Eckler's 29th Reunion Recap

[98 softtail]

Hi Gals and Guys,

That was my first trip to Celebration. It's a neat place, and it was a nice show ... I mean, where else could you eat great Cuban food (Columbia Restaurant) while gazing at a street full of the most awesome vehicles known to man (and woman) :thumbsup:

It was a pleasure meeting some FloridaCorvette.com folks, and I passed out a lot of flyers for our show in Ponce Inlet. What an awesome way to spend a Saturday !!!! :wavey:

Nice to meet you, I think we are going to try to make it to the "Point Show". We have some friends coming in from Kentucky around that date, just don't know when.

 

[Z06 Rocket]

It was great meeting you TR6Speed when you came by with Rob & Mary. Yes it was a great time. IMO, the should continue doing this show at a venue like Celebration vs the parking lot at Ecklers...

Armando

I agree, The area at Ecklers was big, but there was only one joint to eat at across the street (which seemed to only have a few seats), and no where to really get out of the sun. I also think I won't make the trek across the state,,, Kissimmee is more centrally located for everyone. If it moves back to the Ecklers property I will probably skip it.

 

[JIM KILL]

Good Show

Saw alot of familiar names and got to meet alot of great Corvetters.
Hope to see you all at the St. Armands Show!!!
The pictures and movie are always fun to watch when you get home and have some good memories!! (Thanks Gang for sharing them!)
:hehehe: Jim :hehehe:

Registration is still open to Corvettes on the Circle.
Limited to 160 Corvettes
You need to register today!!
Closes April 1st 2008 or Sooner
http://www.corvettesonthecircle.com/

Jim Kill will lead a Caravan down that morning at 6:30am
Leave 7:00am Sharp!
from our normal McDonald's location behind Hooter's on Adamo Drive

Sunset Chevrolet

Present

Corvettes On The Circle 2008

A gathering of Corvettes for a FUN show at one of Florida’s

finest shopping and dining locations.



St Armand’s Circle in Sarasota

Saturday May 3rd 2008

8AM to 3PM

· Show is limited to 160 cars – Pre Registered Only



· Trophies given for C1, C2, C3, C4, C5 (1997-2000), C5 (2001-2004), C6

· Trophy for Best of Show

· Trophy for Club Participation

· 50/50 Drawing

Note: Judging will be done by Corvette owner participants

: Skyway Corvette Club members are not eligible for trophies

: No For Sale signs permitted on vehicles



Pre-Register NOW



Registration will close April 1, 2008 or when registration reaches 160



Registration is $25.00 which includes a polo shirt

(Additional shirts available for $20.00 each)



For further information Call or E-Mail: Jeff Bolton

(941) 379-2652 info@corvettesonthecircle.com

 

[Kap142]

Congrats to all who won, I'm happy for ya and proud of your Vettes. Sorry I was re_routed from my original venue but Carrie and I will be back. As a few of you know I'm now in NC doing some contract work and will probably be on and off for a while, again congrats and hope to see ya'll soon.

 

["Backyard Mechanic"]

Congrats to all who won, I'm happy for ya and proud of your Vettes. Sorry I was re_routed from my original venue but Carrie and I will be back. As a few of you know I'm now in NC doing some contract work and will probably be on and off for a while, again congrats and hope to see ya'll soon.

Ya Ken is back:dancer01:,sure did miss you two at the show.

 

[JIM KILL]

CF

As I was standing around waiting for the judging to begin, Jim Kill walks up and we stood around shooting the breeze with several folks that just walked up to us and started asking questions about how to fix something or how to check your plugs.... We convinced at least 8 or 10 to take a free CorvetteFlorida.com flyer, a couple from Canada was actually going to give it a try , eh? A couple from Brooklyn thought the cars were "Fantastic, but the Food Sucked.". All in a day at a 'Vette Show, I love it.

I think you proved Saturday that bringing the Fliers really attacks new members to Corvette Florida.

