R ESTORATION
FIX MY MUSTANG PROBLEM? WE HAVE A SOLUTION by Jeff Yergovich
Q
SHOW YOUR STUFF
I know you guys are very involved in shows and car show judging, so I wanted to run this by you and get your opinion. I’m not trying to be petty, but I’ve been to two shows now showing my ’67 GTA fastback. It’s not a super-high-dollar restoration, but it’s a very clean, trailered driver, and I put a lot of work into it. I’m kind of new to shows, so maybe I shouldn’t let this bother me, but at both shows this year, the judges were very tough on my car, deducting points for what I’d consider minor imperfections, while at the same time going easy on other cars that I know have more shortcomings than mine. Is this just the way it is? Is there enough wiggle room in the judges’ opinions to affect the voting and move a car a whole place or two up or down? If so, then doesn’t the judging sheet become secondary, leaving the judges’ favoritism as the key to placing in your class? In boxing, they say, if you really want to win, don’t let it go to the judges. In car shows, there’s no choice. Name withheld by request
Q
WIPER TIME
Do you know of a good way to install an intermittent windshield wiper setup on my ’66? Is there a system or module that can be hidden so the switch still looks stock but has variable intervals? I love my Mustang, but I have to admit that I miss some of the modern features when I drive it. Wendel Eshlemann Bloomington, IN
A
At this time I am unaware of any conversion kits to add intermittent wipers on your ’66. Intermittent wipers first became available on the Mustang in 1969 and required a 4x6 control box under the hood. New items come out all the time for the Mustang. It wouldn’t surprise me to see something about this in the future.
92
MUSTANGMAGAZINEONLINE.COM
A
I am a judge in three different venues in the Mustang world. All three are a little bit different in how the program is run. Judging Mustangs takes dedication and knowledge of the cars. Judges are not paid to judge; they volunteer their time to pass on their knowledge to others. It’s not easy — I know from experience. Any head judge will be more than willing to sit and talk to you about your car and what he can do to help. In all of the Mustang venues, there’s always more than one judge looking at your car. This keeps us all on the same playing field and fair for everybody. I advise you to get the event rules for judging before you enter your car to have it judged. This will help you understand about judging. Maybe your Mustang would be more suited for a Peoples’ Choice class. That’s up to you to decide. Either way, the judges do not add the points up and decide a place. For example, the car has to score a certain percentage to place a Gold, Silver, or Bronze, or First, Second, or Third. Generally speaking, a point here or there will not affect how the car will place. The judges are there to help you — keep that in mind. If you’re going to another venue other than these three — SAAC, MCA, Mid America Shelby Nationals — I’m unable to advise you on what their rules are. Stick with the Big Three, and I’m sure you’ll do fine. See you on the show field. Good luck.
Q
OLD PAINT
I’m going to repaint the upper doors on my ’65 coupe. They’re worn and corroded where people have used them for an armrest. What’s the best type of paint to use for a correct, factory look and for long life? As I understand it, enamel was the factory paint, but polyurethane is harder and longer lasting. Is that right? What would you use for the doors, and how do they get that texture in it? Dave Vollner Shawnee, OK
A
The type of paint to use is acrylic urethane. Acrylic means fast, and urethane means strong. There are plenty of choices for manufacturers; we use PPG. You will want DBI (the code for acrylic urethane basecoat), and then give the supplier the body paint code and the interior paint code. Giving them both codes will allow you and the jobber the opportunity to figure out the color you want to use. As far as the texture or grain, that is stamped into the metal. If worn away, it would require replacement of the panel. Keep in mind that Ford interior paints were all semi-flat finish and not shiny.