Military Vehicles, February 1997,: Re: Vehicle judging

Re: Vehicle judging

Auke Dijkstra (auke.dijkstra@pi.net)
Thu, 27 Feb 1997 21:45:29 +0100

Tony Standefer wrote:
>
> I have had several requests for a message on having your vehicle judged.
> First, I would like to say that this "article" only reflects my
> experiences and is NOT the definitive "how to" article. With that said
> here goes.
>
> 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

Hi Tony,

Congratulations with the first price you got on your MB, it has to be
a very special one, be very carefull with your '42 safety glass, I
wish I had original glass in my GPW. In Holland we have a kind of
MVPA called "Keep Them Rolling". They only accept WW2 military vehicles.
If you want to be a member, you have to have your vehicle "judged" by
certain members of the organisation. They have a "100 points" list for
parts of the vehicle, if something is original, you score one point.
When your total score is above a certain number, then it's okay, and
you recieve a certificate of originallity. There is usually no problem
with Dodge's, GMC's, CMP's and most British vehicles, the only problem
usually is the jeeps, there are lot's of rebuild Hotchkiss jeeps
overhere pretending they are real MB's or GPW's wearing nice stars
and 101 A/B markings etc.etc. We have no problem with Hotchkiss jeeps
as long as they are painted in correct French colours and markings,
but they are not original WW2, so they have to join another
organisation (which we also have in Holland). During meetings they
also judge vehicles, usually in different classes, they judge along the
same lines as you discribed, the best vehicle wins the first price
in a certain class, usually 1/4 ton, 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, etc.etc.
I do rate a MVPA-first-price a lot higher than the first-price we
sometimes get overhere.

Best Regards,

Auke Dijkstra

Holland