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Official Car Show Preparation and Suggestion Thread

21967 Views 44 Replies 25 Participants Last post by  Szymon Karecki
The Official Car Show Preparation Thread....

This thread is dedicated to getting ready for shows and events. Let's get input from members on the following, as well as other items that may be important.


1. Show and shine prep (Waxing, interior cleaning, wheel polishing, tire presentation etc...)

2. Running electonics at car shows.. : (Installing and the use of power supplies, inverters and such, also being able to use electronics without the key in the ignition)

3. Determinig what class your vehicle belongs in for car shows (Mild, Wild, I.C.E, Peformance and so on)

4. What different items mean in classes (i.e. Decibal drag categories)

5. Helpfull suggestions on giving your vehicle the extra edge over the competition for judgeing. What can be done to make yourself stand out.


Let's try and keep the chatter minimized in this thread, and only post things useful to other members. Any first hand experience would be greatly appreciated, but anybody is welcome to give their input as long as it is truthful, and helpful.




Section 2 (How to run car audio without the key in the ignition)

This shows how to run a switch so you can have the radio on a constant power (for car shows) or on a rem power (Regular radio use). This is indicated in the gray shaded area.

Courtesy of cycon82:




Section 5 (What judges are looking for from the NCCA):

To start off right, introduce yourself to the judge – let him know your name and where you are from. If you traveled a large distance to make the show let the judge know this immediately. Let the judge know if you belong to a club/team, this is especially crucial if you are displaying in a vendor booth or are located in a special feature area of the show. When being judged at an NCCA event, it is crucial that you open all parts of your vehicle for display. If your doors hood and trunk are not open this would be the time to do so. Ask the judge for a moment to prepare your vehicle. A NCCA judge will only judge what he can see. Next, hand the judge your windshield card. This is the judging form that you received at registration. It is crucial that this paper is filled out neatly and legibly. It acts as a backup in case you are not at your car when it gets judged. With time constraints put on the judges, they are unable to search for a vehicle owner or skip a car and come back to it. If this paper is filled out and left on the outside of the windshield the judge will be able to use it as an aid in his process. (NCCA rules require a representative to be with the vehicle during judging. A NCCA judge will NOT touch a competitor's vehicle). Some competitors go a step further and make a custom modifications sheet with illustrations and charts. This is a great addition as it will make legibility questions disappear and give you more time to speak with the judge. If you choose to make a custom modifications sheet be sure to attach it to the one provided.

The next step in the NCCA judging process is for you the competitor to walk the judge through the vehicle. With only 2-3 minutes for you to do this you must be direct and to the point, make sure not to repeat yourself so you can fit as much information into your presentation as possible. Make sure you work your way around the car, you do not want to skip back and forth from say an engine modification to a interior modification then back to an engine modification again. The most crucial aspect of this presentation is to familiarize the judge with components that are not visible to the eye, modifications such as internal motor work, or special wiring adapted to fit a custom application. It is also good to have some type of documented proof that these unseen modifications are true. Not that the judge is going to question honesty, but it makes your presentation more thorough. Having pictures of the mechanics performing the work is the best, though a dyno sheet of the increased horsepower is great too. Some competitors have even begun to use pointers as part of their presentation, you can pick one up at any gadget store for about 20 bucks. You can point to which ever modification you are discussing. Here is an outline of the information that you want to include in your presentation, do not be embarrassed to have a page or two of notes with you. It is important to be thorough.

1. Year, make and model of your competition vehicle and your reason for selecting the particular vehicle

2. Exterior modification including the wheels

3. Engine modifications

4. Interior modifications including the audio and video system

5. Suspension modifications including the brakes

6. Undercarriage modifications

7. Future modifications for the vehicle if any are planned Let the judge know about the modifications that were performed throughout the vehicle.

Tell him your reasoning for choice of product. If you recently changed a product because of looks and /or performance let him know the old product and why you made the change. Include the brand names in your presentation and your reasoning of choice for a particular brand's product. Also remember to open and close all exterior panels (doors hood and trunk) to show the judge that all seams line up properly. Once you have finished you presentation, step back and allow the judge some space to walk around the vehicle a few times, he is now concentrating on the scoring, let him have some time, but stay near the vehicle so that you may answer any questions that he may have. While the judge is going through the vehicle he may point out something that is causing a major points loss.

