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I would like to know which DeSoto models left the factory with under hood parts clear coated? It seems the only way a car can win at the DeSoto Convention is to be restored completely different from the way it was manufactured. I for one would like to see points deducted for "over restoration" The car should look and shine just as it did when it was delivered to the original owner. If you want "eye candy" buy a diamond
No doubt guilty as charged.
I felt that way also when I saw the '58 Fuelie Adventurer at Niagara Falls.
It'd be a welcome topic for conversation. It certainly has merit.
It's supposed to be fun!
1949 De Soto Custom Convertible (project)
I've seen similar discussions as this on several other car enthusiast sites, and I'm not sure that a true consensus was ever reached during any of them, to tell ya the truth. 
Those are pretty good guidelines posted above, and it is always interesting for us car enthusiasts to see how things were done originally when the opportunity presents itself, which is usually at a car show.
This type of discussion is likely to become even more involved as the years go by, when our old cars are forced to endure even moreso the ravages of time with all of its impending damage, rust, pitting, fading, fraying, corrosion, seizing, safety concerns, and goodness knows what else. How far do we go when it comes to dealing with any of these problems that we are bound to experience as our cars get older? I think that we are in for even more discussion as the years go by, and the quality of the restoration products and technology generally improves.
I know that it's been said many times before, but I think that every owner of an old car has to make themselves happy when it comes to dealing with their car. And it's often a complicated issue for any of us owners; an issue which can be influenced heavily by concerns such as taste, opportunity, knowledge, goals, vision, talents, time, and budget. Sometimes judges agree with how a particular owner deals with these concerns; sometimes they don't, even if they do understand why things were done a certain way. The "point system" of judging seems to minimize the "opinion" of the judges, and that can sometimes be a good thing. But then, others would argue that a judge's opinion is based on years of experience and expert knowledge, and that this opinion also has its place when it comes to judging cars. It all sems terribly complicated at times.
As for me, I really enjoy seeing the "perfect trailer queens" at a car show, just as much as I enjoy seeing the worn old cars that were driven half way across the country to attend the same show. Both of these types of owners, along with all of the owners in between, love their cars and are doing what they realistically can to preserve them for future generations to enjoy, and that is what is important to me. And I think that the judges agree with that sentiment as well, if the truth be known. The cars are all winners to me, but then I'm a softy, and I'd make for one hopeless car show judge. 
My car got a deduction in points due to the paint had "some" minor orange peel... Not bad stuff, but the same look as the 'original' cars paint. I ought to know, as I sanded off the original paint! Oh well... I won't have it judged anymore as I drive it just as it was intended! 
I couldn't care less about a trophy... 
Jim
Jim
