Car Shows

How to prepare your ride

By Liane Laskoske

Got a rad ride? An awesome street machine? A classic Ford? You can always show it off just by driving it, but car shows are the best way to let your 4-wheeled beauty shine. You may even win a cup or a plaque.

Your car doesn't have to be perfect to enter it in a car show. Some shows have a class just for unrestored and original vehicles.

Whatever class you enter your vehicle, the car needs to be in the best shape possible. Make sure it is road ready unless you trailer it to the show. As a long time car enthusiast, drag racer and car show veteran, I've learned a few things along the way.

1. Wash the vehicle. It might be a little obvious, but I can't tell you how many filthy cars I've seen in shows. If you are proud of your vehicle, why would you let people see it dirty?

2. Clean the interior. Again, a little obvious, but I've also seen cars in shows, with used tissues lying on the floor. Check under the seats and remove all personal items. The vehicle will be sitting unattended at some point, and even though people at car shows don't normally touch the cars, there are those who will take advantage of any opportunity.

3. Wax the vehicle. Never wax the vehicle in direct sunlight as the heat will cook the wax into the paint and make it harder to remove. Apply in the shade and do one panel at a time. The wax will buff off easier and with less streaking if you do it before it dries completely. If you have fine scratches in your paint, or the paint is faded, use a colored wax that matches the paint color to bring it back to life.

4. Detail the vehicle. This is definitely different from washing and cleaning. You'll need soft cloths like cloth diapers, tire dressing, spray wax, and solvents. Go over every inch of the vehicle in this fashion:

a. Pay special attention to the areas at the edges of moldings and emblems where wax and dirt collect. Use cotton swabs or toothpicks to get wax and dirt out of small areas in emblems.

b. Use a streak-free window cleaner, or wipe the windows with vinegar and newspaper for a streak-free finish.

c. Spray tire black or tire dressing on the tires and any other black rubber on the vehicle. I use tire black on the wires and seals of my motorcycle when I'm detailing it. It makes the rubber look like new.

d. Use steel wool to clean chrome parts only. Steel wool will scratch aluminum, so use a nylon scrubbie swiped from the kitchen for those parts. Remember to go over every crevice of the wheels and/or hubcaps.

e. Use a different cloth for the body and the tires so you don't accidentally transfer contaminants to the paint.

f. Carry a soft cloth and a spray wax to the show for last minute touch-ups. There are always particles floating in the air, and they will always land on your vehicle during the show. You'll want to check it from time to time, especially if it's an outdoor show.

5. Take a break. Car shows last all day, especially indoor ones, and you'll need a place to take a break from standing and walking. Bring water or money to buy drinks and food. Most shows will not allow you to leave until a certain time, so be sure to take care of you and anyone who comes with you.

6. Bring your camera. There will be tons of inspiration, goals, and cars that your friends will not believe, so you'll want to document some of them.

7. Have a good time enjoying your vehicle.

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