The judge is not going to tell you every deduction but will point out something crucial. It takes a judge about three to five minutes to complete the judging process. Try not to interrupt the judge during his walk through. Once the judge has made some notes and comments on the score sheet, he may ask you a few final questions concerning you installation of products or may suggest a few additions or adjustments that may enhance your overall point totals for your next competition. If you forgot to tell him something about your vehicle this would be the right time to bring it up. Now that you have been judged it is time to enjoy the show. Remember the judging process should be educational for both the owner and the judge. Openness is encouraged for both the improvement of the judged and the judge. Good Luck and Keep Showing!
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Updated!!!!!!
hey great thread idea..

I have never been to a show, but are the extension cords and stuff provided?
or do you have to bring your own generater? :3_saai:

and as far as sticking out goes...

I think that it would look cool to put a car up on a stand... like four bricks (it doesn't have to be bricks, that just came to mind... anything that can hold up the car... like tea cups...) painted to match your scheme, and bring a friend with another car that has a jack and hoist it up on there... it doesn't have to be like 4ft high or anything, a few inches ought to make people look again... does that make sense?


and Mr. R2P... you are having way too much fun with the whole "I can change what you say" thing :3_loveit: , why not just write your own response and politley demand that it be added :3_winkthu :3_pimatyo
4
1. Show and shine prep (Waxing, interior cleaning, wheel polishing, tire presentation etc...)

My 0.02

2004 Fast and Furious Show "Best Show Engine"



2005 Hot Import Nights "Best Car in Class"



2005 Hot Import nights "Best Car in Class"



2006 Show car feature in Magazine




2006 Hot Import Show "Best Car in Class" "Best Car in Extreme class"

Picture comming soon


Before we prepare to a car show we do the following;

Two days before the show, we will;

Wash the car/ engine (make sure you don't apply water directly into electronic parts) if you choose to use water.
Dry
Inspect and evaluate the condition of the paint, plastic molding etc etc
If needed we will clay the car
Pre Wax the Car
Wax the car
Polish the wheels
For the interior we will clean the inside of the windows and prep the "interior" only the back seats
The car will be storage in a garage for the next day
The next day you will review the previous job, if you miss a spot or few spots them you will re-do them.

The Show

First thing is you will have to make sure you have less than a 1/4 tank of gas
Second try to get into the place and see if you can get a place with good overhead lights.

Once you are in your spot;

Dust off the car if needed
Apply another coat of wax or Spray Wax

Apply dressing to your tires ( we only use tire gel) if you are one of the lazy ones that use the cheap staff make sure it doesn't run all over the floor next to the tire, the Judges WILL SEE THAT! and prepare to wash your car again since your "Cheap Product" will sling all over.
,
Touch the wheels if you polish them properly there's no need to polish them again, wipe them off and use your spray wax if your brand is safe for clear coat wheels.

Touch the trim make sure you don't leave any residue of it on the windows/ paint
Touch up the interior
Make sure you have placed your sponsors business cards in a visible place
Make sure you remove all the contents from the vehicle including the trunk.

Of course theres many other ways .
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Razloga said:
and Mr. R2P... you are having way too much fun with the whole "I can change what you say" thing :3_loveit: , why not just write your own response and politley demand that it be added :3_winkthu :3_pimatyo

Because this thread was started requesting this, so that is what I made it. He wanted it, and I gave it to him. Simple as that ;)
Credit goes to Gamz for this:

Congratulations, you just got word that you're accepted to be featured in a high-profile car show!

Now, you need to get your car sparkly!

What's your shopping list, and when do you apply everything before your show?

Well, here's me:

- Claybar (day before show)
- Maguiar's NXT Wax (day before show)
- CD2 Engine detailing kit (day before show)
- 3x terry cloths
- 3x microfiber towels
- Maguiar's Hot Rims Wheel cleaner (1 hour before show)
- Maguiar's NXT Generation Insane Shine Tire Coating (20 mins before show)
- Armor All polish wipes (day before show + touchups just before show starts)
- Armor All window wipes (day before show + touchups just before show starts)
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Ok so im registared in HIN DC and i need help!!! It is an Indoor show and every one must disconect their batteries. I know i will need to purchase power but im not sure how to run the power. WHat do i need as far as converters and all?
im a little confused on your switch diagram but interested in trying this out
it may sound stupid but spray some tire shine out a terry cloth, and wiping it on the dash components, be very careful tho not to touach anything that has the tire shine on it tho.

i detail cars at a body shop, and what we do for full details is....

