[jbsports33]

They grade the package outside for the most part, yes the stick of gum does matter a bit - mostly due to the fact it could damage the cards inside. Over the years that stick of gum would place the cards tight in the pack. When grading, it would be best to have the full stick of gum complete. I would not grade anything from the 1980s unless they are in real good shape - unless you have some 1980 Topps! I am not much of a grader for packs, but have seen enough over the years in collections that grading a pack is much different then a card. There are graded packs with broken gum, just not sure what the cut off would be for broken gum - call them and hope they are honest with you.

Jimmy