LT4 Flight Judging Question

[Robert M.]

So I see in some instances coupes & convertibles are not always created equal, aside from the obvious. My vert has 17,000mi & is in xlnt condition. On pg 204 of Info Manual & Judging Guide (1994-1996) there is pic of "Underhood Rub Material" above the right underhood light. The explanation is that it is felt-like material to protect the fuel line when hood is closed. My car is no-hit, original paint & not only is this piece missing, but there is no indication from paint, texture of that spot, that it was ever there. The rest of the felt underhood protection sealer is in perfect condition.

The reason I ask is that, for instance, on pgs 46-47 there is note of a 3rd certification label on the driver door jamb re "Tire Inflation Pressure Information," but it is only specified for coupes, specifically excluded from verts. As far as I know, the integrity of the doors for both coupes & verts is the same, so why is it excluded on verts? And perhaps same for the above.

Can anyone shed some light?

Thx Rob

[Pat F.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

For now I will attempt to answer the first part of your question concerning the felt pad near the passenger side light under the hood.
Much research has been done concerning this part as some original 94-96 models do not have this patch. it is the same material as the upper seal to the hood. There has been no speciific ryme or reason for this additonal felt pad attachment. I am attaching a photo of this patch. It was on my 1995 LT1.

[David H.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Robert,

Don't change an original car to make it match a Judging Guide. Documentation of those differences provides fodder for JG updates.

On this particular item, you might get dinged at a chapter meet. However, at regional/national meet the national team leader will be available to confirm this discrepancy has been seen before on original cars.

As Pat stated earlier, that patch is seen/unseen without particular pattern.

Dave

[Robert M.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Thank you Dave as well. I suspected & confirmed with responses from you & Pat that this was most likely a hit or miss situation. No, I won't
try to conform to guide.
Thx

[Robert M.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Thanks Pat. Certainly proves it exists. Interestingly, there are no chafing/rub marks on either the hood underside or the fuel lines on my car. Makes you wonder what they were thinking sometimes. No plans to put one on mine, though.
Rob

[Pat F.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Here is some additional information on your question about the third Certification Label. I am enclosing some photos of a 1995 Pace Car Convertible and a 1995 ZR1 you will note that the Certification Label you are inquiring about is NOT present. This is according to the 1994-96 Judging Manual. Also you will note on your labels that they may differ in font from the illustration in the Judging Manual on page 46.
In Sept/Oct 1995 there was a change in the printing methods by GM. They went to a digital format. I am attaching an example of the change in fonts over the previous two photos for your review. You can see the change from the ZR1 fonts to the 1996 font. If you have a 1996 that is an August or September 1995 build you may still have the older font. As Dave mentioned. do not change anything that you may think is original to your Corvette.

[Robert M.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Thanks Pat for all the info. My LT4 is the digital. I also have a '95 red/red ZR-1 (23,000mi) with same font as yellow. I'm actually gonna go for Flight w/ZR-1 first. If you have any suggestions peculiar to ZR-1, would be appreciated. Aside from complete key issues, minor delam & some warping of the dash, the car is in great shape. (Reminds me about the line to Mrs Lincoln about how she liked the play). I only stumbled on the air pump filter situation after reading the JG & was able to get that replaced. I've got Haibeck's chip, but will go back to original for judging.

[Pat F.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

The main thing is to enjoy yourself and not stress out. Take the ZR1 to a chapter meet first and get all the small bugs out before attempting a Regional. Take Dave's advice, if you think the part is original, don't change it. This is just our opinion. If you look closely to the image of the yellow ZR1 you will notice that the last digits of the VIN are 447. Some say that this is the last ZR1 sold to the public. I am not a ZR1 guy but this is just for conversation as the records say 448 were produced in 1995. If this is true, 448 is probably in some collection.
Good Luck

[Robert M.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Interesting you should bring up #447. I recall seeing an article several years ago about a guy bought 445-6-7, all were yellow/black. I believe he gave 1 or 2 away. I also remember seeing 1 of them for sale a few years ago at like $95,000. Of course, extremely low mi. #448, the last one, was the famous Torch red/red one that was donated to the Museum & was destroyed in the sinkhole. I think they saved the carcass though for display. Also interesting is that even though it never saw the light of day, it had one of the worst delaminated windshields seen.

[Patrick H.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Of course, extremely low mi. #448, the last one, was the famous Torch red/red one that was donated to the Museum & was destroyed in the sinkhole. I think they saved the carcass though for display. Also interesting is that even though it never saw the light of day, it had one of the worst delaminated windshields seen.

#448 was not one of the sinkhole Corvettes. GM owns the car.

[Robert M.]

Re: LT4 Flight Judging Question

Thank you for the correction. Got it mixed up with another one.