1. wash car, blow out engine bay and apply shine
2. dry car (absorber it towels)
3. remove everything from the interior
4. vacuum
5. GP or vinyl shine the interior (General Purpose)
6. inside windows (anything in a can)
7. clay bar
8. swirl remover
9. wax ( do not press on the applicator, gentle rub it in)
10. while wax is on car tire shine the tires, and steel wool windows (use soft steel wool pads and do the windows while the glass cleaner is on the windows)
11. tire shine plastic moldings or trim pieces
12. remove wax gentle

and be careful of water, and puddles

forgot to mention shampoo the carpet and shine the floor mats
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it may sound stupid but spray some tire shine out a terry cloth, and wiping it on the dash components, be very careful tho not to touach anything that has the tire shine on it tho.

i detail cars at a body shop, and what we do for full details is....

1. wash car, blow out engine bay and apply shine
2. dry car (absorber it towels)
3. remove everything from the interior
4. vacuum
5. GP or vinyl shine the interior (General Purpose)
6. inside windows (anything in a can)
7. clay bar
8. swirl remover
9. wax ( do not press on the applicator, gentle rub it in)
10. while wax is on car tire shine the tires, and steel wool windows (use soft steel wool pads and do the windows while the glass cleaner is on the windows)
11. tire shine plastic moldings or trim pieces
12. remove wax gentle

and be careful of water, and puddles

forgot to mention shampoo the carpet and shine the floor mats
Sounds like my weekends. Lol jk, but i need to get rid of my swirls in my paint.. they are getting a little too noticable for my taste on my hood.
We do this for prep of a car for a show.
1. Vacuum interior
2. Wash with Blue coral soap (by hand)
3. Treat all seats with blue coral seats.
4. Wax exterior with TR-3 wax.
5. Wax interior with Turtle wax edition TR-21
6. Clean all windows with __________ not to sure what it is.
7. Polish Rims with Mother's Chrome wax.
8. Polish tires with some grape stuff (can't remember again.)
9. Arrive at carshow
10. Wipe with cali duster both an in and out.
11. Old shirt and wipe all dirt/debris from wheels.
12. Setup all accessories.

