Advice Needed for Car Show Newbie
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Grand Ledge MI
Advice Needed for Car Show Newbie
I have checked the search engine for the Forum and haven't found any tips on getting ready for a car show. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. Anyway, I'm going to my first show next weekend... a small one... with my '00 convertible and could use some tips. What makes the difference between a prize-winner and a runner-up? I really don't care if I win anything, but would like to look respectable. Thanks for any tips.
MFH
MFH
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,710
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From: Langhorne PA
Originally Posted by mfh4
I have checked the search engine for the Forum and haven't found any tips on getting ready for a car show. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place. Anyway, I'm going to my first show next weekend... a small one... with my '00 convertible and could use some tips. What makes the difference between a prize-winner and a runner-up? I really don't care if I win anything, but would like to look respectable. Thanks for any tips.
MFH
MFH
Good luck
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 4,468
Likes: 147
From: Conway, SC
Dr. Dan pretty much said it all. Most of all, however, have a good time! You'll meet many great people and learn a lot just watching them. Each show is a learning experience. Don't forget to bring a folding chair and a cooler with water...these shows can be long and very hot!
Have fun and let us know how you make out!!
Elaine
Have fun and let us know how you make out!!
Elaine
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Clean, clean, clean. That is the key. Every nook and cranny needs to be dust free, especially in the engine compartment. In the interior, make sure all the carpets are swept and the windows are clean. Wheels wells need to be cleaned as well as the insides of the wheels themselves.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,171
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From: Longview Texas
Sounds like everyone has covered it. One thing I use for the interior (vents, around *****, etc) is a small paint brush. Works well for getting those hard to reach areas.
Good luck. If you win anything, we expect a photo....
Good luck. If you win anything, we expect a photo....
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 1,937
Likes: 3
From: Jacksonville Florida
Originally Posted by Dr. Dan
Clean EVERYTHING! Pull the wheels, get under the car, Wash and shine the engine, polish underside of hood, vacuum interior, A/C outlets, HUD, Windshield to where it meets the dash, polish exhaust tips, tire shine, Clean trunk, hinges, door sills...and anything else that I've left out Good luck
Good luck
In addition, don't forget to 
and take alot of pics, buy souvenirs and see other cars mods. 
Enjoy! 
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 6,269
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From: Dallas Texas
St. Jude Donor '06-'07-'09-'10
Originally Posted by gordonb50
Sounds like everyone has covered it. One thing I use for the interior (vents, around *****, etc) is a small paint brush. Works well for getting those hard to reach areas.
Good luck. If you win anything, we expect a photo....
Good luck. If you win anything, we expect a photo....
And cotton swabs work well for grooves, etc. They usually want your hood and trunk open, so make sure those areas are cleaned good.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 137
Likes: 0
From: Grand Ledge MI
Thanks for all the suggestions. Dumb question probably, but if they check the compartments in the trunk, where do you put the final detailing supplies during the show?? I planned on driving the car to the show.
MFH
MFH
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 149
Likes: 0
From: Germantown MD
If you can see it, clean it...Judges are not supposed to touch your car, but I have seen some do it. They are only supposed to look. So, they will look in every nook and crany. Will ask you to move seats, open glove boxes, gas lid etc. Clean, clean, clean. Also, take everything out of the car with the exception of the owners manual. Anything other then that is a gig.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Antioch CA
Everyone else has pretty much covered it. Clean, Clean, Clean and keep looking it over till they call "rags down".
This past weekend we entered our CE C5 in its first two shows. I was amazed at the amount of time the judges spent on each car.
We placed 3rd in our class at both.
Good Luck!
This past weekend we entered our CE C5 in its first two shows. I was amazed at the amount of time the judges spent on each car.
We placed 3rd in our class at both.
Good Luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 2,803
Likes: 0
From: Panama City Beach FL
I found car shows to be very political as to how the winners are picked. So unless you are connected to some members of the hosting club, plan on showing without bringing back an award. Talk to other owners, check out the vendors, push back a few cold ones and otherwise have agood time.