Hypothetical

[fishnjim]

I was detailing the 2019, and discovered that the door latch striker cover was "loose", not attached.   So I tried to mash it back down but it just wouldn't snap in.   So I took it off to see what's what.   The outer tabs are longer than the inner, so it's intended to be installed from the outside in.   After I did that, it went on fine.   So I checked them, and all were installed "wrong".   (Tennessee made)
Now fast forward ~40 years, and someone has "restored" a 2019 SR5 and submits to judging and they come to the door latch striker covers and get a deduct for not having them installed incorrectly as the factory did?   Who's right?   The judges or the owner?
I reserve my opinion, not to bias.

[savemy67]

Hello fishnjim,

In a world of black and white, ambiguities still exist.

In the 2019 Judges Manual, page 6, there is a paragraph regarding"Authenticity Issues".  In the paragraph, it is stated that an entrant at a CLC judged event can question a judges authenticity deduction.  The entrant must provide written documentation, usually in the form of "Cadillac-produced documents or CLC Authenticity Manual".

Since you found what appears to be a manufacturing error, I think you could submit photos and a write-up to the Authenticity Manual committee for 2019 class cars at the appropriate time, and get a consensus as to the correct method of installation for the component, including the manufacturing error.  This should resolve the issue by the year 2059.

Disputation seems to be part and parcel of human nature.  While this can be a good thing - Copernicus v Ptolemy - for less consequential issues I think it is better to light a candle than curse the darkness.  Many CLC members have original cars, and a few are lucky enough to have had that original in their possession since day one.  What a great resource for the Authenticity Committees.  Imagine if every new-recent Cadillac owner in the club was to document their car for future Authenticity Manuals.  This would be a tremendous boost to the future quality of the Manuals, as well as to the judging.

Respectfully submitted,

Christopher Winter