Bowtie Judging question

[Donald L.]

Hard question because I understand there are only 190 bowtie cars out there, but here it goes. I have a 64 conv. that I am going to have Bowtie judged in the future. There are only a few things that were changed in the last 46 years. Tires, heater hoses, Battery, wiper blade inserts, and mufflers. These things I want to replace with more original type parts (Repro) like 670-15 tires and a new tar top battery, and some of the original pc's I don't trust like radiator hoses, and I rebuilt the water and fuel pumps. the problem is when you take these things off you must clean them and wipe off the years of dirt, to do the job, how bad does that hurt for judging, and the way I read it they don't care if I put some repro parts on I won't lose points and I won't gain any. There are things that the finish is a little rough like the under splash shields and the original ball joints and tie rods and power steering valve are covered in grease, they never wiped the old grease off when they put new in. How much can I clean without making it look like I am trying to restore it, the paint has a few chips in it should I touch it up or leave it alone ??? thanks

[Michael W.]

Re: Bowtie Judging question

Gentle cleaning and prep is an asset in Bowtie judging. Just be sure not to remove any factory finishes or markings or try to repaint/replate/restore anything.

It's understood that certain items will have worn out over time, this has little or no impact on judging. Most of all, make no attempt to 'build' a Bowtie car by adding period correct pieces. This attempt may raises suspicion. The car is what it is, as-is.

[Frank P.]

Re: Bowtie Judging question

If you are going to go through the Star Award program, it is imperative that you read and become familiar with Secton 8 of the NCRS Judging Reference Manual. It contains most of the information you will need. Also, discuss your car with your team leader to gain additional knowledge. Good Luck!!!!
Frank Paschal
1977 5 Star Bowtie

[Reba W.]

Re: Bowtie Judging question

Be careful removing, cleaning, and replacing. When judges see something that doesn't look the age of the car, red flags go up and they look at everything with questions.

Good advice to read the Judging Reference Manual. Mechanical and chassis sections are given lower percentages of originality for a reason--hoses, wiper blades and batteries are not expected to last 30-40 years. Getting repro items for these will earn you nothing in Star Judging.

Have the car evaluated at a chapter meet by experienced judges before doing anything.

[Donald L.]

Re: Bowtie Judging question

Thanks for the info. I am not going to do any more to the car until I get all the info I need. Thanks