Maintaining a vehicle that you plan to show off or enter in competitions at a car show involves a number of steps to present it at its best. There’s nothing quite like a beautiful classic that’s been exquisitely maintained, and you want to put your best foot forward when you’re at a car show. In order to do this, you’ll need to not only go through careful preparation, but you’ll also need to take steps throughout the year to make sure it’s in prime running condition, and spotlessly clean before you arrive.
Year-round Maintenance Is A Must
Any vehicle should be well-maintained throughout the year, and this is even more important if you have a car you plan to enter in a show. The car should be stored in a garage to keep it in the best condition so that it’s not exposed to sunlight, which can damage both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. It’s also recommended that you use a car cover even in the garage so that it stays free of dirt and dust while being stored. The car should be driven on occasion to makes sure it’s in good shape from a mechanical perspective, or at the very least started up on occasion if you don’t drive it.
Clean the Engine & Undercarriage
The small details matter at a car show, so you’ll need to be meticulous in your cleaning and preparation, which includes the engine and undercarriage. A lot of grease and debris can accumulate in these areas so care needs to be taken to ensure that they’re in tip-top condition for a car show. Use a degreaser if necessary to clean and take care to cover wheels, fenders, and the windshield so that any compound used doesn’t splatter onto the other parts of the vehicle.
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Hand Wash & Dry
Nothing catches the eye quite like a freshly cleaned classic as the sun glints off a great paint job with a fresh coat of wax on it. To achieve this affect, you’ll have to carefully hand wash the vehicle out of the direct sunlight to prevent streaking. Drying should be done with a microfiber towel, which will also keep water and cleaning products from leaving streaks. After drying, remove any dirt or dust carefully before applying wax. The order in which you clean various parts of the vehicle is important too. Start with the engine and undercarriage, followed by the wheels, then work from the roof down to the rest of the car. It's important to remember to clean the trunk and interior as well, since they’ll be scrutinized by judges and guests at any car show as well.
Consider A Poster
One way to make your car stand out at a car show is to create a poster that details the history of the vehicle, as well as any other points of interest, such as modifications. Presentation is everything at a car show and an eye-catching poster that looks well-designed and professional helps communicate the details of your vehicle and provide some extra details that may not be apparent at first glance.