When you have your jeep or other vehicle judged the first thing to make
sure of is that it runs!! and that it will start on demand. The judges
are looking for a smooth running vehicle. (when my jeep was judged I
was so nervous I flooded the engine!!) They also check to see if all of
the gauges work. Next thing they check is that ALL of the lights work
including the blackout marker and driving lights. The horn must work.
They inspect the color of the paint to make sure it is correct, and the
markings are also checked for correctness. the engine compartment is
gone over with a fine tooth comb for correct parts and accessories.
This includes such things as spark plug wires (black for willys,
"snakeskin for ford), having suppressors where required, etc.On a side
note many of the parts being reproduced are not "correct" even though
they are sold as such. A prime example of this is the radiator
deflector hair on the MB/GPW many people use a felt carpet pad material
(myself included) and this was judged as "incorrect". They also check
to see if your jeep has all of the correct on board equipment; tire
chains, toolkit, fire extinguisher, decontaminator, tire pump, hand
crank, first aid kit, manuals, spare tire, spare parts, gas can,
headlight covers, top, windshield cover, half doors, lube chart, etc.
Extra points are also awarded for accessories such as camo nets,
communication equipment, personnal gear, etc. Now the part that is
really interesting is the originality versus condition. as an example,
my 1944 MB has the original safety glass dated 1942 in the windshield.
Now being 50+ years old the glass has a couple of small bubbles around
the bottom edge. For judging purposes I got the maximum points for the
windshield on originality (for example ten out of ten points), however
on condition I was marked down because it didn't appear new ( for
example 7 out of 10 points). this originality versus condition is
judged on everything. Another thing that is looked at is whether the
jeep has correct "late" or "early" parts and accessories (for example:
slat-grille=round muffler, mid-production=oval muffler under passenger
seat, late=deep mud exhaust) You also have to look at the judging
categories themselves; factory basically means a jeep that is not driven
and is trailered to events, Motor-pool ready means that you jeep is
driven and basically looks like a jeep in the military would. If your
jeep has any special features (such as the original windshield glass)
those features can be pointed out to the judges as well. If you have
any photos, documentation or ANYTHING that you used as a reference for
your restoration, BRING IT, you will need these things to back up your
restoration and why you did what you did. This especially holds true
for any out of the ordinary markings or field modifications that you
left on the jeep. I would also have to say that the judges who judged
me were very gracious, patient, and helpful to me. I had no idea what
to expect when my jeep was judged and they helped me through this
process. I hope this will be a help to those of you interested. I am
very proud of the fact that my jeep took first place in its class. I am
also very proud of the fact that my jeep has been "judged" , although I
don't know if I would do it again!! If anyone has any other questions
or comments please let me know!!!!!
Tony Standefer
1944 Willys
Seattle, Wa