It was a fantastic day!
Registered cars this year came in at 114. They announced it was up from last years 94
While "Mustang Mania" is on its 4th year. You can certainly see they are still just getting their feet wet with the event. As we pulled in off of the highway, they were trying to get people "registered" and taking up the fees for the show. Initially, we had a few decisions to make when filling out the paper work...in way of, what body (build platform), Driven or trailered, Stock, Modified, Special (SVT, Roush, ect, ect,). It would have also been useful, if they would have had options or directions on the registration sheet with a guideline to what the build platforms are what they were asking. I simply said; "New Edge, Generation 4, SN-95....what are you asking for". The responses was..."I think we have been using New Edge". I personally just chuckled a little to myself and went on. I already knew that the lady that had asked the question had no real idea what she was asking for. While a lot of people know what a Fox body is.......... Their are a lot of people that don't know what Generations these cars fall under. We all hear the "nicknames" given to them or the "code names"...but unlike the GM fanatics out there....Mustang owners don't always keep up with the Generation classification of the cars. Below is the "official" year a generation build for reference.
Generation 1: 1964 1/2 - 1973
Generation 2: 1974 - 1978
Generation 3: 1979 - 1993
Generation 4: 1994 - 2004
Generation 5: 2005 - 2012
Also, keep in mind. While the above is the official Generation list. It has sub-groups inside of those classifications.
As the cars piled in, it was announced that they had a "miss hap" and the event will only have two classes...still divided up by "Generations" but they will only have modified and stock class. The specialty cars (SVT, Roush, GT500) had to choose...stock or modified. It is certainly in the owners best interest to choose Stock rather then Modified for the specialty cars...unless, they are heavily modified. I can only speculate to the reason for this but my best guess....not enough trophies. Short of that guess, it may have been a break down in communication between the event organizers and the Mustang club that was helping with the judging. As it was later announced that the show was being judged using "MCA" (Mustang Club of America) guidelines. They clearly did not have the separate judging sheets for Generation 1 through 5 and or the separate sheets for Shelby and Roush cars. Registration started at 9:00 a.m. and judging begin at 10:00 a.m. Normally this would have been the strangest move on the earth at a car show...but, if you were not ready to be judged. You could simply close your hood and/or trunk...or just tell them when they came around that you are not ready. Judging did go on all day. When they thought they had judged everyone's car....they announced a request..that all owners check for a sticker on the headlight to insure all cars had been judged.
The show had a lot of late model SVT Cobras, Late model Roushs, Approximately 5-6 Bullitt & a number of GT500's. We had two Saleen tribute (clone). It had One true Saleen that was actually the Cobra/Saleen from a soon to be member of our garage. We can all thank Tim for that rare find. The show even had an older Mustang II, which was a rare treat. Not including the Saleen/Cobra......the rarest cars on the field were "true stock none special addition" late model mustangs. Of which...we also had one from our garage. The show had more V-6 model Mustangs in it then any show I've been to this year....again, one of which was a member to the garage.
It was a hot day Saturday but with Tim bringing the tent...it helped cool things off a great deal. I have to say...for myself. The highlight of the day was spending time under the tent talking with everyone and getting to know each other better. The awards and opportunity to check out what other people have done with Mustangs was just a bonus. This event is without a doubt catered to a "Car Show" enthusiast with a passion for Mustangs. It had nothing in regards to activities for the family. lol.......it didn't even have vendors to sell any consumer type goods. For me, if the folks from the garage hadn't showed up. It would have made for a very long day. The food was not very good (again, my opinion). Absolutely no time killing activity's... BUT, I could not have asked for better company and because of that...this event has become the best event to date for me!
As noted above. They announced the show would be judged using "MCA" guidelines. This is a good thing and a bad thing....mainly bad because I wasn't prepared for "MCA" judging rules. It was also a bad thing...becasue, I don't think they were prepared for "MCA" guidelines either. Umm......Not prepared for what it takes to judge that many different Mustangs using "MCA" guidelines. It is.....on the other hand a good thing for how each car gets judged.
Without getting into a great deal of detail. Also, while trying to wrap my head around how they actually executed the judging using "MCA" guidelines. Below is an outline of what "MCA" judging is and how they possible used this as a foundation for the event.
