early C4s and car shows
#21
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most shows are BS - gave that up years ago. my advice - if you want some trophies, go to the trophy store, buy a couple first place winners, and have you own "one man show."
over the last 30 years, I've seen some real chicken-schitt stuff. some people are worse than friggin kids - both participants and judges.
#22
I totally agree that if I entered a show, I would go for the social aspect and to meet other car nuts, and see lots of beauties - and some nice cars too. I was just curious though on how much attention the C4s get compared to the many 60s and 70s customized cars. I know it would vary on many things. I think I'll put mine in the shows next year (here in Calgary things like that are raping up as the cold weather slowly moves in).
Hey Paul, I'd love to see pics of your engine. You said it is stock with the exception of a few painted sections with spray paint. I'm thinking of doing something similar - would love some pics to get ideas.
Thanks
#23
Pro
Here in a nutshell is how I look at shows :
The $15.00 you spend on average to get into a show goes to a good cause. The friends you make and the time you spend checking out all the cool rides worth every penny of the entry fee. Seeing a young persons face while checking out your car and putting them in the drivers seat-Priceless !!!!!!!!
#24
Pro
#25
Like others have mentioned all depends on the show you attend. I take out my other cars mostly to shows but occasionally bring the C4. Cruise nights seem to be interesting and gauges interest but in something like an exotic/supercar event it'd be almost invisible. In general though, if your cruise nights and even shows tailored towards '80s and '90s are like what it is here in Chicagoland..you'd be surprised and the people interested in the C4.
#26
Team Owner
Member Since: Sep 2001
Location: Athens AL
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C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
If you are happy with how the car looks, show it. If not, don't enter.
I don't go to a show to win it, and never pay to enter. I go to look at cars and talk to car guys. Thats it.
I don't go to a show to win it, and never pay to enter. I go to look at cars and talk to car guys. Thats it.
#27
Advanced
Started entering shows this year, not expecting much because my 90 vert is still a work in progress, but I've won about 6 trophies,(only 1 judged). The main thrill for me is that my special needs son LOVES going to the shows and winning something. I also enjoy seeing the other cars and talking to car guys.
The best thing I've gotten out of it car wise, is that it motivated me to tackle removing and repainting my valve covers in addition to changing the plugs and wires. BOY what a job.
The best thing I've gotten out of it car wise, is that it motivated me to tackle removing and repainting my valve covers in addition to changing the plugs and wires. BOY what a job.
#28
Intermediate
I was big into car shows a few years ago but slowly got out of it as more and more shows have become a "buy your own trophy" deal and not judged. As someone mentioned, if you have a couple of car clubs at a show, they all chip in to help each other win. Where is the fairness in that? I enjoy going to shows and showing off my ride and my main priority is to have fun. I have found cruise-ins to be a great time to be able to have fun, meet people and network.
#29
Advanced
I go to the free shows and cruises with the expectation of not winning anything. I will say this, as part of a local Vette club I am always parked with fellow member's C4, C5, C6 and C7s and what I have found is with the clam shell hood open and the engine area detailed I get a lot more "lookers" then the newer vettes with their enclosed hoods.
#31
Burning Brakes
Unless you have a specific list, a standard, against which to judge cars, then all results are purely subjective. Go to have a good time and look at all the OTHER cars there. Then drive home in your personal beast and smile all the way home.
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AirForceOne! (09-30-2016)
#33
Pro
^^^ I certainly agree. Beautiful!
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AirForceOne! (09-30-2016)
#34
Advanced
I have two cars I attend shows and cruise nights with, an 84 Hurst/Olds and my 86 vette. I can definitely say the vette draws more attention hands down! Never won any trophies but that is not why I attend. I have met alot of great people and seen some beautiful rides! I agree the trophies are all about who's *** you kiss and that isn't me! I can say I think cars from the 80s are starting to attract more attention and gain respect!
#35
Safety Car
I've only entered my 86 in a couple of shows for the car club and work. Have not won a thing but then again I didn't go in expecting to. Mine is a driver, not a show car.
One thing though the audience makes a difference. I have a coworker with a Mitsubishi Spyder with the retractable hardtop and we were both at the last company car show. The under 25 audience gravitated to her car while the 50+ spent more time looking at my 86. Of course it was a 66 GTO that took top prize and had a lot of non oem parts on it and the paint wasn't that good. It was a nice car but not a top car IMO based on some of the other shows I've been to. Regardless, it was fun to do a time or two just to get a feel for having a car in the various shows.
Try it, who knows you might like it.
One thing though the audience makes a difference. I have a coworker with a Mitsubishi Spyder with the retractable hardtop and we were both at the last company car show. The under 25 audience gravitated to her car while the 50+ spent more time looking at my 86. Of course it was a 66 GTO that took top prize and had a lot of non oem parts on it and the paint wasn't that good. It was a nice car but not a top car IMO based on some of the other shows I've been to. Regardless, it was fun to do a time or two just to get a feel for having a car in the various shows.
Try it, who knows you might like it.
#36
Pro
I went to an all corvette show recently and put mine in the show (I go for fun...not trophys). It turns out that I believe they were expecting like 200 cars but got only like 60...so everyone seemed to get a trophy! I said to my buddy that it reminded me of a kids soccer awards! My 2 friends and I all got trophies...but our cars are very clean low mile cars...it was weird to see a 93 ruby DD complete with brake dust, peeling clearcoat and dirt ground into the rugs get one too! So what does a trophy mean??...sometimes just being in the right place at the right time!
#38
I fully agree. When we first had my wife's car done, we were talked into taking it to a local MOPAR only show. The guy that won had a bunch of Pep Boy stick on crap and lambo doors. Nothing special. But no one knew us except for the guys with the vintage MOPARs. That's the last time I took a car to a local show.
Now the kids Mustang has been in the Long Beach Motorama and the Grand National Roadster show. 1st at Long Beach and 4th at the GNRS.
Now the kids Mustang has been in the Long Beach Motorama and the Grand National Roadster show. 1st at Long Beach and 4th at the GNRS.
#39
Burning Brakes
Very pretty Mustang
#40
Pro
Just got my 90 vert. It is 100% stock right now and I plan to keep it that way. Debating whether I should put it into some car shows. From all the car shows I've gone to, most cars are 60s and 70s muscle cars - many are highly customized especially in the engine. There are also very many rare classics from the 50s, 40s, etc.
For those that put there C4s into car shows, what is your experience. Do you get lots of attention, or do most folks tend to goto the older muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. Has anyone won any medals in car shows? Also as car shows go, do you think a 100% stock C4 would be more highly regarded, or a customized one (either customized in the body or highly customized engine)?
Thanks
For those that put there C4s into car shows, what is your experience. Do you get lots of attention, or do most folks tend to goto the older muscle cars from the 60s and 70s. Has anyone won any medals in car shows? Also as car shows go, do you think a 100% stock C4 would be more highly regarded, or a customized one (either customized in the body or highly customized engine)?
Thanks