I think Rich needs to make you "Captain of Public Relations".....:lmao:

Good Job!!!:thumbsup:

:hehehe: Jim :hehehe:

 

[als2052]

Jim Kill,

Sorry I missed you on Sat. Will see you at Circle Show

Armando

 

[spiceman]

Was looking several times for you 98 Softtail

We were just missing one another for a while I guess.
Speaking of some fun, wife and I had a black RSR GT3 Twin turbo Porsche wantin to play tag on the way back just east of Orlando. so we had to do as any good Vette owner would do and set him straight.
His 3 rd and final try he gave up and deceided he wasn't gettin around us, so he simply shook his head and waved off. Poor ole boy apparently hadn't played w/ the big dog's before. He'll learn to stay on the porch next time, LOL
Did see one of the C5 vettes at the show, a licence plate surround that read........Porsches for breakfast, and Ferrari's for dinner.........Gotta have that plate surround.:lmao:

 

[TR6speed]

We were just missing one another for a while I guess.
Speaking of some fun, wife and I had a black RSR GT3 Twin turbo Porsche wantin to play tag on the way back just east of Orlando. so we had to do as any good Vette owner would do and set him straight.
His 3 rd and final try he gave up and deceided he wasn't gettin around us, so he simply shook his head and waved off. Poor ole boy apparently hadn't played w/ the big dog's before. He'll learn to stay on the porch next time, LOL
Did see one of the C5 vettes at the show, a licence plate surround that read........Porsches for breakfast, and Ferrari's for dinner.........Gotta have that plate surround.:lmao:

I run into the same guy. It must have been after you, because he was a pussycat when I ran up on him. He did not even look over as I passed him. I was not out looking for anything, just cruising at about 85. By the way that license plate frame you mentioned is mine. I have had that for years. Maybe after you showed him up and then I passed him with my frame he truely believed it.

Here it is. This was taken a few years ago before I had the raised chrome letters on the rear.

[

 

[als2052]

Not sure what is going with the judging,but we had some friends that had pre-reg,but Did Not show up for the show,but some how they won 2nd place in there class.:shrug01::dancer01:
I had 21 cars in my class and 6 places we're avaible,needless to say I did even place,not saying that there we're not good looking car in my class but come on,not to brag but have you seen my car,remember TOO SHINY:lmao::lmao:

I too noticed the suspect judging. In Street Driven Class, the interior compartments were not supposed to be opened - guess what was the first thing my judge asked for? The rear compartments of all things...:toetap05:

They were not supposed to look past the front of the wheels...I almost had to pull my judges head out from between the spokes..:lmao:

The judges were not supposed to carry on conversations with car owners either although in some cases in some cases it looked like a high school reunion...:hehehe:

Although the competition was tough, I too expected to at least place in 5th or 6th place given that my car was further up in mileage but very clean and presentable...Why they dont give the older cars in each class more recognition is beyond me...

Like I stated in prior posts, hope they continue doing this at venues like Celebration and not in the parking lot in Titsville...

Armando

 

[TR6speed]

I may be wrong, but I believe the information that came with the registrations packs stated that the interiors would be judged, and the judge would have you open the doors, if they wanted the seat moved they would ask the owner to do so. Also they stated that they would judge the trunk or rear hatch area. They would not look in any compartments such as the glovebox or center compartment in the street class. As for the wheels and wheel area, it was to be the outer portion of the wheel, tire to the first tread, any suspension that could be viewed through the wheel and the outer wheel well area.
That is exactly how they judged mine. I will admit the judges I had knew the guy next to me and it was like old home week. They were nice when they judged my 01, but really the only talking was when they asked me to open the doors and the hatch. One commented that she was surprised that I had cleaned what she referred to as the nocks in the rear area, as the was a place she normally found dirt in.

 

[2Vettes]

Congrats to the winners!!! Nice photos !! :dancer01:

 

[Scully]

I know how you all feel I do not think the judging was all that fair. I know they were short on judges and had to scramble to find some people to judge cars. I had one judge my car and two hours later I had the second. The first fellow was a fair judge but the second got down on both hands and knees and looked under my car. he said I had dirt on the frame. I told him "he wasnt supposed to look at my frame" he didnt like that. I know I was in a tuff class "Mid-Year original" but still give me a break. I had to compete with three NCRS Gold cars which by the way were trailered in. The trailer queens should have their own class. I'll get off the soap box now. But I feel better.
I had a great time seeing some of the folks spiceman, backyard to name a few. Congratulations to Spiceman :thumbsup: You have a great car. Thanks to you and your wife for chatting with my wife, they put her on the other end of the show from me. Hope to see you all the next time. :wavey:

 

[spiceman]