MCA CLASSIFICATION
Classification is determined by:
1. Year
2. Model - which is determined by the vehicle’s VIN number (Data Plate)
3. Use and level of authenticity
Division I – Concours Trailered 1964 ½ – 2002
- Car as it was delivered to the original owner without modifications
- Reproduction parts are acceptable for restoration as long as they fit, look and function like the original OEM parts
- Ford factory accessories or accessories advertised in the Ford accessories book of that year
Division II – Concours Driven 1964 ½ – 2002
- Car as it was delivered to the original owner without modifications
- Reproduction parts are acceptable for restoration as long as they fit, look and function like the original OEM parts
- Ford factory accessories or accessories advertised in the Ford accessories book
- If entered in a normal Concours Driven Class, must be driven to and from national shows, from the owner’s home of record. Burden of proof is the owner’s responsibility*
- A special “PS” class is available for owners to trailer their car to a National Show. This class was created to help draw more participation from owner’s that might not want to drive their car a long distance for any number of reasons. Cars shown in the PS class are cars that would normally be entered in Concours Driven. They are judged the same as regular Concours Driven, but put in a separate class. There is no mileage limitation and PS is limited to 1964 ½ – 1992.
Division III – Unrestored 1964 ½ – 2002
- As was delivered to the original owner – nothing rebuilt
- No reproduction or updated FoMoCo or Motorcraft parts accepted
- Imperfection to paint and under carriage, surface rust, etc. should be considered normal for Unrestored cars
- Major dents, body rust, torn upholstery is not considered normal wear
Division IV – Thoroughbred 1964 ½ – 1992
- Restored or Original with correct era parts
- Date code on the parts used must be on or before the manufacture date of the car
- Absolutely no reproduction parts allowed
Division V – Occasional Driven 1964 ½ – 2010
- Driven occasionally - weekends, car shows, cruising, etc.
- Judged for quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness
- Under carriage is judged (Undercarriage may be detailed to, or near, concours standards of cleanliness, condition and workmanship, to encourage Occasional Driven cars to move up to Concours or Modified classes.)
- Must be driven to and from national shows (except trailered class). Burden of proof is the owner’s responsibility*
Division VI – Daily Driver 1964 ½ – 2010
- Must be primary transportation for owner
- Judged for quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness only
- Under carriage is not judged
- Engine compartment is not judged and hood must be closed
- Cars must show signs of street use
- Must be driven to and from national shows. Burden of proof is the owner’s responsibility*
Division VII – Modified 1964 ½ – 2011
- Some or all modification to:
2. Exterior sheet metal
3. Paint job and graphics
4. Trunk or hatch interior changes
5. Interior changes
6. Wheels and tire changes
7. Suspension, brakes and exhaust changes
- Under carriage judged and under carriages not judged classes will be offered
- If driven to and from national shows (not trailered). Burden of proof is the owner’s responsibility*
- Judged for quality of workmanship, attention to detail, innovation, level of engineering, use of custom made components, extent of modification and degree of difficulty
Division VIII – Specialty
- Classes for:
o 2003-2010 Roush factory prepared cars only
o 2003-2004 SVT Cobra factory prepared cars only
o 2006-2010 Shelby
- Judged to Occasional Driven rules, for quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness see Division V Occasional driven for more details
- Division IX – Conservator 1964 ½ – 2002
- Must earn 20 points to qualify for the Grille Medallion before optionally entering into the Conservator Class
- Cars in this Class will be judged by two Gold Card Judges for:
Keeping in mind the classifications posted above with "MCA" guidelines. Not everyone can hold a 3 day event. So, it kind of becomes a pick and choose type deal of what and how you want to lump these classes. As we all found out. The Event simply went with "Stock" or "Modified"
Here is a list of the different judging sheets for use with the Generations.
