Dear List:
Going over coucours judging criteria for the Tiger at past events, and
comparing the same to other historic car events, I would like to pose a
suggestion. It appears that the absence of a brake booster, the appearance of
a non-original master cylinder, three point belts, etc., are modifications that
could well count against your vehicle in judging.
Other clubs and marques allow for certain safety upgrades that do not affect
the judging of a vehicle, its desirability, or worth. For example, hydraulic
upgrades of mechanical brakes never downgrade the car (presumably this would
include a dual system), seat belts are always acceptable, and if the vehicle is
a teenager without safety glass, it might even be disqualified if the original
glass is still present (i.e., some upgrading is absolutely required).
I believe I have worked out a system where I can install a dual master
cylinder, keep the booster working for the discs (but not the drums), and
maintain relatively original appearance save for the master cylinder.
Considering the fact that I lost a one-off Mustang built by Ford in the past
due to the failure of a single chamber master cylinder (and my brother was
injured in the accident), I can attest that there are truly safety concerns and
benefits addressed by such an upgrade. I don't believe that such modifications
should result in a penalty, and pose the issue for discussion.
For my .02 cents, the following should be allowed without penalty or
discouragement:
1. Two or three point seat belts without requiring Rootes originals.
2. A dual master cylinder upgrade.
3. A fuel pump with automatic shut off.
4. An bolt on high mounted brake light at the top/front-center of the boot
lid.
5. Further isolation of circuits at the fuse box. Heck, I can't even find
fuses with amperage high enough for the Tiger, and there are ways to wire in
more isolation with the original box.
I realize that this might be the beginning of a slippery slope, and I
wouldn't presume to make the whiner's cry of ... "even if just one life can be
saved." Still, there is no reason for us to take our lives into our hands just
to partake of a hobby.
The only other add on I would like to have, but even I admit that this is
probably over the edge, is a fuel cell. I cannot configure a way to preserve
originality of the basic boot configuration without removing the big metal and
rubber tubing from inside the rear bumper. (There may be a way to do little
damage to the appearance through using the spare tire well, however). Still,
just to add spice to whatever thread comes of this, whose bright idea was it to
put a 2 1/2" fuel pipe in a bumper. Or, whose bright idea was it to
effectively place the fuel tanks in direct contact with the outside body at the
oft-impacted quarter-panels.
Bob (I drive slow or on deserted roads) Nersesian
Thea Marie Sankiewicz
Nersesian & Sankiewicz
528 South Eighth Street
Las Vegas, Nevada 89118
Telephone: 702-385-5454
Facsimile: 702-385-7667
|