Car shows
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Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 420
Likes: 0
Car shows
Ok question about car shows never taken my car to one but do cars that go to car shows all in mint spic and span condition or can any older car show up ? My 74 is nice but not clean clean would like to take it to a few shows. Not looking to win any awards or anything like that
Racer
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 278
Likes: 0
From: candler nc
drive yours to a show and call it a survivor. personally im always more interested in looking at that type of car or one used regularly or and up and coming project. restored is always nice but there is a place at car shows for cars like ours
billy
billy
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,695
Likes: 65
From: Kissimmee fl
Finalist 2021 C3 of the Year - Modified
2017 C3 of Year Finalist
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '07
If you are not into having your car judged, find some local cruises. You can pay to go to car shows and choose not to have your car judged. Not all cars at shows are "show cars". Drive it and make some new friends. 
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 4,930
Likes: 11
From: AnyTown NJ
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Take it.....it doesn't matter what condition your car is in. Enjoy the participants and spectators (who wish they had your car)...have fun.
Things to bring....a folding chair, cooler w/ plenty of ice, sun screen and in my case I bring an umbrella and if there's room a folding canopy. On a hot day you'd be surprised how many folks want to join you in the shade.
Things to bring....a folding chair, cooler w/ plenty of ice, sun screen and in my case I bring an umbrella and if there's room a folding canopy. On a hot day you'd be surprised how many folks want to join you in the shade.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 924
Likes: 15
From: DFW Metroplex Texas
Here in Texas, 99% of the shows are participant voting. There are only a handful of shows that are actually judged by a independent panel.
My '82 is far from a trailer queen but I've held my own at both types of shows. You should not hesitate entering one.
Beyond winning a Trophy that cost the promoter a couple bucks, you will likely meet a lot of great people which is really what the Car show is all about anyways.
My '82 is far from a trailer queen but I've held my own at both types of shows. You should not hesitate entering one.
Beyond winning a Trophy that cost the promoter a couple bucks, you will likely meet a lot of great people which is really what the Car show is all about anyways.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 262
Likes: 16
From: Miami Florida
Car shows vary in setup and attendance. Not all shows are the same. Also, many have different categories. For example, Stock, Modified, Heavy Modified, 1970's, 1990's ect. Its up to you.
I have a couple of cars that I take to shows. One is a 2010 Dodge Charger. It is supercharged and has other details customized. We have won a couple of trophies for it. I also have a 2002 Viper Final Edition that is basically stock. It's more about the art form of the car and the rare nature of the car. In any event, people love both. It's all about taste. Now we are resto-modding a 1977. The purists, for example, will say "it's a crime" others will say "that's a one-of-a-kind". I am going for the latter. ;-)
Having said that, go to a show, pay the fee (usually about $25) and park it. Enjoy the other rides, find inspiration, hang out. To me car shows is about the people, meeting other car nuts, seeing what they've done, etc. Don't worry about being judged. Go and have a great time.
I have a couple of cars that I take to shows. One is a 2010 Dodge Charger. It is supercharged and has other details customized. We have won a couple of trophies for it. I also have a 2002 Viper Final Edition that is basically stock. It's more about the art form of the car and the rare nature of the car. In any event, people love both. It's all about taste. Now we are resto-modding a 1977. The purists, for example, will say "it's a crime" others will say "that's a one-of-a-kind". I am going for the latter. ;-)
Having said that, go to a show, pay the fee (usually about $25) and park it. Enjoy the other rides, find inspiration, hang out. To me car shows is about the people, meeting other car nuts, seeing what they've done, etc. Don't worry about being judged. Go and have a great time.
Racer
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 284
Likes: 6
From: Palm PA
I go to any car show I can and relax. Never won a trophy and never will. I just like to see the cars and people. It feels good when future Corvette owners want to sit and grab the steering wheel and shifter while Dad takes a picture. With my permission and supervision of course!!
68 Vetteman
68 Vetteman
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
See if you have a "cars and coffee" in your area. Lots of fun, no awards, no trophies. You will see everything from a new Camry to a Lamborghini.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 5,086
Likes: 786
From: Lebanon Township New Jersey
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
Likes: 3,351
From: NYC NY
Good idea! Around here you see from Rat Rods to Enzos. Many of the cars are driven on a regular basis and are not detailed as well as suffering from road rash especially the "tracked" cars.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,839
Likes: 45
From: nassau co. new york
i just attend informal weekly gatherings and you will see all level of quality there.people are friendly as a rule except for the mopar crowd.i have seen this over and over and do not understand it.they will be in their own corner and act like you don't exist.i think they are jealous cause our cars are so much prettier than theirs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 2,416
Likes: 8
From: Charlotte (Area) North Carolina
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13-'14
NCM Sinkhole Donor
i just attend informal weekly gatherings and you will see all level of quality there.people are friendly as a rule except for the mopar crowd.i have seen this over and over and do not understand it.they will be in their own corner and act like you don't exist.i think they are jealous cause our cars are so much prettier than theirs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 2,071
Likes: 147
From: S Nevada
I've been to a lot of car shows over the years. I'm building my 72 pretty much for attending them with it. I don't really care about winning anything, more about participating. I have seen cars from stunning to grungy and everything in between. The best part about them is getting excited about your own car, new ideas, areas to work on. Just talking shop with a bunch of folks who share the passion.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 1,200
Likes: 1
From: Belle River Ontario
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
This is my 2nd year owning my 73 and will be my first time entering a show this summer. Is my car perfect? Faaaar from it, but I'm proud as hell of it and looking forward to summer!!
Take yours and have some fun!
Best of luck.
Take yours and have some fun!
Best of luck.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 236
Likes: 4
From: Georgetown Ontario
I've been to a lot of car shows over the years. I'm building my 72 pretty much for attending them with it. I don't really care about winning anything, more about participating. I have seen cars from stunning to grungy and everything in between. The best part about them is getting excited about your own car, new ideas, areas to work on. Just talking shop with a bunch of folks who share the passion.