Thanks Scully for the kind words

Judging in any of the concours shows is always crazy, rather it be Bloomington or otherwise.
Never gonna make everyone happy.
Remember one time when 2 Z 06's were tied, the tie breaker? Lint under the ash tray.............really.
Been doing this stuff for a very long time. First for wife Bonnee....But, the fun thing for us really isn't the car's....it's the people we meet.
Why we love doing the Rolex 24 and Sebring 12. Just great people always. The story's one can remember for year's and year's.
Back to the show and our class. Our competetion was only a hand full.
For the life of me I couldn't figure WHY the car's in our class were entered by THE OWNER'S in Orginal H.
There was more chrome under hood's, engine compartment's, custom wheels, custom exhaust, custom hood on one, and ORGINAL? Hell they were all contender's for Custom.
The Mallett we own is as the car came from the Dealer, except for the JAKE decals on the back up light's, and the 50th emblem's nose and deck. We put those on because I wanted something in COLOR on the exterior, to match the interior color.
Wheels are the Mallett 540 HRE's, Bassani exhaust.orginal Mallett eqip, Carbon fiber accent's..........Mallett, matching number's block and heads w/ the Mallett Car's LTD 427.
I'm putting this in print because one person in our class was a little voicy he'd taken 2nd. And let us know that our Mallett wasn't orginal w/ the Carbon Fiber. Sorry bout that but get your fact's straight.

 

[vette8t7]

Interesting. Sounds like there were some screw ups made.
1) announcing of a winner that wasn't present, wasn't a judging error, but sounds like a wrong vehicle number and owner was referenced.
2) Wheel judging...well that is broken down in 4 areas: Wheel, tire, wheelwell, suspension. Yes, the tire from the outer tread out are judged, but if there is dirt splattered on/in the wheel wells...
3) Not sure why any judge would be down on his hands and knees and considering the frame as criteria-which it isn't. Perhaps he was just looking?
4) Basically, all vehicles in each class are judged by the same two judges. Each judge is going to judge the cars the same. Then an average is taken of the two vehicle scores. This should make it fair.
5) Incorrect classifications. Eckler's relies on honesty when you do the checklist and classify your vehicle. Obviously, it seems vehicles in wrong classifes is becoming more of a problem. But there isn't the manpower to go figuring out which class everyone should be in-we would al be there all day.

I dunno. I think the Reunion may change yet. After last years show it sounded like the "judged show" at reunions was going to be a thing of the past. At one point a few months back the judged show had been canned in favor of a people's choice show or something of the like. Then there was some convinving that happened and it became a judged show again. I'm actually suprised it happened as after last years show I figured the judged show would not see the 30th Reunion (next year). What is in store for next year, I don't know. I'm guessing there may be one more "judged show" for the Reunion. Otherwise, it will be just a "gathering". All of the reunion-minus the judging.
In reality, it is hard to please everyone. There are those that hated the shows at the parking lot and then there are those that hated where it went the last two years. "Too close to Mickey Land". Complaints of the dust, dirt, trees, leaves, bird plop, the show is in March it is too cold, in April people don't like the love bugs, October it's hot, hurricanes, bugs. Reunions at the parking lot up until a few years ago usually had tents with several food vendors, yes it is a big parking lot unlike teh venues of teh last two years, but it is all paved. There are no trees, leaves, etc. Another thing the "lot" also allowed was seminars, exhaust installs, for sale areas, corral areas (which could include one for this forum), swap meet areas, etc etc. Maybe those things weren't missed the last two years.
What is the answer..I don't know. My advice is to go to the Reunions and just have fun. Meet with friends and fellow corvette members and enjoy it while it is here.:thumbsup:

 

[spiceman]

HIP.HIP 8T7.......I totaly agree

Go for the pleasures received.:yesnod:

 

[JIM KILL]

Shows in General

Gang:

You all have some really valid points. We had this discussion at the "Ultimate Corvette Party" 2007 last year and how we were going to do the judging. We felt that these Corvettes were daily drivers and we judged them that way.

Yes, we had our "Trailer Queens" come to the show also and that had to be considered. We have always felt that letting other Corvette people judge each others cars is the way to go. Yes, your club can load up the ballots with your friends cars....but, at least you cannot blame the event holder that way.

People choice is another good way to go, but most people (public) would not know a C4 from a C5 and they vote for the most beautiful corvette. (Let them pick only one car). What I found so interesting at the Celebration show was we had at least 15 C6 Corvettes, 10 of them were factory stock and one I looked at had only 600 miles on it. How do you judge a C6, factory stock? Maybe you judge it because the owner just washed and waxed it. Maybe you judge it because it had factory chrome upgrades.