DIVISION I & II, CONCOURS DRIVEN / TRAILERED 1st Generation
- MCA Mustang Rules 1964½ - 1966
- MCA Mustang Rules 1967 - 1968
- MCA Mustang Rules 1969 - 1970
- MCA Mustang Rules 1971 - 1973
- MCA Shelby Mustang Rules 1965 - 1966
- MCA Shelby Mustang Rules 1967 - 1968
- MCA Shelby Mustang Rules 1969 - 1970
- MCA Boss Mustang Rules 1969 - 1971
2nd Generation
- MCA Mustang Rules 1974 - 1978
3rd Generation
- MCA Mustang Rules 1979 - 1993
- MCA Saleen Mustang Rules 1984 - 1989
- MCA Saleen Mustang Rules 1990 - 1993
4th Generation
- MCA Mustang Rules 1994 - 2004
- MCA Saleen Mustang Rules 1994 - 2004
- MCA Roush Mustang Rules 1997 - 2004
5th Generation (Reference use only)
- MCA Mustang Rules 2005 - 2012
DIVISION III, Unrestored
- MCA Unrestored Mustang Rules
DIVISION IV, THOROUGHBRED
- MCA Thoroughbred Mustang Rules
DIVISION V & VI , OCCASIONAL & DAILY DRIVEN
- MCA Occasional and Daily Driven Mustang Rules
DIVISION VII, MODIFIED
- MCA Modified Mustang Rules
DIVISION VIII, SPECIALTY
- **FOLLOW SAME RULES AS OCCASIONAL DRIVEN
DIVISION IX, CONSERVATOR
- MCA Conservator Mustang Rules
Each bullet point above represents a Rule book for judging that category. It also takes a heck of a person to be able to judge every make and model based on these guidelines. So, I figure Saturday was a mix of...If they know its not a stock component...you got hit on it. Unless, they said...they would allow "X" amount of mods. I didn't pay attention if they announced it or not for "Stock" class.
Also, they announced it was on a 100 point system. This has to be the old guidelines. As, MCA is a 200 point system.
Below is a copy of an Abbreviated judging sheet for Stock class
The way to read the points for above in a "Stock" class is as follows. Every car gets full points. Its the approach of, getting a point deduction. Not the approach of...earning points.
So, with a stock class. You start out with full points.
With a Modified class. You start out with zero and earn points.
For the awards to be earned in "MCA". Its a base of meeting "X" amount of points. Not a matter of who got the highest points in the Class.
For example. Using the "National Point system" for MCA. Which is a 700 point system. You have to obtain or...better put, retain a percentage of the 700 points to get an award.
Concours Trailered
Gold 97%
Silver 94%
Bronze 91%
Concours Driven
Gold 95%
Silver 90%
Bronze 85%
Thoroughbred
Gold 98%
Silver 96%
Bronze 94%
Unrestored
Gold 95%
Silver 90%
Bronze 85%
I don't think they used or Judged anyone under the above classifications Saturday. That is strictly...the best of the best and takes a very special person to judge based off of Concourse rules. It can take 15-30 minutes to Judge a car based on Concourse.
All of us were judged as follows...listed below. Well, let me re state that. We were "loosely" judged based off of the following.
MCA
OCCASIONAL DRIVEN AND DAILY DRIVEN
These classes are placed First, Second and Third with no minimum point requirements.
Occasional Driven
1st - Within 3 points of lowest points deducted - All get 1st.
2nd - Exact number of points.
3rd - Exact number of points.
Daily Driven
1st - Within 3 points of lowest points deducted - All get 1st.
2nd - Exact number of points.
3rd - Exact number of points.
Example 1
Car 170 zero points deducted 1st place
Car 255 one point deducted 1st place
Car 200 two points deducted 1st place
Car 289 three points deducted 2nd place
Car 302 four points deducted 3rd place
(Remember zero is a number, so car 170, 255, and 200 within three points, car 289 is four points from the best, so outside the three point margin, gets 2nd place.)
Example 2
Car 390 plus one points 1st place
Car 351 one point deducted 1st place
Car 250 two points deducted 2nd place
Car 428 two points deducted 2nd place
Car 429 two points deducted 2nd place
Car 140 three points deducted 3rd place
Car 260 three points deducted 3rd place
Car 327 four points deducted no award
(Car 390, 351 are within three points, but car 250 is four points from best +1, 0,-1= three points, so two points deducted goes into 2nd place. Multi winners in 2nd and 3rd only by ties)
The actual guidelines they used Saturday for Judging....while in concept is simple (only having two classes). Can be very difficult to really figure out how they pulled it off. Because it was a mix of everything but only using the easiest (least time consuming) judging methods.
I figure...as they stated. Each car was compared to itself. So, all stock cars started with 100 points and got deductions based off of what would not be stock and/or clean and/or in mint condition. If the judge was familiar with the generation car they were looking at...I would guess, it got judged fully. If not, then it was a guess. It also looks like they used a percentage of points retained to decide first, second or third (Gold, Silver, Bronze). I have no clue what the percentage would be.
