Thread: first car show

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on April 19th Charlie and I will be entering our cars in our first car show. We do not expect to win but we would like to make a good showing. What do the judges look for. Is it okay to enter a car that needs a little work like mine. I just want to get a feel of how things are. We have been to many shows but never with anything that we own. needless to say we are very nervous.

Just go for the social gathering and a chance to meet up with other car people.... Leave the trophy chasing for those with ego problems, you'll end up having a lot more fun!!!!

Prepping for a show just takes cleaning, cleaning, and more cleaning!!!! A good wash and buff, maybe a bit of "Final Inspection" or other type quickie high gloss wax when you get there...

Take your lawn chairs, walk around and gather ideas, have fun!!!!

I agree 100 percent with Dave, make it a fun experience to just be with like-minded people and a chance to tell people about your car and what you have done. You will encounter tons of very nice people and maybe a few who are not so nice, but you have to learn to take them with a grain of salt.

I let comments people say roll off my back generally , you will get some comments by "experts" who feel the need to critique your car, and that will happen if you have a $ 500 beater or a $ 1 million dollar show car.........it is just human nature.........let it go when you encounter it.

As for trophies, they are highly over rated IMO. The first couple are fun, but after a while you get tired of dusting them. If you win something, great, if not, don't be disappointed. You have to realize that if 300 cars are showing and 5 trophies are given out, a whole lot of people are going to be in the same boat, and most of those cars will be knockouts.

Just make yourself available in case anyone wants to ask you something, but also take the time to walk the show and look at other people's cars and talk to them about their rides. You will find a car show is just like any other cross section of people, most are friendly and nice, and a few should take up golf.

Don

I agree just go to have a good time, take pictures of your car at the show, the trophies just end up being clutter later on. If someone gives you a compliment, or they say and usually they will {I had a car just like this one} if you give that person a smile and small talk, he or she will be as happy as you. Generally people just want too remember the good old days and that's what they see in the older cars.

Richard

thanks guys. that really eases my mind.

Ya go to have a good time and meet like minded people. A greta way to network. I feel that judging should be left to the entrants, not the people that are putting on the show. Cruizes are CRUIZES not competition for the AMBR award.

Oh dont forget the cooler with your favorite soft drink, or plenty of water or both.

thanks colorado i will remember that.

I agree with what everyone else has said. Taking a camera is a good idea as you might find something in or on someone else's ride you might want to try and in corporate on yours. For your sake I hope the weather stays nice.

Originally Posted by NTFDAY

I agree with what everyone else has said. Taking a camera is a good idea as you might find something in or on someone else's ride you might want to try and in corporate on yours. For your sake I hope the weather stays nice.

A camera is a great idea!!!! I generally spend most of my time roaming around, looking at cars, and talking with people and very little time babysitting my own. I used to listen to all the comments from others, but about all that does is point out the small minded people. I've never been to a show that I haven't learned something by looking at their cars.

To me having a car at a show is much like posting pictures here at CHR in the photo gallery. I will let my car stand on it's own merit. In both venues, generally the people who can "walk the walk" have evidence of their work and those who only "talk the talk" are generally lacking any evidence to back up the talk. Talk is cheap. Your car is very nicely done, those who want to nit pick or tell you everything you did wrong and how they would do it right are generally just there to talk....and lack any evidence of their own skills.....

JYG it dosent matter what knid of shape your car is in, as long as your happy with it.I enjoy looking at the cars and getting new ideas, ive been to so many carshows over the years i coulnt count them. The best one i1d have to say
was at a hospital all the patients came outside to view the cars, most in wheelcahirs, That was kinda scary at 1st, but it all turned out ok. I won 1st
prize that day with my flamed pro-street 52 pu. Wasn`t the fact of winning but the smiles on the old folks and a lot of them asking questions. It made their day, probably year for that matter

Like previous advice, take some comfortable chairs, some refreshments and comfortable clothing and enjoy yourself. Check out the other rides, and note the ones that get the awards. You will soon learn what judges are looking for. The cleaner your car the better. As NTFDay said take a camera and take some pix. If I take my camera I usually end up taking several hundred photos. Years ago I would shoot at least 8 rolls of film at big NSRA/Goodguys events. (Thank God for digital as I was going broke.)

I have never sought an award, because I know that the is usually a lot of cars nicer than mine. If by chance I get one, so be it. But if I don't, all the better. I go for the sights and sounds and reward of seeing old friends and sharing good times with them. I have seen trophy hounds throw major tantrums when they don't get an award. They huff and puff, slam doors and squeal wheels to show their dissatisfaction. These people are not hobbyist like the rest of us. They're only in for the awards, and not the rewards of fellowship and friendship. Behaving like a buffoon is not an impression I want to be remembered for.

So go and enjoy yourselves and maybe your car will make a lasting impression......of the right kind.

looks like you have already got a lot of excellent advice , and i would say it a lot of judges go by details , sometimes just the smallest detail will help you win a show and beat the guy who spent the most cash or made the most trips to autozone..
have you looked under your car lately to see how dirty it might be?
there are a lot of shows i have attended that they would break out the mirrors and have a look see at your chassis , there are judges out there that love to look for things that they know not everyone looks at..
but the most important thing to do is have fun , dont let it get you nervous
and dont sweat the asshats you will come into contact with .. just have fun
and sometimes the trophys just come along , but it is true after the first half dozen it does wear off , my wife calls me a trophy ho as i have a few , but she just wants them out of the house because as others have mentioned they just collect dust after awhile........ good luck , have fun!!!

we will be exspecting lots of pics!!!!!!

Thank you all so much for all the advice. I looked at pics from last years show and ther were some really beautiful and expensive cars there. I am hoping that someone will look at mine and realize all the hard work i have put into it by hand. charlie on the other hand being young just wants to place higher than me. typical 14 year old. I will take lots of pics and just try to relax and have a great time. This car show is to celebrate the birthday of the oldest working courthouse in the U.S. They are going to have hot air balloon rides and a demonstration of a medvac as well as by Va. state police. One of the main reason i entered our cars was not to have to take a shuttle bus 3 miles to get there from the parking lot. That way I can keep a eye on my car and hopefully get invited to other shows and events. I am alot calmer today after reading all of your advice. With anxiety disorder that is saying alot. Again Thank You.

Just don't take the trophy chase too serious.... Even if you get the biggest one there, doubtful any parts stores will take it as payment for new goodies for the Monte!!!! Good point on the parking, too!!!! Usually a lot easier to put a car in the show then trying to walk there from some lot a dozen blocks away! Just go and have fun, that's what the shows are for....

1 of the reasons I bought the Rambler is because I can enter it into almost any show and have a place to sit and watch, and stash food and beverages.. that's why we started entering my dads '72 C10 into the shows we go to. it's also cheaper than the tickets. Syracuse Nationals is $35 to enter a vehicle. includes tickets for 2 adults, 2 kids under 16 for all 3 days. it's $25 a ticket per day if you just walk in for adults.