there's a lot of help out there!!!!

[Christer Arakangas]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Hi!

I joined the NCRS because I'm restoring a 1962 Corvette. My objective is not to restore it completely accurately. I am planning to install a non-original driveline (because the original was lost a long time ago), replace the vinyl with leather and to use custom alloy wheels. I will also use a non-original paintwork.

I hope this will not lessen the value of my work in the eyes of my fellow members. I love the old sixties Corvettes, both original and customs. I think that some of the most amazingly beautiful Corvettes are customs.

Since the probability of me coming to a meeting in the US to have my car judged by the NCRS is microscopic, I will be satisfied by the fact that the Club Corvette Sweden (1500 members) regularly selects the "Best Custom" at their summer meetings, while still being able to judge other cars by their originality by the same standards as the NCRS. And they do it without having any conflicts with owners of Top Flight Corvettes.

They have judged my 1966 Convertible and awarded it with 91 points. I hope they will also find my old '62 worthy some day, but maybe in the "Best Custom" category.

Thanks for reading my post.

Christer in Sweden

[Christer Arakangas]

[Mike M.]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Chester: i like your attitude. you can remain a member whether you're a Puritan or a heathen. there are some of both over here and we all get along for the most part. good luck with your slightly modified 62. if you are ever in the states , stop by our farm and i'll show you a collection of both restored Duntov's and some highly modified vettes which all get along inside my garages.mike

[Steve Pettit]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Christer,
Sounds like you have a pretty good project going on. Post a picture of some of the cars in your group out on the road if that is possible, I would like to see a corvette rolling down the road sometime when I am in Europe, (actually I'd like to be rolling down an european road in my corvette.)

Regards (cause I like the way Johm Mcgraw ends all his messages)
Steve Pettit

[Christer Arakangas]

Re: Change the Nature of NCRS?

Hi Steve (and anyone else that is interested),

You can take a look at two Swedish Corvette sites on the Internet:

http://www.stingray.nu and http://www.clubcorvette.se/

If you check the pictures from Elmia motor show,

http://www.stingray.nu/album/elmia/1.htm

you will find my black 1966 convertible if you press the next button a couple of times at the lower end on each page. It was exhibited on one of the largest annual motor shows in Sweden at the Corvette 50th anniversary. It is very close to original, except for the American Racing wheels that I have my radials on. I also have a set of KO wheels with original type tyres. I hope to exhibit my '62 next year.

Regards,

Christer

[Mark Milner]

Let's not dilute the standard

Years ago I used to autocross Corvettes quite heavily. I ran any that were held such as NCCC and SCCA events.

NCCC had four groups: race prepared, modified, stock, and Pure stock. In these, there were four classes: A, B, C, and D. In drag racing, there were even more.

16 classes of competition, all for one car - a Corvette.

In events running SCCA rules, Corvettes had three classes total - B/Stock, B/Prepared, and a modified that if you really whacked the car out, you could go. These classes also had other cars in them.

In NCCC, you could often find yourself being the only car in a class.

In SCCA, you ran against dozens. If you won SCCA, you really accomplished something.

Right now, in NCRS, the requirements are tough. When you get Second Flight or First Flight, you have really accomplished something.

If you have a local show and shine show, you get a trophy, but all you did was have a bunch of people who liked your car. What did you really accomplish.

Judging is not a competition, except against yourself. You don't have to beat anyone. There is nothing wrong with scoring only 70 points on a first time out. It is only a learning experience, one where you can learn how your car differs from the way Chevrolet rolled it out the door. The 70 points just means you have many things that are different than the way Chevy built it. It doesn't mean better or worse. If you want to judge your '64 convertible, but won't give up the sidepipes, then there is a deduction and so what? No one shoots you, no one rips the pipes off your car with a tow truck. Your car is still your car and you can still build it any way you want.

There is no reason to have a "Top Flight but without all the requirements" or a "Top Flight but I dropped a 454 in my '57" class.

If your ego requires a trophy, then go to a show-and-shine show. If you want to restore a car, then go to NCRS.

If you were buying a car sometime in the future, would you look for one that was "Top Flight but many parts are wrong" or "Top Flight and almost all parts are original"?

[Gary Bishop]

Re: Swedish Corvettes

It sure would be nice to see some of those Vettes in England at the 25th Anniversary of the CCCUK in June 2004 at Knebworth.