Seat covers?

[Bryan 1960 Windsor]

Ok guys, Bryan here, yet again.... One more question and I'll leave ya'll alone :-)

In national shows, are deductions taken off for clear seat covers installed to protect original upholstery? I drive "Pearl" to many local shows, and want to preserve the seat fabric as much as possible.

Thanks,

Bryan O'Quinn

Durham, NC

[DaveBerg]

Seat covers are permitted as long as they were offered as optional equipment by the manufacturer. Generic after market seat covers would be cause for deduction. If you want to use seat covers for driving and still show the car, use the slip over type that you can take off when you arrive at a meet.

[Peter J.Heizmann]

Bryan...hope all is well.

To me, based upon your queries, I would advise that you obtain a 2004 Judging Manual.

--Within the left column, click on Antique Automobile Club of America, scroll down to "Merchandise". Once there, scroll down and you will see the Manual (Item #OJU001).

--or, attend a Judging School at any National Meet, or, AGNM, and receive a copy "non-gratis".

The intent I am attempting to put across, is, homework. Get a copy, read/study it, apply as much mechanical knowledge as you can, do not hesitate to ask questions on the Forum, and, lean on us for assistance. That is how I did it and, in turn, have enjoyed the AACA ever since.

Not finished yet...there is the Library & Research Center located at National Headquarters (access to queries addressed within the title page) which will open more doors.

What I am saying here, is, I do not know the extent, of which, you are mechanically capable/interested, how far you do your own work, or, want to take a short-cut, and, have Forum respondents accomodate.

It is more gratifying to take advantage of the AACA Library & Research Center, the AACA Museum, the AACA Regions & Chapters (Join, if you have not already. By doing so you will receive grass roots tips), the AACA Forum...

Granted, we are talking about seat covers here, however, grab a copy of the Judging Manual and it will clear up many issues.

Regards, Peter J. <img src="http://www.aaca.org/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Bryan 1960 Windsor]

Hi Peter, thanks so much for your input. I've actually been doing alot of hard thinking, and having lots of conversations with Pearl.... (LOL) I think that the conclusion that's been reached is that Pearl will hopefully get certified as HPOF at the first National that I can attend in my area. She deserves the status, and unless I'm gonna "restore" her, she'll never win an award against a restored auto. She's beautifully original, and I wouldn't think of changing that.

I've got another 1960 Windsor that will be undergoing restoration this fall, so will end up having a restored one to show if I'd like to. It's not about the awards or trophies, though. There are so many people who have never seen a 1960 Chrysler.... I'm happy just having her out there for folks to see and appreciate the way that they used to be built.

I've printed out a judges manual, and am reading as i have time.

I'm very mechanical, and do most of my work myself on my cars. After owning one of my Windsors for almost 18 years now, I kinda know the car "inside and out"... kind of nice to be that familiar with a car.

When I went to initially look at "Pearl", I sat inside her, and she smelled correct. Does that make sense? I knew right then that her interior was original and unaltered.

Pearl continues to win first place trophies around my area in local car shows. Mostly she competes in original / unrestored classes, when they have those classes offered to enter. But again, it's not about the trophies.

It's about Pearl getting the attention that she's due. After surviving for 44 years in her condition, she deserves it. Most folks at car shows want to see the modified cars, and the restored ones..... but there is a growing appreciation of the original unaltered cars. I'm very happy and proud to own one.

Take care,

Bryan O'Quinn

Two-1960 Chrysler Windsors.