Polished Head and timing gear cover?

[George Rohrbach]

Could one of the Judges tell me what the deduction would be (if any), for having (on a 30's automobile), the aluminum head and timing gear cover polished? Obviously, it wasn't that way from the factory. Also polished SS nuts and bolts, but done without the modern markings.

Thanks

[Guest]

I'm a MARC/MAFCA judge on Model A Fords, but new to AACA judging.

On the standard AACA judging sheet, the max deuction for the engine is

15 points, & for the head is 5 points.

With the total of 20 points for the head & engine block, I think you'd

get a 50% deuction.

so I think you'd lose 10 points, for your polished head, timing gear,

and/or valve cover & bolts.

With the correct finish on the head & block, and if the SS bolts are

unmarked, and don't look different from the originals, the benefit of

the doubt goes to the owner, and you would not lose any points.

These are my thoughts, and as a new AACA judge, I'd be interested in the

comments from experienced judges.

[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="" />

[Guest]

It is really great to have this definitive answer posted by a former, and very knowledgable and experienced, AACA Vice Pres. of Class Judging. I had considered posting my opinion, but decided to leave it to someone who is still active in AACA judging. After all, so much can change so quickly under a new VP.

Thank you Dave. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> ~ hvs