Visiting a Car Show this Summer? Get Your Car Ready to Shine with These Pro Tips
It’s summer! Why not take a little road trip and get that classic car out of your garage and into one of the many car shows all over the country?
You’ve poured money, time – and probably heart and soul – into your beauty. If you’ve never shown it off before, why not give it a try? After all, car shows are mainly about trading knowledge and having fun with fellow enthusiasts. Whether you plan to enter a show or just see if your ride could compete with the winners, these tips will help you get your classic car ready to shine this summer.
Do You Have a License for that Vintage Ride?
If you do decide to enter your vehicle, you’ll want to gather any documentation on ownership, repairs, or restoration efforts related to your car’s history. Even if you don’t submit a car to the judges, it’s cool to show off the life-story of your ride to others who will appreciate its journey!
You might also want to ask yourself this important question: Is your car truly period-appropriate? You may be tempted to outfit your ‘65 Mustang with an updated speaker system. However, if you plan on entering that beauty into a car show, you’ll want to think again. Some judges look for authenticity, and if modern knobs clash with a period-perfect dashboard, they’ll take points away. Always look for vintage furnishings if you can.
Ready, Set … Clean!
Your vehicle should be spotless, inside and out. As you get your car ready for its first or its hundredth show, start with the engine, wheels, and undercarriage. Get those details spick-and-span before you clean and polish the rest of the vehicle. Oh, and if you’re thinking about using Windex and dish soap, don’t. These products just aren’t designed for a car. Use cleansers made for automobiles instead.
A smoothing hand polish will remove any imperfections on the surface. Then, you can use a finishing glaze. Glazes, just like polishes, help fill in little surface scratches and give your car a smooth, shiny appearance. To really make your baby shine, follow all this up with a high-shine wax. This will be sure to get your ride noticed.
That’s the exterior. For the interior, take some time to condition your seats, dashboard, and trim. You can use conditioner on your tires, too, to give them a deep shine. Conditioners help your interior look fresh, not dull or aged. Pro Tip: Use Q-tips for hard-to-reach places like the AC vent.
When you arrive at the car show, you’ll want to have a touch up spray and hand towel ready for any last-minute polishes. Dust and pollen may have accumulated on your car on the journey over, so you’ll want to clear that up before you show off your ride!
How Will the Judges See Your Car?
While nearly a thousand cars enter a car show in a typical year, only a few hundred make it. So what, exactly, are judges looking for? Whether you’re a serious car show guy or not, you still want to impress them! Keep in mind that, with so many entries, judges are looking for any smudged detail or non-period gadget. They want to find something wrong so they can take points away. This includes details in the engine, chassis, bodywork, or interior. A few scratches might be overlooked if the car is all-original, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Consider Shipping to Keep Your Car in Pristine Condition
There are plenty of car shows coming up this summer. And if you need to get your prized possession there with the help of professionals, let us know! Many car show pros ship their vehicles so they don’t have to worry about accidents along the way. Let our experienced staff act as your personal crew. We can get your vehicle there clean, safe, and in style.