[1937hd45]

Just recieved my Judges Newsletter today, and see that the DPC (Driver Participation Category) got top billng. If this is in fact a NON judging class why must the hood and trunk be displayed open? NOTHING ruins the look of a 400 point show car more than an open hood or trunk. Why do we want to see luggage in the open trunk of a driver? For those who don't know, this is MY opinion.

Bob, maybe the Vice President of Class Judging could answer your question. He does monitor the judging threads doesn't he? I'm sure he will come back shortly with a full and complete explanation.

hvs

[66 Mystery Chevelle]

Well, if it's just OPINIONS we are giving...I for one like, NO, LOVE seeing every part of a car when at CAR SHOW. The engines on some cars, whether driver quality or show quality are some of the most interesting and unique parts of the car itself. Trunks, while not always intriging, are part of the car and if I am about to start a restoration of XYZ car to original condition, That car that you may not want to see with it's hood open or trunk open...well, that may be just the car I NEED to see and take pictures of, so I can make mine correct. That XYZ car may be the only one I have come across and it sure would be helpful to ME in my learning and appreciation of the car, but if the trunk and hood is closed...I don't particularily want to hang around all day waiting for the owner to come back so I can ask him to pop the lids. So, it really has nothing to do with JUDGING or NOT IMO.

As far as the rest of this...well, I am sorry...it's gettin OLD. Got a problem with someone or something...pick up the phone talk Man to Man with the source of the problem. End of Story.

[R W Burgess]

I agree "66". Also, since the class has to be 90% original, there's no other way to tell, but to have trunks and hoods open. My '56 wagon was warned at the Richmond show last year for the chrome "mag" wheels(You sure they didn't have them "factory" in 1956?) <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/image...lins/grin.gif" alt="" /> This is a great class to get new people in the AACA and, as a stepping stone, maybe to the judged classes in the future. You know, you may show up at the show with your driver this year, but maybe have a real winner as a participant the next. Wayne

You are right 66 about the rest of this getting old. It could end with a simple response from the man in charge.

However, when the party in question cannot be reached in a direct way or refuses to respond, it is sometimes necessary to follow a non direct route. Ignoring a problem will not correct it. Public criticism or discussion may lead to a change in the upcoming year.

This is after all an AACA forum and ALL issues effecting the organization should be open for discussion. It need not be limited solely to nice pleasant car discussions. AACA is a business and not all business discussions will please everyone.

Just my opinion and that of many others. ~ hvs

PS: This should be my last word on the subject until "the man" responds. When that happens I will offer a BIG thank you.

[Terry Bond]

Although DPC isn't really a judged class, it's still important to see whats under the hood etc to ensure the car qualifies for the class. So, Wayne, that means you can't put that blown Hemi in the 35 Ford Sedan and call it "DPC." I gotta tell you what a great experience it was to work with CC Wheeler "judging" (certifying is perhaps a better word) the DPC at a National Meet a couple of years ago. It was a wonderful opportunity to talk with car owners and answer their questions about AACA, judging, how to detail under the hood, etc. The biggest surprise to me was how many of the DPC cars that were coming out for the first time were owned by brand new members, and those cars were absolutely stunning-the vast majority of them were easily second place if not better! There were even a couple of super HPOF cars that turned up. So Wayne, you are absolutely correct-it's a great stepping stone for new members! I think everyone should make it a point to visit the DPC class and meet the people behind the wheels there. As far as "hoods up" it sure is great to see all of the car including the engine compartment. Later in the day I find car owners are most accommodating about closing the hood/trunk lid so that pics can be taken, in fact most people tend to close them anyway after judging has been completed.
Terry

[D Binger]

Terry,

Why is it that the DCP vehicles are never listed in the AA mag when there is a write up about a meet? I have never seen one mention of these.


Dan

[1937hd45]

Terry, If this is true that cars in DPC could go home with a second or third Junior Award why in the world would they deside to park in a mixed bag of vehicles? Why be a second class member?

[ronbarn]

1937 - It is "second class" if you continue to insist on that designation. I think you are wrong. I have a couple of cars that have had to much "restoration" to qualify for HPOF. They have not had enough "restoration" to place in a show class. They are drivers. They were acquired to be tour cars. They are for the most part authentic and those parts that are not will eventually be corrected. The only place these cars can really be displayed is the DPC and when I do that I WILL NOT consider that "second class". And I will proudly raise the hood to show people the beauty of a Marmon Sixteen engine.

[1937hd45]

Ron, I guess I'm just haveing a hard time accepting AACA's effort to be all things to everyone. Back in the old days if I wanted to look at and compair Marmons, Stutz or whatever I'd go the the class that they qualified for and look at them. Can a DPC entrant be trailered to the meet? I keep getting this picture of the Bluebird tour bus people folding up their cardtable in the fleamarket,unkooking their DPC vehicle and driving across the street to display in the DPC parking space. This was all based on conversations I had with AACA members with 25 year old cars and a set of dealer plated last year at Hershey. Does AACA accept DPC cars at the same time as show cars? Could DPC cars outnumber or bump show cars off the field? Could Hershey turn into a large daytime cruise nite?