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First car show coming up!

Darth_Emma

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Darth_Emma

Darth_Emma

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I've entered my Camaro in the modified class at the Camaro Superfest in Ypsilanti, Michigan this weekend. This is my first ever car show that I've entered a car in.

 

Yesterday I washed my car, SVRTed the trim and tires, and edetailed the engine bay. I covered it to keep the paint clean last night. I checked to see if I needed to clay the car with the baggie test and it seemed ok (I had clayed and waxed it before I put it away and covered it for winter last fall).

 

Today, I broke out my PC for the first time. I did my best to follow the Junkman's directions. I used SHR and the FMP. Wow! That made a big difference in what my paint looks like!

 

So, I'll clean up the interior and polish the wheels tomorrow. I also plan to use BG and Americana tomorrow. My question is, should I use the MSS (as directed) and then wait a day before putting on the BG and Americana? I have seen posts about the MSS needing to be wiped down a second time 24 hours after applying.

 

Also, I have to drive about 3 hours to get to the car show. My plan is to take some WW and microfiber towels as well as DS and wipe off the bugs. I don't think it will be trivial to wash it again with soap and water (unless it gets really bad). What do you guys do when you get to the car show?

 

I'm kind of nervous! I really have no idea what to expect. I've never shown a car before. Any tips would be greatly appreciated!

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Bill-V8V

Bill-V8V

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First, good luck at the show :2thumbs:

 

No need to be nervous, the worst thing they can do is NOT give you a trophy. That has happened to everyone who enters shows at one time or another. You'll be fine, your car is beautiful :rockon::rockon::rockon:

 

 

Now for the question.

 

My question is, should I use the MSS (as directed) and then wait a day before putting on the BG and Americana? I have seen posts about the MSS needing to be wiped down a second time 24 hours after applying.

 

If you have the time and want to do the MSS go for it, and you should be fine doing an additional wipe down and layering BG and Ammericana after 12 hours. Just make sure you get the MSS on in a really thin coat :2thumbs:

 

And great plan to bring WW, DS and lots of MF. I would also suggest Glass cleaner and a glass towel :thumbsup:

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Darth_Emma

Darth_Emma

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Thanks for the tip. I bought some of that plastic sticky stuff for the carpet. I plan to vacuum it all out one more time (I always remove the mats and vacuum first). Once it's spotless, I'll cover the driver's footwell with that plastic protective film. My plan is to remove that just before I pull into the judging tent.

 

Thanks. Bill.

 

BTW, I even washed the wheel wells really well and will take my undercarriage spray with me for a last touch up before judging.

 

This car show stuff is worse than showing horses!

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dipolley

dipolley

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First off good luck. Winning a trophey is always fun but, as someone who goes to a lot of shows, just do not expect to win. Have fun. Talk about cars. Tou have something in common with EVERYONE there.

 

I have been to the same shows every year and go to plenty all over town.i live in Denver but grew up out in Utica (north of Detroit). So cars come 2nd nature and give me a leg up out here. LOL.

 

Here are a few tips.

 

A super clean car can win, even if it is stock. I have seen people rent cars, clean them up, and win. Depending on how the show is judged there are key areas that will be looked at.

 

Exterior and Body - Cleanliness and modifications go a long way. If you can shave in the reflection, koodos!!!

 

Paint - Custom paint jobs, carbon fiber, and even vinyl add a extra umph.

 

Interior - Cleanlyness is most important. If you didn't bother to vacuum your car you will loose points. But like the exterior, interior mods help.

 

Wheels and Tires - I got points because of run flats at a show. But aftermarket rims are definitly (soory for this) are big Bling.

 

Engine, Drivetrain, and Mods - Bolt-ons, intake, stock and (preferably) aftermarket aspiration (turbo/super chargers), custom paint, shine and black what should be black. the engine bay is just as important as your interior and exterior; keep it clean.

 

Entertainment - Speakers, video, aftermarket upgrades to the stereo are a major plus, but point scoring here is not as important for judges, but go a long way with the crowd. NOTE: lighting can be a big attention grabber if you are at a night show.

 

Undercarriage, suspension, brakes - Big brake kits, lowering, clean underbody.