To give you an idea of how to properly judge a car using MCA guidelines. I have copied and pasted a section out of the 2005-2012 Judging rule book....I copied the section for the "Trunk" as it was the shortest section. With MCA judging rules. They list everything about the car and what maximum point deductions would be for everything. Nothing is left up to guess regarding the car and what should or should not be deducted for something. The entire rule book for 2005-2012 is 15 pages long. Covers everything from seat belts, sun visors, proper antenna, orange peel on the paint down to the requirement of using a "BXT40R or BXT96R battery and if not...you get an automatic 6 point deduction for engine compartment.
Below is a portion taken out of the Judging rule book for the Trunk "2005-2012"
TRUNK Points
A. Mat, Trunk Covering and Tire Cover Board:
Mat and covering required for coupes and convertibles.
Engine start decal must be in place. Proper masonite board for year and model.
Escape handle........................................................................................................5
Quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness.........................................................3
B. Convertible Boot and Storage Bag: Proper type for year and model...............................2
Quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness.........................................................2
C. Wiring: Proper type for year and model. Routed in original position, from behind right
hinge, along trunk lid towards center of trunk lid..........................................................2
Quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness........................................................2
D. Painted Surfaces in Trunk: Must match exterior color................................................3
Quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness........................................................2
E. Hinges and Lift Supports: Proper type for year and model.
Quality of workmanship, condition and cleanliness........................................................2
F. Trunk Weather-strip, and Trunk Latch: Original style, mounted in original location..........2
Point Deductions for any other items not proper or original.....................................2
With everything added up for the above. You start out with 25 points for the trunk. Then, the most you can get deducted is....5 points for not having the "Escape handle"...or deducted becasue the Escape handle has a chrome cover. Now, in some local car shows that don't do a "stock" class or "Modified" class. You might get a point for having a chrome cover or it may not matter at all. They may look at 3 of the same year model mustangs at local events a decide the one with a chrome escape handle has more of a "bling" factor and decide it gets more "Trunk" points then the other two cars. Heck, a judge may think the "bling" factor is tacky and deduct points for it...again, at local car shows with no real rules regarding how they judge a car. Regarding the judging Saturday...........Something as easily seen as a latch release was probably taken in to count. However, unless they had a judge that knew the proper routing of the wiring harness for the trunk lid...that aspect didn't get a second thought..and probably could have been completely missing with no point deduction.
Modified
Modified class can get real tough with MCA rules. It does leave the door open for "taste". We get judged in the same areas as everyone else. But, we need to have modifications done somewhere to everything. Suspension, Body, wheels and tires, exhaust, Engine, Interior. If someone enters a modified class and they don't have extensive modifications to the entire car. They would have been better off staying in the stock class and getting a deduction. Also, all clone cars are put in modified class. While an original car that someone would want to clone...will always be put in "Stock" class. Below is the rule book for Modified.
If I would have been prepared Saturday for MCA style judging...I would have been able to get 10 bonus points easily out of the gate. All I needed was my MCA windshield sticker and a typed list of modifications. The sticker is worth 1 point and a typed list outlining modifications is worth 9 points.
MODIFICATIONS - DEFINED
Simple Modification: Simple dress and trim parts that are snapped, pressed or twisted on and require no special fasteners or hardware for attachment, and are generally replacing parts easily removed in a like manner. Each modification would be worth 1 point.
Examples: ABS, billet, or metal dress and trim items such as nut covers, filler caps, reservoir caps, trim bezels, knobs, handles and emblems, also after-market floor mats, trunk mats and head rest wraps. Note: this is not an all-inclusive list.
Minor Modification: Minor bolt on parts that require no extensive disassembly, no cutting of metal, no splicing of wires, no drilling attachment holes or structural alteration. Each modification would be worth 3 points.
Examples: Valve covers, simple bolt on air-cleaner, non factory wheels, chrome exhaust tips, aftermarket steering wheels. Note: this is not an all-inclusive list.
Intermediate Modification: Bolt on parts or accessories that require basic disassembly, with metal trimming of metal, wire splicing or drilling of attachment holes but no structural alterations. Each modification would be worth 5 points.
