Okay, here's the deal, I'll be in my first car show next weekend. Today I'll be spending all day cleaning my vette. But outside of just a really good regular cleaning, what should I do to prepare for showing the car?

 

If this is a local show and done with participants voting, then for the most part, all you have to do is show up. I have been to hundreds of shows and the local ones are a lot of who you know and how many people know you. If it is a judges show, clean your car and stick around to answer some questions about it. But most of all just sit back and have fun.

 

Although I don't know what type of show it is (judged, all-Corvette, participants choice, etc.), the general rule of thumb is clean, clean, clean...and when you think you're finished, clean again!

Look into all the details of cleaning...tire treads, wheel wells, wheels/tires, all of the moldings, all the crevices inside and out, look at all the places where dirt and dust find places to hide! At a show, I walk around with a long handled brush that I find indispensable for "sweeping" out dust around tail lights, license plate frames, etc.

If you're showing the car with the hood open, you'd better make sure that everything gleams...no sand, dirt, grease anywhere! Remember...detail!!!

On the inside of the car, give it a good vacuum the day before the show...and I mean a good vacuuming!! Get into all the crevices (between the seat and door sill is a place many don't pay too much attention to), headliner, console. I have a portable vac that I take and do some touching up just before I close the door on show day.

Make sure you check all the air vents, around the radio *****, the foot pedals, gear shift, door panels. I like to put a thin coat of 303 Protectant on all the whole dashboard periodically. It give everything a nice sheen but not greasy or slick looking like so many other products.

There...now, I hope I haven't discouraged you!! Have a blast, enjoy the day, enjoy the people and, if you get a trophy, that will be a plus!!

Let us know how you make out!

Elaine

 

If you are talking about the show at Cobb Parkway Chevrolet, I hope to catch you there.

 

A day cleaning? I have never spent less than a week in preperation for a show. I have only been in Corvette only shows, and always in the hoods up engine's judged class. Here in Ca. all cars are judged with tops up, or on. I don't know why. All I can say is clean everything. Every nook and Cranny. Good Luck

 

That's the one. I'll be there!

BTW, did you know there was one in Roswell on the same day? Bummer!

 

In addition to a very thorough cleaning & polishing inside and out, I use detailing brushes to clean out every nook & cranny in the interior
such as air conditioner vents and gaps where dash pieces meet.

 

i just won in a judged show in ny.........over 100 vettes,........the car must be immaculate,.........inside and out,.........use q tips,......clean air vents etc.............wheels removed and hubs cleaned..........trust me a lot of work........fun to do .........once a year...........jimmy

 

Load up an ice chest with your favorite beverage, throw in some lawn chairs and go have fun!

 

Judged shows are really not that much fun for the participant, not if you really,really prepare. I usually participate in three to four shows per year but only take about two of them serious. I need to have fun also............

 

Good Luck at the show

 

Good luck and take lots of pix ... with girls ... and your car .... and the girls with your car! Don't forget to post them win, lose or draw!

 

Don't forget to clean under the rear of the car. I've had judges get down on their knees and look all the way to the crossmember, et al.

Good luck at the show.

 

Good luck Jack. Don't forget your wheel wells.

 

I only do all-corvette fun shows and custom car shows now because Judged shows are NOT fun.Besides the nit-picking cleaning that you have to do, you have to keep your car all closed up. It's not enjoyable to walk around looking at cars all closed up where you can't see under the hood or the interior. I like to show off my car with the top off and, the hood up and the doors open.I lost 1st place last year because the tie-breaker was to turn in the side rear view mirrors . Guess what? it was dirty under there and I had never moved those mirrors before. They also run there hands under the door jams to see if there is any dirt under there. So clean ever nook and cranny even the inside of your gas door. Good Luck and let us know how you did and if you liked the show.