I just purchased a 1985 Z51 C4 coupe with 30k miles from the deceased original owner's daughter. He bought it new in Washington state then later lived in Georgia for many years. Its all original with like-new paint, interior, weatherstrip, wheels, etc. I was considering getting it Top Flight judged since it is so unmolested. Unfortunately it appears to have been undercoated Wheel wells and undercarriage when new. I am pretty sure it was done at the dealer because of the overspray on some components. If it was factory it would have been done before the body drop. Any knowledge how it will affect judging?.

 

This is going to make the Chassis judges work for their lunch. Basically, at the minimum, the presence of undercoating on surfaces where it was not present when the car left Bowling Green will be a change in "Finish". Finish is 20% of the Originality score. So at a minimum, a 20% deduction on every line affected should be expected. Now. If undercoating also inhibits the ability to assess other attributes like date codes, part number stampings, broadcast code stickers, there should be additional deductions for the obfuscations.

I would suggest downloading the Flight Score sheets from the NCRS website. The Chassis score sheet will make sense when you go down the line items as you're inspecting the car. If you see undercoating on an item that shouldn't have it, take 20% of the points in the LH column (Originality). I haven't seen your car, but I just looked at a score sheet, and even if there's undercoating on every suspension component (there likely isn't) I came up with a 20-30 point deduction. If it is just the wheel wells, probably 10 points.

If you're intrigued with the concept of judging for originality, and NCRS appeals to you, 'we' (NCRS guys) encourage you to enter the car for a meet without doing anything to it. The team will advise you and give suggestions as to how to proceed. It sounds like a nicely preserved car. It will likely do well in NCRS. Take it to an event. Have a great experience.

 

pictures? Dying to see what the mess looks like

 

I dont have any pics right now. Its actually not that bad. lightly sprayed in the wheel wells, outer areas of floor pan covering the brake and fuel lines.

 

Thanks, I didnt know you could download the judging sheets. I am possibly shooting for the winter meet in FL. Can you tell me how many total points you would lose for a non original battery? Also what could I expect with correct size Gatorbacks with 1995 date code in decent shape vs. new incorrect size off-brand tires?

 

To meet the "Service Replacement" requirement, it has to be a Group 24 and say ""Delco" on it. Remove the carrying handle. You can take the Delco sticker off of a dead Delco and stick it on a Costco battery if you want. (It's what I do.) Service Replacement is a Standard Deduction, 5 points. (It used to be 10.) Non-Delco is "Full Deduction" which is 20 Originality, and the 15 Condition for 35 Total. (Find a Delco decal!)

Tires are also subject to Standard Deductions. Tire date codes are not judged in Flight Judging. If you have a set of 255/50-16 Goodyear Eagle VR50 tires, by all means present the car with those installed. Unless they are in extremely deteriorated condition, there will be 0 deductions for Originality, there may or may not be slight deductions for Condition. Generally, C4s that no longer have OEM tires on them are presented with tires that meet "Deduct 75% - Non OEM brand, with correct size and lettering.". All (5) tires are on the same line, 30 points. So the (4) road tires are 24 points Originality, 75% would be 18 points deduction. For non-255/50-16, it is 100%, which includes all condition as well. 48 points total. (You always want OEM size.)

The Florida Regional registration closes on December 20. You've got a couple of weeks. So far there is one other C4 registered, a 90, and it's probably a ZR-1. There are 12 cars total for Flight. I remember when the FL Regional had 125 cars entered. Those days are gone, NCRS is dying, along with its members. Literally. They would welcome your entry. C4 do well in judging because the judges don't see enough cars any longer to remain proficient. And the experienced, knowledgeable judges have their points and no longer attend. The current C4 bench isn't very deep. The recently appointed C4 National Team Leader is a complete n00bie and outsider to the C4 Team. (He's never judged a C4 with the team prior to his appointment last Fall.) The Chassis judges at FL may well miss the undercoating altogether. your car will score well. All C4 do with the current crop of judges. Its more like a Used Car Inspection.

I'd go to FL Regional just to see that car collection at that venue.

Again, it sounds like you have a nice original car. Enjoy it.

 

I don't know what your knowledge or experience with NCRS is. In 2006 I attended my first Regional in Flagstaff AZ with my 1985. I was a total n00b and had not a clue what I was getting into. I was roped-in to judging (3) ZR-1 in the then-new 90-91 Division. I was hooked, and have participated regularly for 20 years, primarily in C4. If you haven't experienced NCRS, I encourage you to check it out. You'll have a blast. I have.

Here's a thread I put up this year on my 85's 40th birthday, if interested.

 

wheel wells? Wheel wells don't rust

 

The fasteners sure do. So do the brake and fuel lines. And parking brake cables.

"Undercoating" was a common dealer "pack" back in the day. It was an add-on to increase (pack) the profit margin in a new car sale. Like flashing 3rd brake lights are today. (It costs the dealer 20 bucks, they add $250 to the price of the car.)