Examples: After market intakes, heads, headers, carburetors, cold air kits, gauges, stereos, bolt-on braces, spoilers, hoods, scoops or custom trunk carpet.
Note: this is not an all-inclusive list.
Major Modification: Modifications that require extensive disassembly, extensive cutting and welding of metal or extensive wire splicing or wire rerouting, structural alteration custom fabricated parts and or parts or items that require welding for attachment. Each modification would be worth 8 points.
Examples: Molded in body parts, welded in roll cages, welded in sub-frame connectors or other sheet metal, removed structural parts like shock towers. Install a Mustang II style front suspension in first generation Mustangs, installing later generation EFI drive train in first generation Mustang or installing EFI components in non-EFI fox chassis Mustangs. Installing a supercharger or turbo charger(s) to Mustang engines not originally equipped with supercharger/turbocharger.
Note: this is not an all-inclusive list.
SCORING
1. INTERIOR--------------------------------------------------------------------------------Max Points Possible
A. Workmanship and condition of:
Door panel and Opening Area, Weather-strip ................................................................................. 15
Seats .................................................................................................................................... 15
Floor, wiring, firewall.................................................................................................................. 14
Instrument panel, steering ......................................................................................................... 13
Headliner, underside of top ......................................................................................................... 5
B. Cleanliness .......................................................................................................................... 22
C. Modifications ....................................................................................................................... 17
2. EXTERIOR Points
A. Workmanship and condition of:
Body, sheet metal and fit of doors, hood and trunk lid / hatch............................................... 19
Paint and finish ..................................................................................................................... 19
Trim, bright metal or painted ................................................................................................. 10
Glass and/or plastic .............................................................................................................. 10
Wheels and Tires ................................................................................................................. 10
Doors, hood, trunk lid/hatch.................................................................................................... 5
MCA Decal ............................................................................................................................. 1
B. Cleanliness .......................................................................................................................... 22
C. Modifications ........................................................................................................................ 15
3. TRUNK/HATCH Points
A. Workmanship and condition of:
Paint and finish ..................................................................................................................... 13
Flooring/mat ......................................................................................................................... 12
Wiring harness, trim, weather-strip, latch ................................................................................ 5
B. Cleanliness .......................................................................................................................... 20
C. Modifications .......................................................................................................................... 5
4. ENGINE COMPARTMENT Points
A. Workmanship and condition of:
Engine and attaching parts ................................................................................................... 19
Engine compartment walls ................................................................................................... 19
Electrical System .................................................................................................................. 15
Cooling system and hoses ................................................................................................... 15
B. Cleanliness .......................................................................................................................... 26
C. Modifications ........................................................................................................................ 40
5. UNDERCARRIAGE (MC-MD Only) Points
A. Workmanship and condition of:
Front suspension .................................................................................................................. 13
Rear suspension .................................................................................................................. 13
Exhaust system .................................................................................................................... 13
Floor pans, wheel wells ........................................................................................................ 13
B. Cleanliness .......................................................................................................................... 22
C. Modifications ........................................................................................................................ 16
6. MISCELLANEOUS Points
A List of Modifications ................................................................................................................ 9
Even with everything said above. The event Saturday was a great car show for me. While I am the type person that only goes to a car show with intent and effort to win a trophy. I don't really get wrapped up in placement. i don't get overly excited about 1st, 2nd, 3rd....It does feel good to get 1st. But, I always go home...sit and look at my car trying to figure out what I need to fix if I get 3rd. When I get 2nd place....I chalk that up to a good day.
I have been to a lot of shows that I couldn't figure out and I've been to a few that were very easy to figure out. But, at the end of the day. I always have to keep in mind. These events a mostly poorly thought out for execution and the most thought process that went in to one was during the conceptual "brain storm" of...hey, lets put on a car show. The event coordinators are doing the best they can considering...they rarely get paid to do it and most of the coordination is done during someones "spare" time.
I would put "Mustang Mania" in a category of...."A good car show" to attend. The event is a step above most local "car show" events with how much effort and thought they are trying to put into judging the cars. At the very least, they are trying to create some type of standard for judging the cars instead of looking around and flipping a coin.
Most of all...as I noted 3 or 4 post ago...My favorite part of the day was meeting everyone and getting a chance to chat with all of you. This is the only show I can honestly say...."If I wouldn't have placed, it would have still made for a great day".
Here are a few pictures from the event.
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