 

Customization, your display, and just something that stands out to the judges can help. a poster and stand, some stancheons, even glitter on the ground. To go along with your underbody add mirrors. You can get attention for your display and for your underbody.

 

The main theme here is clean your car. And your adam's product can help you. Top to bottom, inside and out. People that win have cars cleaner than they came from the factory. And talk to people. A off the cuff conversation could bring up a topic to help you get points or favor with those who will judge your car.

 

Take detail spray (I take two bottles), waterless wash, Super VRT, Microfiber towel, soft towel, black applicator pads, and some rags for general purpose. I also take a drying towel too, in case it rains. glass cleaner and interior cleaner is helpful. I do a lot of cleaning at the show. The car will get dirty on the way and people will see you using your Adam's products (and smell them too, mmmmm detail spray) and they will ask questions.

 

Mostly, have fun.

 

take pics and post when you get back.

 

Here is a pic of my best in class win

 

DSCN3065.jpg

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McDuff

McDuff

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Good Luck Terri representing us Buckeyes. I was looking for your album for pics of your bad Camaro and didn't find any. Shows are fun but as others have said don't go expecting to win an award because it can ruin it for you. Just enjoy the other car people and you will always have the great people come up to you and tell you what a nice car you have. That is a real ego boost. I always feel somewhat disappointed if I don't win, but I constantly remind myself that is not the reason I am there. ENJOY your weekend at the show.

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Darth_Emma

Darth_Emma

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Good Luck Terri representing us Buckeyes. I was looking for your album for pics of your bad Camaro and didn't find any. Shows are fun but as others have said don't go expecting to win an award because it can ruin it for you. Just enjoy the other car people and you will always have the great people come up to you and tell you what a nice car you have. That is a real ego boost. I always feel somewhat disappointed if I don't win, but I constantly remind myself that is not the reason I am there. ENJOY your weekend at the show.

 

Good advice. I don't expect anything (except to have fun!)... it's my first show ever. I just don't want to totally embarrass myself.

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McDuff

McDuff

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If that bad boy is clean and shiny, you won't embarrass yourself! You would be surprised the shape that some cars are in at shows. I have seen them dirty in need of a wash! You will have a blast and you will get a lot of compliments on your car. You need to load some pics for us to admire it too!

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Nordgrey

Nordgrey

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Good luck Terri!

 

There are a lot of awesome new Camaros on here, but I think yours is my favourite. It just seemed you had a plan from the day you brought the car home and went with it.

 

And David? I was reading through your list of pluses for showing and just about everyone, I thought back to Terri's car and said "check". See here for the wheels and maggie she put on....

 

http://www.adamsforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7200

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Darth_Emma

Darth_Emma

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Thanks, everyone, for all the great advice and well wishes. I feel like a rookie representing "Team Adams."

 

I finished detailing the car today. I put on the MSS yesterday and today I used BG and Americana. I touched up the polish on the exhaust tips, wiped down the engine bay one more time and used a little In and Out Spray on those hard-to-reach hoses. That was the first time I had ever used the IaO Spray. I have to say, I LOVE THAT STUFF!!!

 

The interior has been thoroughly vacuumed and I put plastic down on the driver's-side floor mat which I will remove when I get to the show. Windows washed and glass sealant applied.

 

I packed my Adam's detail bag with extra DS, WW, SVRT, I&OS, glass cleaner, APC, and undercarriage spray, along with all the appropriate towels and applicators.

 

The show starts today and runs through Sunday, so I'm leaving here early Sunday and will spend the whole day up there. I don't want to drive it in the rain tomorrow. The weather is supposed to be pretty good on Sunday. My camera battery is fully charged.

 

BTW, if any of you are on the fence about whether or not you should get a Porter Cable... GET ONE!!! It is an amazing tool!

Edited by Darth_Emma
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Darth_Emma

Darth_Emma

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I just got back from the Camaro Superfest in Ypsilanti, Michigan. I had a BLAST!!!

 

I want to thank everyone for their advice in helping me get the car ready.

 

Here are a couple of pics as promised.

 

5898857477_c8f79f4430_b.jpg

 

5899423814_0c44520ded_b.jpg

 

5898933503_21f7444378_b.jpg

Edited by Darth_Emma
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