Also, I see that some people list vacuum after wash. DON'T DO THIS! ever seen a vacuum cleaner? it blows dust everywhere! unless you want to wipe your car back off, don't was until after a vacuum
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what can you use to remove the wax marks it makes around the black seal's around the windows, headlights and etc?!
I usually just take a damp cloth and scrub it a bit. It usually comes right off.
I usually just take a damp cloth and scrub it a bit. It usually comes right off.
i tried that and it just came back so i use tire shine for temp use but it usually comes back. some 1 made a thread about it and had the liquids name and brand which i forgot now
Detailing your "show" car all depends on the condition of the job prior to beginning. I recommend checking out Meguiars website and watch their tips. Also while I use some unique items/products for best results Meguiars and 3m has always gives excellent results. ALWAYS vacuum first. Next shampoo/steam clean carpet and cloth seats (spot treat if necessary). Protectant spray (armor All) next but only use wipes for a quick wipe as you will find that a generous amount of product applied provides maximum results. If you have leather seats Meguiars has Leather conditioner which has renewed my leather seats to a condition better than new!!! Wash the interrior windows as the last step for the interrior (don't use windex for this use a professional strength window cleaner (invisible glass is ok) or steel wool pad 000 or 0000 superfine only).
Now for the engine compartment.... If you use a water hose or power washer keep your car running and further BECAREFUL of all electronics and air intakes. Degrease engine following directions of the engine degreasing product you choose and you may want to spray the engine approx. 15 min. prior with WD40 or similar product. Hint WD40 will protect your plug wires from getting wet. Speaking of plug wires and any other silacone based items use silacone spray to clean and protect them. Once again use your protectant (armor all ) generously on all vinyl, plastic, and rubber under the hood, dont forget the hood seal. Any chrome or aluminum polish with polish made for that specific metal.
Tires and wheels cleaning is what I do next. Scrub the ties with a stiff brush and use a quality cleaner (Meguiars makes a great one) Spray MeguiarsHot Rims and clean rims with a terry cloth rag (use a brush for scrubbing diffiuclt junk off the wheels. Raised white letters can be cleaned up using SOS pads and you will be awed at the results!!! Do each wheel and tire at a time and rinse thouroghly!!! Do not at this point dress the tire or polish the wheels.
Wash your car using Meguiars Gold Class or NXT Car wash in the shade one section at a time starting at the top working down taking time to completely rinse and keep wet through the entire washing. During this stage I like to use Superfine steel wool to scrub the exterior windows. Then dry the entire car with a towel (microfiber) or chamois (jelly blades wok well also. Dish washing detergent removes wax and paint conditioners so it is best not to use.
With the car dry run your bare hand lightly over the paint finish feeling for inperfection/contaniments, if the finish is bumpy use a clar bar (see Meguiars website for professional directions and find out how easy it is).
Next use a paint cleaner (Meguiars) wipe off using only a deep pile terry cloth or quality microfiber cloth. Then use a polish for the paint in the same manner (polish and wax are not the same). Apply dressing to the tires now using care if using a spray (HOT SHINE and NXT are both excellent for quality and shine however I don't recommend using any tire shine product as the all seem to crack tires instead use son of a gun protectant or similar using a clean rag. After tires are dry repeat using a generous amount of product. This does 2 things protects and shines!!! After this its time for the wax!!!! Never apply wax in direct sunlight even if the product says you can here is why....wax does not apply to paint when the paint temp is above approx. 95 degrees instead it absorbes into your cloth not your paint surface!!! Wax gently and thouroughly with a non yellowing/whitening wax (this saves time with the hated detail brush) Meguiars Next 2.0 or 3m showcar wax works excellent. If you have swirls or need the car compounded/machined you should do that right after the clay bar or paint cleaning step. You are almost done!!!! Your car should be shining now! But it's time for those wheels. Polish you wheels according to their finish or surface material... use a paint polish and wax if they are painted or clear coated, chrome polish for chrome rims and aluminum polish if they are well alluminum/bullit. Now that your car is all waxed and shiny seal the paint using a paint sealer or polymer (Yes Meguiars has it) . Why all this trouble??? Simple when you get the paint to this point cleaning or quick detailing is all you need to do for quite some time (depends on the abuse your paint takes). Now check your car over and have a friend look at it as it always seems they find what we miss!lol 1 last step buy Meguiars Final Touch Detail spray (available on line) it is a professional product with unmatched results. Agallon goes for under $30 and if you compare size and quality this is a steal. Fiinsh the car by misting the detailing spray and wiping off with a Microfiber towel this works on glass, wheels, and paint!!! No you are show ready!!! More hints will follow or if you have a question feel free to ask. See my car on myspace find my using my email [email protected]
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Do NOt use Armor all. It leaves a white haze after a while and speeds up the dulling process of exterior plastics. It is a cheap product. There are alternatives, professional quick detailers. Cycon's plug in for electrical is the way to go, I know I show with him. Never dull for stainless steel and chrome. Clean your exhaust, put it on a lift and clean it all the way up to and including the headers unless they are coated. Make sure your engine bay is spotless...white glove it if you have to. Details details details and expect to reclean again when you get to the show...lol...yeah ask everyone that's shown with me...I'm that bad. Preshow clean up takes me 2 weeks...then I obsess at the show up til judging time. Only after judging can I relax and enjoy! lol
NCCA is awesome am on there main website they made this for me and had a page under the contender section i beleive, i had a good points total and couldnt make it to some of the last couple shows they were to far away..
old pic of my tib that was my 1st year of having it
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Do NOt use Armor all. It leaves a white haze after a while and speeds up the dulling process of exterior plastics. It is a cheap product. There are alternatives, professional quick detailers. Cycon's plug in for electrical is the way to go, I know I show with him. Never dull for stainless steel and chrome. Clean your exhaust, put it on a lift and clean it all the way up to and including the headers unless they are coated. Make sure your engine bay is spotless...white glove it if you have to. Details details details and expect to reclean again when you get to the show...lol...yeah ask everyone that's shown with me...I'm that bad. Preshow clean up takes me 2 weeks...then I obsess at the show up til judging time. Only after judging can I relax and enjoy! lol
+1 using Q-Tips helps also on little areas that is hard to reach
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