[Steve Shauger]

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As a Vette guy I commend Bloomington Gold for promoting the preservation of original cars. What I have seen though is a disturbing trend where cars are messaged heavily so that they can Benchmark. Why you may ask, money of course why else! I have seen cars over the years that have been completely repainted and bodies taken off the frame to clean chassis' engine repaints removed and they still pass for Benchmark. I have seen others with fender replaced and flares repaired and stock piles of NOS parts used from bumpers to taillights to door sills etc. etc. I persoanlly own a revivor as it was so put but I would rather be honest about it then participate in the continued deception that is running rampant in our hobbby. I guess I could pull the body off the frame and let the car age outside several years and who knows maybe I can have a benchmark car too! I think Bloomington needs to change their standards by measuring paint thickness for one or else the award that I used to hold in such high regard will be meaningless.

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In Vintage Camaro we measure paint thickness and verify what should be found in factory applied paint. As you mention massaging of the cars is a problem. We rather have an untouched car. We don't mind a dull paint and a little dirt. It doesn't effect our certification process.

I am also involved with Bloomingtons Survivor Show, and was surprised that measuring paint was a no-no.