Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

[Michael A.]

Hi everyone - I recently purchased a 1966 Corvette Coupe 427/390 in good condition. It is numbers matching with existing trim tag. I will be taking the car in for judging in June and want to use the experience as an opportunity to get to know the local members, and find out some more about my car as the judges review everything. In order to make the most out of this experience is there any advice you would offer in terms of preparing the car (I don't want to do too much work, but I also don't want to miss some obvious things) to make the most out of the experience. Thanks again.

Michael

[Terry M.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Don't lose stupid points. Make sure every thing works. Bulbs should light, turn signal flash, radio play, etc.
All the filters should be AC Delco brand, even if the part is from the FLAPS (Friendly Local Auto Parts Store). In your case the canister oil filter doesn't count -- no one can see it,
If your battery is not AC Delco get one from your FLAPS.
Get an NCRS decal (membership office or store button above), a battery cut off switch (install both) and a fire extinguisher.
Drive the car to the event -- every 100 miles is worth one point.
Decide to have fun meeting people and learning about your car.

[Keith B.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Best advise is to have fun. As for getting your car ready just wash and clean it up as best as you can.

[Don H.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Michael,
Terry gave you some great advice. To add to his, download the judging sheets and have a friend (or wife) go over them with you, especially operations. They are usually fairly easy to fix and are 20 points per line. In my opinion, having the car judged is a "great value" in that you get an in depth evaluation of the car for a small price. Good luck, Don H.

[Brian M.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Don' forget proof of ownership and insurance.

[John H.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Order the "Corvette Judging Reference Manual" to learn how the judging process works and how to prepare for it, and the "1966 Corvette Technical Information Manual & Judging Guide" to learn more about your car (that's the standard against which your car will be judged). If you don't have the owner's manual, order that too so you know how everything is supposed to work (for Operations judging). If you haven't done so already, join your local NCRS Chapter and participate!

[Michael A.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Thanks for the quick reply Terry much appreciated and the perfect advice for this first timer....

Michael

[Michael A.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Hi John - check! check! and check! I have all three manuals and am reviewing them in detail...makes me glad I took auto shop in high school Also joined the local chapter and am registered for judging in June. I have owned the car since January 2013 but only picked it up a week ago and drove it from Ann Arbor Michigan to Toronto Canada in 4.5 hours....couldn't get the smile off my face...thanks for the feedback and the advice.

Michael

[Michael A.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Thanks Don - I am going to set aside a sunny Saturday with my daughter to go over the operations judging sheets...Terry's advice echoes yours, there is "no need to lose stupid points"....thanks so much.

Michael

[Robert E.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Michael,

I've been a member of the Ontario Chapter for several years, you won't find a better bunch of guys ( and galls ) anywhere. The members are very friendly and will make your first judging experience pleasant and you'll learn a great deal about your car.

You've been given some great advice, be prepared and have a great time.

Robert

[Paul D.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Something not mentioned above would be to familiarize yorself with your car enough to be able to perform the light disassembly for judging. Usually it is just air cleaner, spare tire, and jack removal. I have seen owners get so flustered in front of judges that they nearly cause serious damage to their cars with dropped screws, air cleaners, and jacks coming across painted surfaces. Hopefully, you are truly having your car judged as a learning experience and will have many more chances to improve your score. I see so many guys treat judging as a "one shot" deal. Having never actually put a car through flight judging, I cannot speak from experience on that side. My observation comes from judging at numerous chapter events. If you could get the chance to serve as OJ (observer judge) at a event prior to having your car judged would be very helpful I'm sure. Chip.

[Michael A.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Hey Robert - thanks so much for the feedback...I am looking forward to a fun couple of days meeting everyone and getting to know more about my car. I would like to find a good mechanic to review the operations of the vehicle prior to judging. In your experience where is the best place to do this in Toronto (I live mid-town near Yonge and St. Clair)? Thanks again...your help is greatly appreciated.

[Michael A.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Hey Paul - great advice...thanks for the input...

Michael

[Gary B.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Michael,
Terry gave you some great advice. To add to his, download the judging sheets and have a friend (or wife) go over them with you, especially operations. They are usually fairly easy to fix and are 20 points per line. In my opinion, having the car judged is a "great value" in that you get an in depth evaluation of the car for a small price. Good luck, Don H.

Don,

I judged Ops for the first time this past weekend at a chapter meet and my co-judge and the team leader both initially thought there were 20 points per line, but at least for mid-year cars, it's 25 points per line. Fortunately, the tabulators were quick to correct things after we had turned in our first judging sheet. But as you note, a plugged up windshield washer rubber line can cost you 25 points and that can often be easy to fix.

Gary

[Scott S.]

Re: Looking For Advice For First Timer at NCRS Chapter Judging

Michael, We look forward to seeing your Corvette at Wilson-Niblett.
Scott