I was in a Concours event last summer and lost (2) points for a couple of paint sags in a door jamb. I thought OK, the car had been painted once by a couple of Bubbas, so they must have done it. I took it to my bodyman to correct. After he was done he tells me that the problem was in the original Chevy paint layer. Not that it really matters anyhow, but if this was not uncommon in original paint jobs then how come judges ding you for points? Another issue was that the paint under my hood over the gaskets had worn a little (-1 poin t). MY bodyman said he could paint them, but it will rub off very quickly again as the hood is continually moving during normal driving. This car is judged in a "driver" class, so it should have some normal wear. Some of these judges I have dealt with are overly fussy and some of them don't even appear to know the variances year to year very well. I have just had some frustration. The guy next to me at this event lost a point for a blade of grass on the carpet. Let's face it, a showroom new car can have a grass blade blow in as well. Just venting a bit!

 

The flip side is that NCRS judges will ding a car that is over-restored and does not have the same imperfections that are expected from a factory car. Guys have even lost points for putting Zaino on original paint. Makes it too shiny, too smooth!

Serves you right for entering a "concourse" event!

 

Dinged for too good of was job? Wow. I have heard/read that Vette judges are the fussiest.

 

NCCC rules really are not clear when it comes to street driven cars. The two categories, Street Show and Wash & Show are not well defined in the NCCC rule book for judging. Prepared (Stock), Custom and Modified are well documented by examing the judging forms for Interior, exterior and engine compartment. When it comes to street driven cars our judging criteria is very poor and the rule book doesn't help much. For example if I enter my car in Street Show (by the rule book this class would represent a driven car, I am judged by the same criteria a trailered Prepared, Modified or Custom car is. This does not make much since to me. Street driven cars are going to have a bit more wear and tear than a trailered car that is only started to load or unload. But the rule book nor the judging sheet specifically give the judges instructions to allow for this except in the case of the Wash and Show class for minor dings and interior wear are concerned (in this class your engine compartment is not judged). The Street Show, all 3 areas are judged by using the same judging sheets that are used for Prepared, Custom and Modified with no mention of overlooking minor use wear and tear and exterior flaws caused by road use.
Your points count should have been deducted in 1/2 point increments and not 1 point increments. For a minor element the judges took way to much in my opinion. The rule book is very clear about deductions in 1/2 point increments.
You are also correct that judges do not do their home work well enough to recognize a factory flaw versus a restorer induced flaw, such as overspray etc. But it is also up to the owner to challenge the judge on the deductions if you do not agree. Ask me how I know

 

I went to a show last year that was NCCC judged (my first) and I did the normal quick swipe with my california duster, threw on some tire dressing and sat down. I must have sat for 2 hours watching people go at their cars with battery vacuum cleaners, various rags and even q-tips prior to judging.
When I got my judging sheet back, I saw why...lost points for finger prints on door glass (dirt they said, but it was a finger print) stuff like that.
I actually didnt mind becuase the judge explained to me what the deductions where, I know better for next time.

Nick