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Corvette: How to Make Your Corvette a Show Car

The Corvette will shine no matter what, but here are some tips to make it shine more than other Corvettes on the road.

By Scott Kaufman - February 17, 2015

This article applies to the C5, C6 and C7 Corvette (1997-current).

Any Corvette, as delivered from the factory, is a worthy show car once properly cleaned and detailed. Use this article to step up from the OE look and create a spectacular, eye-popping creation that will steal all of the attention at the next show.

Paint

Perhaps the most attention-getting detail on any vehicle is the paint work. This is also most likely the most expensive part of creating a show vehicle. From mild to wild, and as creative as your imagination (and checkbook) allows, a show-worthy paint job will set your Corvette apart from the crowd. Do your homework in this area, including checking out several body shops and inspecting their work, as you do not want to have to paint (and pay for) your car more than once.

Figure 1. A noteworthy paint job.

(Related Article: How to Find a Good Auto Shop - CorvetteForum.com)

Wheels

The next area you will want to address, after you have that award-winning paint job, is custom wheels. Yes, OEM is fine, but there are many, MANY choices in the aftermarket that will make your ride unique and personal. Again, as with the paint, do your homework and be sure that the wheels you choose will properly fit your vehicle. Correct offset and wheel diameter are a few things to watch for as well as whether or not the wheel will clear factory suspension and brake components.

Figure 2. These wheels fit well and look flawless.

(Related Article: How to Customize Your Rims - CorvetteForum.com)

Interior

The Corvette's interior is a work of art, but there are a few areas that you can address to make your cockpit special. Accent trim pieces, racing seats, armrest covers, carbon fiber inserts, aftermarket stereo units, steering wheels, shifters, and gas/brake/clutch pedals are just some of the areas that you can address. Changes can be subtle and small or wild and in your face!

Figure 3. This C6 Corvette custom interior has some unique features.

Engine Compartment

For many, the engine compartment is the first place most gear heads gravitate towards once your paint and wheels draw them in. They want to see the horsepower! Aftermarket power adders such as nitrous, supercharger and turbo systems are perfect upgrades on show cars. You can also highlight your fire-breathing LS engine with specialty items such as one-of-a-kind coil pack covers, chrome accessories, braided lines, colored wiring and polished or powder coated brackets with stainless nuts and bolts. Pay attention to the small details here as folks will tend to stare the most under the hood!

Figure 4. The engine of this 1998 C5 has just enough detail to make it stand out.

(Related Article: How to Make Your Corvette a DragStrip Monster - CorvetteForum.com)

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