Mike Ward

Actually, I find your constant bashing on things you admittedly know nothing about to be disagreeable.

Alan 71

Hi,
I know some of the NCRS members who worked on the latest edition of the 68-69 TIM&JG personally. Their experience with, and knowledge about, 68-69 cars is mind boggling.
I think one way to judge what they produced is to compare it to other publications like it..... oh, that's right, there ARE no other publications to compare it to.
It's not perfect, but folks, it's all there is, and it's a wonderful resource for owners, restorers, and judges.
Regards,
Alan

7T1vette

Like I said...the NCRS Judging Manual is the primary reference document during judging. So, what's the issue?

Mike Ward

Well Alan, I guess this thread proves that the old expression 'no good deed goes unpunished' holds true.

bellaireroad

Got mine. Can't put it down .... Really like the service bulletins too....great resource

jaxlt1

Going to order mine today. I love to see what this dust up is all about.

marshal135

I located two out of print books by MF Dobbins.
They were printed before all the hoopla in the early days of
corvette enthusiasm.
I have found them as accurate as I need.
Marshal

Alan 71

Hi Marshal,
Merry Christmas!
I don't know if you know the story of M.F.Dobbins or not.
He was a reproducer of GM labels and stickers....maybe one of the first.
In 1987, (I believe), his small business was raided by the FBI, his inventory of labels confiscated, and he was personally arrested. This transpired at the behest of GM asking that their copy-rights be protected. I believe 10 or 11 other small business were raided that day too.
He survived it all and continued with his small table at Carlisle selling his labels.
He certainly knows his way around those 68-72 cars! The photos in his books have been a tremendous help to many, many, restorers.
Regards,
Alan

loup68

Alan, As far as I know, M.F. Doddins was the first label reproducer for the hobby. Lou.

marshal135

Alan,
Happy New Year!!
I thank you for that tidbit of MF Dobbins history.
I did not know that.
His old shop is about a half mile from my house.
I drove by after discovering that and it is an auto repair shop now.
It is not associated with him any more.
The fact that he had an L-88 before all the hype is great.
I see his passion for corvettes as I read through his books.
I see he was involved in the early days of NCRS.
I have 2 out of the 3 editions for 1968-1972 series.
I have wanted a corvette since high school (1978) but did not
get one till last year. Unfortunately, Mr. Dobbins is not
still in the business anymore. I'd love to learn from an early
Pioneer.
My mission with my '68 BB is to drive and enjoy.
I'd like to keep it as original as possible and will replace worn
with OEM or AC Delco(GM) parts as required.
I do not have the time or $ to do a frame up restoration.
But I certain do respect the dedication it takes to do it.
I'm afraid it would over whelm me and I probably would not
finish it.
So many cars in my neighborhood are in garages apart.
Life got in the way for many and projects stalled.
Hope you have a blessed 2013.
May we cross paths in the future.
I'd like to go to Carlisle this year.
Marshal

Alan 71

Hi Marshal,
Thanks very much good wishes!
My wife and I do feel quite blessed!
I agree that there continue to be very nice cars for which real life has caused a postponing of their completion.
Regards,
Alan

Easy Mike

I recommend both. Copies are still available. Pricey, but good.




The L-88 he restored is on the cover of earlier editions.

Dr. Dobbins also has a C2 volume. It is also good.

0Corvettes by George

Alan,
Back in 1986 I purchased a '71 LT1 in San Francisco (paid $2,800.00). Car was pretty rough and had a "duct tail" added. As I proceeded to "clean it up" I realized that every part and piece on this Vette was original---except for the shift plate data label, and missing AIR equipment.
I ordered the label and the LT1 hood decals from Dobbins, and was perplexed when it took several months for this order to be filled--then finding out what was happening with the Feds.
I did receive the items after the "scene" was resolved.
By this time the Vette was repaired, painted, detailed, looking great and correct in every way, so I couldn't wait to install the last missing piece---the shift plate data sticker. Went out to the car and proceeded to remove the existing label. You guessed it, the original label was under the replaced piece. It was pretty cool finding the original sticker, as this further confirmed the originality of the car. I surmised that the previous owner put the lower HP label on the car as a way to get around the Ca. smog inspection, but that was just a theory.
I still have that label purchased from Dobbins.
G

twinpack

Received mine 3 weeks ago and read it often. Great book. Lots of info. Trying to keep my 68 as close as possible but still upgrading a couple things and the frame will be powder coated. But still close in appearance. I plan on driving my car as much as I can and still have a classic that is safe and dependable.

marshal135

Hey Mike,
I have the edition with the Black l-88 on the cover and the one with the nose shot of a ZL1.
The 1 I'm missing is the 1 with the cars profile in front of a barn, probably somewhere in scenic Bucks County, PA.
There were 3 editions for 1968-72's
Thanks for sharing.
The sticker info is really interesting.
Marshal.