{"id":72316,"date":"2016-08-30T01:06:56","date_gmt":"2016-08-30T05:06:56","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/\/?p=72316"},"modified":"2021-03-05T09:22:13","modified_gmt":"2021-03-05T14:22:13","slug":"4-essential-tips-when-showing-your-collector-car","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/4-essential-tips-when-showing-your-collector-car\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Essential Tips For Showing Your Collector Car"},"content":{"rendered":"

As the summer months come to a close, there is still something for car enthusiasts to look forward to: fall car shows. While popular events like the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Pebble Beach Concours D\u2019Elegance are now behind us, there are ample opportunities to show off your unique collector in shows across the country.<\/p>\n

Are you looking to impress with your beautiful collector car at an upcoming car show? Whether it\u2019s your first outing, or the tenth time this season, a checklist is a handy way to ensure your classic will be award-worthy.<\/p>\n

For years, I towed a collector car to shows, and now have switched to driving my \u201967 Alfa Romeo if I\u2019m showing it. The checklists are similar, with some slight differences if you\u2019re using a tow vehicle and trailer. Yes, you want to \u201cwin,\u201d but remember to engage the audience (they will think so much more of your car if you do), and most of all, have fun.<\/p>\n

\"Enthusiasts<\/a>
Enthusiasts tour the heritage display as Chevrolet commemorates Camaro’s 50th anniversary during the Woodward Dream Cruise Saturday, August 20, 2016 in Birmingham, Michigan. The display includes the first Camaro built, a 60-foot mural, and rare and milestone examples from the car\u2019s six generations, including the all-new 2017 Camaro ZL1 and 1LE models. Photo: Santa Fabio for Chevrolet.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#1 Know the rules of the show ahead of time<\/h2>\n

Every show judges collector cars differently, so it is essential to understand to what standard your car will be judged. Some shows go only on \u201cappearance,\u201d while others have stricter guidelines. Some shows want the hood open, others closed. Others judge the undercarriage, while at some shows this isn\u2019t a consideration. Regardless of the specifics, be sure to always bring supporting documentation (sales literature, advertising, owner\u2019s manual etc.) to prove your car\u2019s equipment or condition.<\/p>\n

#2 Clean everything and everywhere<\/h2>\n

Most car collectors know the basics of pre-show maintenance – always clean up the paint, glass, and upholstery. If you want to win best in show, it is important to go beyond your standard cleaning routine to guarantee your collector catches the judge\u2019s attention. Be sure to pay special attention to cleaning under the hood, in the wheel wells, and in the door jambs. It is also helpful to remove the tires to clean both sides of the wheels.<\/p>\n

Try different cleaning products until you find what makes your car spotless and show ready.<\/p>\n

\"Automobili<\/a>
Automobili Lamborghini Heralds Future, Celebrates Past at Monterey Classic Car Week. Photo: Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

#3 Be prepared for anything<\/h2>\n

If you decide to drive your classic car, be vigilant about checking all of the things that keep your vehicle running. Before you leave, check the battery, lights, fluids, and tires to ensure you will make it there safely. Fill the tank the day before to save time and always carry tools and spare parts in case of an emergency. Always have your cell phone and AAA card on your person; it never hurts to be prepared!<\/p>\n

If you are trailering, confirm that your tow vehicle and trailer are in shape and check tie-down straps for function. To make the show day as stress-free as possible, find out ahead of time when you can park the trailer. Most shows have very specific parking instructions and trailer restrictions.<\/p>\n

#4 Remember these must have items<\/h2>\n

Cleaning supplies are an essential at any car show as your collector braves the elements. Always bring a bucket, gloves, and microfiber cloths to cover all your cleaning needs. It is also crucial to pack waterless car wash, detail spray, glass cleaner, and chrome polish.<\/p>\n

For your own comfort and enjoyment, bring sturdy folding chairs, water, snacks, and napkins. No matter the season, sitting out in the sun all day can take its toll on your car, and on you as well. Come prepared with a hat, umbrella, and suntan lotion. Lastly, bring a photo album of your restoration \u2013 people love before-and-after pictures.<\/p>\n

When it\u2019s all over, whether you\u2019re taking home a trophy or not, you had the chance to show off your pride and joy, and hopefully you even made a few new friends in the process.<\/p>\n

Richard Reina is a Product Trainer at CARiD.com<\/a> and lifelong automotive enthusiast.<\/em><\/p>\n

Upcoming Fall Shows<\/h2>\n

Street Rod Nationals North<\/a><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 September 9th-11th, 2016 Kalamazoo County Expo Center & Fairground Kalamazoo, Michigan.<\/p>\n

Northeast Street Rod Nationals<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 September 16th-18th, 2016 Champlain Valley Exposition Burlington, Vermont.<\/p>\n

The Fall Boardwalk Classic Car Show<\/span><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 September 24th-27th, Wildwood, New Jersey boardwalk.<\/p>\n

Charlotte Autofair<\/a><\/p>\n

–\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 September 22th-25th, 2016, Charlotte Motor Speedway in Concord, North Carolina.<\/p>\n

Cover Photo:\u00a0Tom Glatch, courtesy of Motorbooks.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

As the summer months come to a close, there is still something for car enthusiasts to look forward to: fall car shows. While popular events like the Woodward Dream Cruise and the Pebble Beach Concours D\u2019Elegance are now behind us, there are ample opportunities to show off your unique collector in shows across the country. Are you looking to impress with your beautiful collector car at an upcoming car show? Whether it\u2019s your first outing, or the tenth time this […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":116,"featured_media":72323,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[43510],"tags":[],"model":[],"acf":[],"modified_by":null,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72316"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/116"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=72316"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/72316\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/72323"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=72316"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=72316"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=72316"},{"taxonomy":"model","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.automoblog.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/model?post=72316"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}