Checkerboard Squares: White or Black?

[Everett Ogilvie]

About this business of white upper left hand flag squares on emblems, vs black: What are the guidelines? The literature I have read tries to identify dates and times when one was switched for the other, but isn't the reality that if the production changed, wouldn't you still have seen a time of mixed emblems due to the way parts are usually grabbed out of bins?

Here is a specific example: on a set of 4 original hubcaps, say from a '66, would the plant have delivered a set that was not matched as far as white vs black upper left hand corner on the flags? Did they really take the time to look at this type of thing? I am doubtful... it is hard to notice unless you are really tuned in to it.

Just looking for some inputs.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Checkerboard Squares: White or Black?

Believe it or not, there were times that it differed within the same model year, and definitely could differ between years. And no, the factory didn't care if they matched on your car, as long as you car had hubcaps. (or emblems, or whatever)

[Gary Schisler]

Re: Checkerboard Squares: White or Black?

The 66 judging manual accepts either one, recognizing that there isn't any uniformity in the chrome "badges".

[Jack H.]

Re: Checkerboard Squares: White or Black?

Response given by others is on the mark. Seems Chevy changed flag pattern as an annual ritual and not always consistently across MY or badges within/on a given car being a match....

Your best bet is to consult the current Judging Guide to see if there is a 'correct' answer published. Then, double check it with Nat'l Team Leader and survey known original cars (sorry for the 'belts and suspender' advice but that's reality). Last, as I read across the various NCRS Judging Guides, the descriptive prose on this subject varies, so beware.

Description(s) of flag pattern are not uniform/clear. Text can refer to "inner/outer" "upper/lower" boxes of the flag and fail to make a view referant (as you're looking at it/from it's perspective out????).

In my opinion, it's not so much our (NCRS) fault (though we could do better in terms of narrative). It is a GM/Chevy issue that complicates and compounds our lives umpteen years later! But, you will find niches of judges in Corvette divisions here/there who believe there's a proper answer and it IS the judge's call....