DaveBerg

This is a really good question because I think it can be looked at in a number of ways. I can see three possible scenarios from the question. First in AACA judging if a component is finished to higher degree of gloss or shine than usually seen that is considered "Over Restoration". In that circumstance no point deduction would be made as we give the benefit of the doubt to the owner and say that on a given day perhaps it could have looked that good. I dont think though that is the situation we are looking at in this question. Next we would look at the component being correct but the finish wrong. Similar lets say to a chrome plating on a part that would have been nickel plated. In this instance the point deduction would be one point for each improperly finished component, up to a maximum deduction of ten points. Since we would count each of the nuts seperately that should get us to the ten count pretty quick. Now onto more serious matters. If the heads were non-authentic or made too appear non authentic (reverse restoration so to speak) then I believe the maximum deduction of five points for each head would apply. Additionally the nuts would carry a deduction of one point each up to a maximum of ten whether they be non-authentic or simply improperly finished. The AACA judging process emphasizes "How the vehicle could have looked when it left the factory". Anyway I hope this helps you some and represents my opinion as to how a judge would look at it. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/laugh.gif" alt="" />

Well I sure cant top Father times (Howards) story. In 1951 I was busy turning 1 year old. shortly there after though I do remember having a Steering Wheel. If I recall though it was plastic and mounted to the real one. If that one is still in my mothers closet I could at least come close. Really though, I have had the pleasure of seeing and judging Howard's Cadillac. It is a great car that any of us would be very proud of.

Glad to hear that news !

It sounds to me like HPOF is the right place for your car. AACA judges cars in the regular classes (34a) with a "How could they have looked when the left the factory" viewpoint. Generally speaking in todays times that means a restored car. Though as always there have been exceptions. You may want to give the production class (34a) a try and then if it doesnt work out favorable for you, you always have the option to switch over to HPOF at the next meet that you register the car. Should your vehicle win the 1st Junior (National First Prize) award, you lose that option. At least for 10 years. Best of luck with it, it sounds like a great car.

The winners list from Hershey 2002 will be published in a future issue of your Antique Automobile magazine. I do not know which issue though. It generally takes several months to appear. Otherwise unless you have a question regarding your own vehicle I cant think of any other way.

There are multiple explanations for your question. It is possible that the vehicle was missed in the judging process. Judging at Hershey is a major undertaking. Did he have a judged sticker on his windshield card?? The judging team for the HPOF class is staffed by very experienced qualified judges. It is possible that they felt the vehicle was not as you have described it. I mention this only as a possibility and am not suggesting this was the case. It is also possible there was a mix-up in the administration process, or in the actual registration. I would suggest that you have your friend write to the Vice President of Class Judging, he will look into the matter for him and find out why the award was not presented.

You are correct the judging system is always interested in getting new people involved. Here is the order of things that you will want to do. First off you need to be an AACA member, so if you are not as yet you will need to join. Next is to attend a National Judging School. Hershey does not have one unfortunately. Your next opportunity will be at the Annual Meeting in February in Philadelphia. Given your locale that school makes the most sense for you. After completing the school (approx 2 hours) will register to judge at the next national meet you attend. You will be placed on the Apprentice Team. This team is captained by the Chairman and Assistant Chairman of National Judges Training. Thats all there is too it! Its fun, challenging and very educational. Welcome we will be glad to have you as part of the AACA judging system.

1974 Buick Century V-8 2 Door. 50 or 60k original miles. Motor ran good when parked but has been sitting about 10 years. Needed tranny work. Tires were brand new! Body rough from sitting. My dad had bought it new for my mom. This car is FREE to any AACA member that would like to have it (first come fisrt served.) If it turns out to be a good deal for you please make a little donation (or a big one) to the AACA Library or Museum. Leaving 10/8 for Hershey, see me there or email me next week. Dave Berg davbergltd@aol.com

Getting good title is by far the most important thing that you need to be concerned with. Depending on the lawas of the state you are purchasing the vehicle from and your state, the title transfer may be permitted several ways. The simplest ways being as you suggested, ie, clear title in the wifes name or perhaps using the current title with a copy of the death certificate, etc as may be required by the seller's state AND your state. It is probable that in your locale there is a messenger service or notary shoppe that does title work (call various car dealers and ask who they use) they should be able to guide you to the smoothest easiest way. Just remember when it comes to titles, your title can never be any better than the person who last had it. Take your time and do it right!

I cannot answer the question of: why? The rules for transfer of awards were created well prior to my becoming involved in the system. The rules as I understand them were designed to apply to the sale of a vehicle. In the scenario that you present, perhaps there are alternatives. I do not honestly, know. However, if the recipient of the vehicle chooses to contact me I will gladly research the possibilities, if any, for him. On the other hand, having spoken to many vehicle owners over the years who have purchased prior Senior winner and above vehicles (myself included) I have found they have greatly enjoyed seeing these vehicles compete again for these high awards. At any rate I will be happy to help if i can. As to what does or doesnt seem fair: I can only leave that decision to each individual and how we view things.

The Grand National Award would also need to be returned to the VP Senior Car Awards (me).<BR>The vehicle then reverts to First Junior winner status. The new owner will need to compete for awards beyond that point in his or her own name.

The rule on tires is that they be of a size and type as specified by the manufacturer. If radial tires were not offered for your vehicle either as standard equipment or as an option then you will lose 3 points per tire. The car you mentioned that had won its senior award offers a couple of thoughts. It is possbible that the tires were replaced after the vehicle won the Senior award. It is also possible that the vehicle scored high enough to win the award in spite of the 15 point deduction. Remember a vehicle need only score 375 points and be within 10 points of the highest scoring car in that class also competing for Senior.

fordee has done well to address this issue. To simplify some of the conversation, it should simply be viewed as this: Using the guide "How could it have looked when it left the factory to be delivered to the dealer" is the basic key, however, what must also be considered is what was the dealer "authorized by the factory" to do or offer. Certainly to affix the hubcaps to the vehicle. Yes your Volvo or certain other foreign car dealer could install a radio for you at the dealership, however this would have been a "factory authorized" installation of a brand approved for use by the manufacturer. We all realize that many dealers would go to any extreme to satisfy their buyer. Understandable so. Not all of those extremes were "Factory Authorized." Although they may not have been aware that we were going to judge that car!

Hello Jim:<P>Years ago there was a fellow named Martin Blasinsky from Masontown,Pa. He specialized in 38-40 Cad V-16 parts. When I had mine I would occasionally get things from him. Dont know if he is still around or not but it might be worth you looking into. I know he had been a CLC member.

1960 RR P5 Limo from the estate of a 91 yr old collector and RROC member. Currently in primer and ready for paint and reassembly of trim. All parts here. Seems to run very well.<BR>29,500. email or call for details. 724-452-4586 or davbergltd@aol.com