Judging Problems - A/C Cars

[Clark K.]

I was told by an interior team judge at a recent meet that my '65 Coupe was missing the upper part of the right-hand vent grill. I looked and there appears to be an open area above the existing grill. It has the appearance of being quite raw. So, I believed him.

So, I went to the Long Island Corvette Supply catalog to order a RH upper vent grill, as per the judge. The catalog does not show an upper vent grill for the right-hand side. I have attached a photo of the RH vent grill for an A/C car. The photo of the part clearly shows an "open area" above the grill. This is exactly what my A/C coupe has in it.

So, is my car missing an upper vent grill, or not? Has anyone else had an A/C car judged and found that the judges tell them that something is not right, that is right?

I remember, also that the judges at another meet told me that my 7-bladed cooling fan was incorrect but Noland Adams' definitive Vol. 2 shows what my car has on it. (BTW, the '65 JG is at worst wrong on the description of this fan, at the least, misleading in regard to the markings and rivet head configuration)
-Clark

[Wayne M.]

Re: Judging Problems - A/C Cars

Relax --- your RH kickpad vent grille with the open upper half is correct for a '65 air car (and probably other mid-years).

Can you expand a bit on judge's comments on your 7-blade fan ? AFAIK the 5th edition is correct (as far as it goes). This fan configuration is very difficult to describe in words. What did they say about the rivets ?

[Edward J.]

Re: Judging Problems - A/C Cars

Clark. that must be the way alot of a/c cars are, because my 72 A/C car has part of the right upper vent grill modified also and they way they did it in my 72 is with a hack saw blade, There is a rough cut. I am not sure if yours is the same way. Ed

[Harry S.]

Re: Judging Problems - A/C Cars

Clark, My 63 A/C grill looks just like your 65, a nice big hole in the top. I have a 5 blade fan, I know for at least 63's that's correct.

[Peter L.]

Re: Judging Problems - A/C Cars

Clark - Unfortunately, many Judges are not educated on the unique items and features that are on C60 Corvettes. While we all hope that the Judges have infinite wisdom on all the features and nuances of a specific year Corvette, I suggest that we as owners of C60, FI, BIG BLOCK, etc. Corvettes need to be experts and intimate with our Corvettes and the associated Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide to be in a position to educate and/or challenge with respect the Judge's call and if necessary to elevate the questionable call to the respective Team Leader. We all should be in a position to learn new things about these cars. Who says Corvettes aren't FUN. Pete

[Reba W.]

Re: Judging Problems - A/C Cars

The 1970-72 JG notes this cut with the following statement:

The right hand panel on air-conditioned cars was cut at St. Louis with a hacksaw and often has rough marks as a result