Just thinking about some of the shows I've been to lately . . . . What do you do to beat out the other "stock" makes and models? Seems like every show I go to has a Chevelle, Nova or Monte it seems that is chromed out under the hood and they claim and get by with having it "stock." But how do you get some respect, or at least respected better, up on the stand? Don't get me wrong I'm not a trophy hound but . . . . Besides I know I'm getting the respect when it comes to people walking around, including other show participants, because there are always more people stopping, taking pictures and looking the car over than many (if not most) that are in my class when I"m at a show. I love the stories and the smiles it brings to all their faces which makes it all worth it in the end. Here is a common mention which might be part of he issue with "no respect" and that is most always say Maverick--and most had a Maverick in their story, but either they didn't know what a Grabber was or they didn't have a Grabber.
Almost NO ONE knows what a Sprint is. But, part of the fun is explaining it. A lot of people want to know if that was the original paint scheme. And, most people know mine is a Grabber because it has a V8. Its all part of the fun of having an unusual car in the show.
It's going to be really hard as most people only remember the Maverick as a throw away car of the 70's. I think it would do better if the classes were broken down into the years (decades). Most of the stock class winners I see are from the 60's muscle car era. And most are cars that have a large aftermarket parts following.
Class jumping is a problem around here too. If it is a judged show, hopefully your judges know enough to downgrade or not score an obviously modified car that is entered into a stock class. If it is participant vote it is a bit tougher, but still, car guys can see the modified cars entered into stock and hopefully they will do the right thing and score a real stock car higher. A few weeks ago I was at a big show (just under 500 cars) that was participant judged. I was in a huge class, 1958-1972 stock. In walking around I counted at least a dozen enterants in my class that were not even close to stock. I guess all the voters could see this too, as not one of them won in that class. But guess who did!
With the MCCI, "Stock is Stock" no changes other than regular maintenance items. I have been to shows where they allow up to 3 modifications, still keeping you in the "Stock" class. Plus if it's a participant voted show, you'll find buddies vote for buddies, and they usually run in big packs. Having helped run a few different show, it's amazing how it varies.
Yep, all the above are what I am finding also. Most "stock" classes around here allow 3 mods it seems:wheels, radio, and exhaust. For me, I am running Magnum 500s, and changed out the radio for a modern one and I did drop the hood mounted antenna for an underdash. Love the clean hood look SO much better. So I'm good at most all shows--its just that all the chrome under the hood that the GMs tend to put on get the attention and win. I feel for the Dodge guys too as there have been some really really nice Chargers etc and its as if they dont get noticed either. I'd vote for some of those over my baby even because they are so nicely done/maintained. I love all makes and models to be honest so I"m not stuck on Ford only, but it seems the more I go to shows the more the Chevy people stand out as Chevy Snobs. lol I know not all, just saying. And youre right about telling what the car is all about--its the best. Like I had some telling me I put the 302 in because Mavs were all 6s, or all Grabbers came with the 302 and whats the 2V mean or they never came with bucket seats, you pulled those out of a Mustang or Mavs were all 4 lugged. Or the one I always have a brain fart on, and not sure of is the gearing ratio for the 72 C4 and the horsepower that was stock on the 302. Im not sure I have seen what that actually is-anyone? Anyone? lol BTW Id love to see an early Sprint in person. And congratulations Acornridgeman!!
If it is a participant judged show.....there is nothing you can do about it. Everybody votes for their buddies and that is that. Let's be honest....it is going to be a tough task for a Maverick to beat a Chevelle or a Mopar. Most people consider those as REAL muscle cars.
One thing I have done which really helps to "explain" what my car is to the unknowing, is to have a framed ad from 1970 which details the Grabber package. It has been very well received and even prevented an argument with someone who said a Maverick never had "Mach I Mirrors" from the factory. A picture is worth a 1000 words sometimes ......... You can see a picture of it here. And the big muscle cars can be beat. My crowning achivement so far this summer was winning BEST OF SHOW at a fairly good sized local show with about 100 cars. It was a 150 point scoring system using 3 judges. 1 judge looked at only the engines, 1 judge looked at only interiors and the other 1 did only the exteriors. There is nothing sweeter than to hear the crowd cheer when a lowly 6 cylinder Maverick beats out all those nice Corvettes, Camaros, Cuda's, Mustangs, ect .............. . To be picked as the best out of all those nice cars and trucks, based on points, was a truely great day for me and the Maverick!
Nice best of show.. I won more trophies when the car was more stock. The way it sits now, I will only enter it in modified classes, but some of the shows I have gone to this year have given out what are called sponser awards. I don't go to the shows expecting to win anything, so when it happens, it is nice.
I know what you mean about all stock. I was at a show with Judges that also when on a point system. My 1980 Pinto with 32,000 all org. won the all all Years Ford Class 1960 and up.
