How to Prepare for Your First Car Show
Even an act as simple as driving past a car show evokes that warm-weather feeling we so often crave. There’s something about walking among an assortment of freshly polished classic cars with a slice of pizza and a can of soda in hand. It’s an exciting culture, to be sure, and many people frequent these events.
Looking at the cars is one thing—displaying your own, however, is a different story altogether. You may not know where to start when it comes to getting your car ready for your first car show, but it isn’t as complicated as it may initially seem. We’ve made a list of tips to help you with the process.
1. Go to Other Shows
Other than hands-on work, nothing is quite as educational as observing people who have already garnered experience. Be sure to attend a few shows and absorb every aspect of it. Look at how others style and display their cars, and don’t be afraid to ask them for their best advice on the showing process.
2. Polish and Wax Your Car
If you’ve had your car for a while, you’re likely familiar with the maintenance required to keep it looking its best. There’s no time like right before the show to give your car a fresh wax. Make sure, of course, that your car is clean and that the paint is in optimal condition before adding that finishing touch.
3. Make Sure Everything Works
Your car will be judged based on several factors, including how it looks and how it runs. Be sure that parts such as the wipers and headlights are in perfect working order before determining if it’s ready to be shown. Remember—every detail counts.
4. Have Your Papers
Make sure you have any legal papers associated with your car on hand. Many of these are required to enter the show, as they validate that the vehicle is yours. There’s also a good chance that you’ll have to register your vehicle as an authentic classic car before you’re allowed to show it.
5. Properly Transport Your Car
It’s imperative that your car is in the best shape possible when you show it, and how you transport it is everything. We recommend that you outsource to a transport carrier in order to ensure that your car arrives at its destination in peak shape.
6. Take Care of Yourself
You’ll be outside for several hours for the duration of the show, so it’s important that you give yourself the same amount of attention you give your car. Keep a couple of staples for yourself on hand; we recommend stashing a bottle of water and some protein-rich snacks while at the show.