As for me....I would just like to have a show and do 5ive trophies..."Peoples Choice, First, Second and Third and Club Participation". Then, I can go visit my friends, make new friends, have lunch and enjoy the day.

Another issue is these "Crappy" T-Shirts they give away. They are nothing more to me then another T-Shirt I mow the grass in. Give something useful as we did in the "UCP" show...a beach towel. Get more vendor's to show up, so we can have more to look at while waiting for the 3:00pm tropies awards.

Another item at the Celebration Show was that I did not make the dead line cut off for registration. At 11:00pm I asked the promoters if I could bring my "Zee" into the show...did not even care if I was judged. They had that day at least 20 "NO-SHOWS". They refused to allow me to come into the show and would not even discuss it, even if I paid a premium fee. Oh well, my loss and there loss, I guess!!

Just my opinion!!!

:hehehe: JIm :hehehe:

 

[Scully]

All good points

All the previous posts have good points, its very hard to put on a show a please everyone "just cant happen". I have judged shows before and it is hard to see someones car that you know they have put a lot of time and effort in cleaning polishing their car they are proud of their car and you really dont want to hurt anyones feeling but all said no one is perfect or ones car isnt perfect either. I always ask the judge if I could have some pointers on what they found wrong so I could fix it next time. Most of the judges "my first judge" at the shows were more than happy to let me know what he or she found and I am grateful for their opinion. I'll fix it and move on to the next show. :banghead: When that second judge got on his hands and knees I just wanted to kick him in the ass and ask what the hell he was doing.:shrug01: . I agree its great to see new faces and old friends. It would be nice at the next show we all go to we can park next to each other, kind of our own corral. :lmao:

 

[vette8t7]

Yes, we had our "Trailer Queens" come to the show also and that had to be considered.

The trailer queen issue has kind of been a thorn in my side as well. My 87 has so many deviations from stock that it couldn't deviate from Custom II, unless I put it in street driven-which kind of defeats the purpose. Used to put in the reunions shows, but there was always at least 3 trailer queens in the class, so mine being a daily driver (at that point)...
Now...I had some discussions about trailer classes or separation of some kind, but then you have those that swear up and down "it's a daily driver".You would have those who would bring their trailers in and unload their vehicles. Then you would also have those that parked around the block or down the road pull it off the trailer and drive it in claiming it wasn't trailered-I've seen that one a few times before. ..then it becomes a "policing" issue and another hassle to deal with.

How do you judge a C6, factory stock? Maybe you judge it because the owner just washed and waxed it. Maybe you judge it because it had factory chrome upgrades.

In all fairness, you keep the playing field even and cleanliness is the primary thing looked at. Yes, new C6's that are all new and all look alike are very hard to judge and I have had to do that class before (not this time). In fact one time I had 3 all the same color, all 3 convertibles, all 3 fairly new...and you just have to look at the same things and same areas on all of them. There is stuff to be found....

Another item at the Celebration Show was that I did not make the dead line cut off for registration. At 11:00pm I asked the promoters if I could bring my "Zee" into the show...did not even care if I was judged. They had that day at least 20 "NO-SHOWS". They refused to allow me to come into the show and would not even discuss it, even if I paid a premium fee. Oh well, my loss and there loss, I guess!!

Yes, this is a stickler. One reason I mentioned in a post last week that unless there was something drastic..get in before that cutoff. If it was storming like hell at Celebration during check in time the check in issue might be different, but if it was sunny or clear there that check in time is going to be it...

 

[vette8t7]

I always ask the judge if I could have some pointers on what they found wrong so I could fix it next time. Most of the judges "my first judge" at the shows were more than happy to let me know what he or she found and I am grateful for their opinion.

I too typically give pointers when asked. Initially back in the day I used to give "free advice", but then I stopped that pretty quick and will only mention somethings if asked. Now if it is someone new to the show hobby then I may still offer some pointers w/o being asked. Over all, what I have found though is that when I initially offered pointers and now even when asked...not all but quite a few jump right on a defensive track. It is nice when those ask, are given some pointers and say thank you and learn from the experience. Then there are those that want to try and argue about what you tell them. This may be part of the reason why if you ask the judge if he can give you some pointers and he or she is mum...
But, overall dust and dirt are two different things. New dust and new dirt can easily be distinguished from built up dust and dirt. All the nooks and crannies can also tell a lot....

When that second judge got on his hands and knees I just wanted to kick him in the ass and ask what the hell he was doing.

What class was this?