Questions to Concourse Judges.

[DIAZ-CANEJA]

To those who judge cars in Concours.
I think we would benefit if you tell us. What has penalties and what has not when judging cars.
Original steering, knob, radio, speakers etc.
If you install an steering from a model two years younger. Can you know it's not from an specific car?
Even washer nozzles. Do you know if they belong to the car?. Is this penalized?
Tell all the members what yes or what no.
Thanks
Jesus

[ja17]

Hello Diaz,
Originality is very important in most concours shows. A large deduction is given for non original parts (50% deduction in that catagory usually). The judges should be familiar enough with the model to recognize non original parts on the particular model. You probably can get a copy of the national concourse judging form. This form will show each catagory and the amount of points in each catagory. Originality, condition and cleanliness should be your major concerns. Clean everything very very well. Enter some smaller shows to get familiar with the process and to learn the weak points of your car. Make improvements befor the next show!
Replace non original or damaged parts when you can.

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[Sokoloff]

The MBCA Events Rule Book is online. Go to the home page, then Administration, then Evetns Rule Book.

Len

[Tom Hanson]

These rules differ form one organization to the next. I'm used to the guidlelines set forth by the Classic Car Club of America. I know the MBCA has their own rules, but this would only apply to MBCA-sanctioned shows. Originality and preparation are always the 2 major factors in any concours. Elegance is another, depending on the show. Design also comes into subjective discussion, dependng on the competition in a given class. So many things to think about..

[Robby Ackerman]

Jesus

To answer your specific question can we tell if the steering wheel is from a car two years younger? That depends. In some models there was no change in the steering wheel from one year to the next such as a '59 and '61 190SL. So would I know if your '61 was using a steering wheel from a '59? No. On the other hand some Gullwings used hex-head bolts on the firewall and others depending on the production year used a different style bolt. Do we notice the difference, yes. Is this penalized? Yes, if it isn't the correct hardware for the respective production year.

[560 SEC]

Robby,
I have been at shows with you before, I have a question.
If a part is available i.e., option number in the service manual,can you use it even though your car was not built with it?

Thanks,
John

[Robby Ackerman]

John

Pete Lesler passed the following along to me.

"It really depends on the part. If it is an optional part available new that year, not one that some dealer's substitute for one that is no longer available, then I would say it would be permissible. A few examples might be: Optional radio, stereo speakers (correctly installed), optional town and country horns, fog lights, optional wheels, tires, et cetera. Documentation of these options is always a good idea."

One does not normally find options listed in Service Manuals, but rather in sales literature, parts books and microfiche.

[560 SEC]

Hi Robby,
Thanks. What I was refering to was a wood shifter. In the 126 manual it`s listed as option code 108.

John