Preparing for a show.

[peterro]

So,

When getting ready for a show (judged or not), what are your special tricks/details that you focus on?  There are the obvious cleaning/vacuuming, but what do you think of that might be less obvious?  What do you do or what do you think should be done to maximize your presence?

Also, if you judge shows, what are the special details you look for?  What really stands out for detail, good or bad?

Thanks.

[fishn4cuda]

Also, if you judge shows, what are the special details you look for?  What really stands out for detail, good or bad?

Overall cleanliness is number one.
One of my peeves is "spaghetti factories" under the dash.
Make sure every swithch and function works. I see alot of lisence plate light that dont work, backup lights, hazards, etc.

[Blackcuda]

So,

When getting ready for a show (judged or not), what are your special tricks/details that you focus on?  There are the obvious cleaning/vacuuming, but what do you think of that might be less obvious?  What do you do or what do you think should be done to maximize your presence?

Also, if you judge shows, what are the special details you look for?  What really stands out for detail, good or bad?

Thanks.

I think the biggest thing that stands out is a super streight car, a very well detailed engine compartment and trunk and some super clean wheels.

[72hemi]

I have not had time in the past couple of years to do this, but normally in addition to cleaning I try and yank the engine and transmission out and repaint what needs to be and detail the heck out of it.

[Street_Challenged73]

Depending on how you're being judged, it's sometimes a good idea to get underneath the car and clean every square inch of the underbody.  If the judges aren't that strict, then usually a good wheel well cleaning helps out.

[flores_57]

JUST HAVE FUN!!!

[Alaskan_TA]

The last show I took a car too, I drove it 1400 miles to get there. Due to some unavoidalble circumstances, I got there late. The car was dirty and it was raining. I was just happy to be there, I had a great time.  

If you want attention (or even if you do not) at a car show, a filthy car that was driven there makes for great conversation.  

Barry

[HP2]

What kinda show; all makes, OE stock resto, custom stuff? Different shows would need different things to stand out.

In general, details make things clean. Hose clamps without long tails, tie wraps that are cut back, service loops in visable wiring, insulated adel clamps to hold things in location, no wax visable in tight corners or body breaks, panels that are aligned consistently, lines and hoses routed in a neat fashion. It's the little things that differentiate a "build" from an assembly line, throw it together method.

[RedLine]

in addition to the other suggestions, Mcguires Vinyl dressing on rubber hoses and tubing to create a clean and new luster helps.  We have each cloth labelled for glass, wax, vinyl, etc  so we dont mix chemicals

[cudabuyer]

     a little bit of hard work & yea just have fun 4 sure!!