Examples of commonly accepted modifications:
Top off: One-handed wave above windshield or outside body tub.
Top off during blizzard: Shiver and nod, hands may remain frozen to steering wheel.
Southern/rural locations: Raise fingers from steering wheel, nod.
It's not what you buy; it's what you build and what you do with it.
In keeping with this cardinal rule of Jeeping, categories have been established to account for each part of the equation.
These categories are:
� The Jeep Waving Hierarchy: Based on the vehicle itself. Takes into account the nostalgia factor, the discomfort tolerance quotient, and the amount of owner dedication required to maintain the steed.
� The Modifying Sub-categories: Based on what you do with your JEEP.
� Equipment Adjustments: What you build.
General Rules
1. All Jeepers are responsible for upholding the tradition of the Wave. Upon contact with a higher scoring Jeep, a Jeeper is required to initiate the Wave, and continue the Wave until:
a. The Wave is returned
b. The Wave is blatantly disregarded
c. The higher scoring vehicle has passed by and is out of sight
2. All Jeepers are required to return the Wave, unless the initiating vehicle clearly has a negative (below 0) score.
3. All Jeepers are encouraged, but not required, to return the Wave to negative balance vehicles, and take any opportunity presented to guide and mentor them about their responsibilities to their Jeeps in the hopes that they can correct the error of their ways.
4. When unsure of status or wave requirements of a particular encounter, or unable to completely assess the other Jeep's score quickly enough to ensure that the proper Jeep Wave Etiquette rules are followed, immediately initiate wave. It is the spirit of waving that is most important so when in doubt: Just Wave!
The Jeep Waving Hierarchy (JWH)
� Category A - Pre-CJ (Willys/Kaiser/MB/etc): 30
� Category B - Pre-AMC CJ: 27
� Category C - CJ: 25
� Category D - Commando: 20
� Category E - YJ: 16
� Category F - TJ: 15
� Category G - Cherokee, Wagoneer: 10
� Category H - All other Jeeps: 5
� Category I - All other 4WD vehicles EXCEPT yuppie Explorers: 0
� Category J - All other vehicles: -5
The Modifying Sub-Categories (MSCs):
MSC Guidelines:
1. MSCs must be considered during all Jeep encounters, and wave patterns must be adjusted accordingly.
2. MSC 5 is the median - the accepted norm.
3. MSCs from 1 through 4 will increase score as listed.
4. MSCs 6 and 7 will decrease score as listed.
MSC 1: Top off; vehicle, driver, and all occupants covered with mud: +30
MSC 2: Top partially off; vehicle and some occupants covered with Mud: +20
MSC 3: Top on; vehicle covered with mud: +10
MSC 4: Top off during snow, sleet, hail, or heavy rain: +5
MSC 5: Somewhat dirty: 0
MSC 6: Obviously recently washed, but immediately re-muddied a little: -10
MSC 7: Clean, dry, unscratched, untested: -30