"Custom" and "non-factory inspired stripes"

[Michael B.]

The judging manual calls for a full deduct for "custom" and "non-factory inspired stripes". This is an interesting selection of words. I would interpret the wording to allow some striping that may not have actually come on a particular car from the factory.

[Dick W.]

Re: "Custom" and "non-factory inspired stripes"

Basically if it did not come on the car it was applied to, the paint is out! No deviations.

[Michael B.]

Re: "Custom" and "non-factory inspired stripes"

Why use the term "non-factory inspired" in the rule? That wording confuses the issue. To me, "inspired" implies that adding stripe is OK if it is the same that the factory installed. If they say non-factory inspired is bad, wouldn't factory inspired be OK?

I'm just courious about what the judging team was thinking when they decided on the word "inspired".

It's OK to refurbish or replace factory applied striping sounds more like what was meant to say in the judging rules.

[Terry M.]

Re: "Custom" and "non-factory inspired stripes"

I think the wording is to include a deduction for tape that is used in place of factory applied painted stripes. It also includes, I believe, the intent to deduct for paint stripes that are applied instead of factory applied tape stripes. It is to also include a deduction for stripes of any style that were not factory installed.

I am pretty sure the choice of wording was not up to the Judging Manual Team, but is dictated by the wording in the Judging Reference Manual. If I am right about that, and if you have issues with the wording they should be taken up with the National Judging Chairman.

[Patrick H.]

Re: "Custom" and "non-factory inspired stripes"

Note that a 1953 Corvette received a full deduction on paint last year at a Regional Meet - because it had Zora's signature on the driver's door. No, I am not kidding.

Absolutely any paint or striping not applied to a car as it would have been applied to that exact car on Day 1 is cause for a full deduction.

And yes, I've seen owners remove pin striping as well as those "nautical" flag initials from their cars, and other similar items.

Patrick