How do I learn the rules?

[Guest]

I am just beginning restoration on my 31 Packard. I have done other cars but have never shown any of them. I am a bit older now and not in any great rush. I plan to make the car as correct as possible. I will do the mechanicals, preliminary bodywork, final assm, and leave the final paint and all trim work to the pro's. With that said, where do I learn the rules of how cars are seriously judged? Do they differ from AACA to CCAA? I am a few years from completing the car so I have some time to learn. Can anyone steer me in the right direction or is my question too vague? Please let me know.<BR>Thanks!!!!<P>------------------<BR><P>------------------<BR>looking for 31 Packard Roadster parts!

[Guest Chuck Conrad]

CCCA and AACA have slightly different judging proceedures, but generally speaking, a car that does well in one club will also do well in the other. The main difference is CCCA checks to make sure everything on the car works as it should. <P>AACA meets are usually much bigger than CCCA Grand Classics, so for practical reasons of time constraint, AACA checks to make sure that everything looks ok, but they do not check for operation. Even so, AACA does require that cars actually drive onto the judging field under thair own power, so the car must run properly.<P>Both clubs have a heavy emphasis on authenticity. This is something you should keep in mind when you restore your car. It usually costs about the same amount of money to do accurate restoration work, as it does to do something that is incorrect. A good example is upholstery. There might be a couple of hundred dollars worth of difference in material costs between authentic materials and choosing a material that is not appropriate for the car. The labor to install either material properly is about the same. Using authentic material and good workmanship, you will receive no point deduction. Improper materials will receive a point deduction. Doing things right the first time is much cheaper than doing the job twice to correct your first attempt.<P>You have to do some research to determine what is appropriate for your car. Original factory literature, parts books and other publications can really help during the restoration process. Of course, you can learn a lot from other club members and their cars too.<P>Both CCCA and AACA publish their judging rules and judging forms. They are available from each club headquarters. CCCA actually publishes their rules and judging form in the Members Roster and Handbook, which is sent to every member each year.<P>The best way to learn about the judging process is to get involved in it as a Judge. Both clubs offer judges training and always welcome new participants.