• Pull the wheels and thoroughly clean their backsides, especially if they are visible through the spokes. This is also a good opportunity to clean up the lug nuts. Coat the wheels with wax or use a product formulated to repel brake dust. Dress the tires with your preferred rubber treatment, front and back. Adjust the center caps so that the emblem is upright when the tire valve stem is at the six o'clock position.
• Thoroughly clean the wheelwells. Many people coat them with protectant, but that can attract dust and dirt, which leaves a brown hazy appearance over time.
• Polish all the exterior and interior chrome: bumpers, trim, moldings, mirrors, exhaust tips, valve covers, air cleaner, and wheels.
• Vacuum the entire interior and trunk, all around and under the seats (especially between the seats and console), the footwells, and under the dash and pedals. Use crevice tools to vacuum along the base of the windshield and package tray for dead bugs and lint.
• Wipe down all vinyl, plastic, and rubber surfaces with a general-purpose cleaner, followed by a protectant if you desire, but go easy on the protectant. The dripping, wet, greasy look will often cost you points.
• Finally, clean the glass using a microfiber towel. Repeat with a clean towel if the first pass leaves streaks.
• If you've completed all of the above at home beforehand, you should merely have to quick detail the vehicle upon arrival at the show (assuming you didn't drive through a monsoon on the way). Chamois off dew or rainwater each morning to avoid sunspots. Touch up wax and protectant as necessary.
Be Prepared When Displaying Your Vehicle for Judged Competition
Know the show's rules in advance and follow them. Some shows require convertible tops remain up and T-tops be left in place, while other shows require you to perform a safety check of lights, wipers, and horn-so be ready. If you have an unusual vehicle, have your documentation ready for tech and/or judges. Remember that they are not there to be critical of your vehicle-most are Pontiac hobbyists themselves. The point of any car show is to be among other car lovers and have fun!
Walk your class and look at your competition. Take detailed pictures of vehicles you like and take notes. When you see something you like, ask the owner how it was done. Most owners will gladly share their experiences with you.
During judging, the car should look like it's being photographed for a sales brochure (or a magazine! Ed.): steering wheel straight, wheels upright, underhood filler caps right side up, dash vents straight, seats adjusted equally, knobs right side up, seatbelts displayed neatly, and floor mats straight.
Original owners' manuals, sales brochures, and literature may be neatly displayed on an open glovebox lid or in the trunk-avoid putting them on the seats or console as it appears you are hiding something. Leave the stuffed animals at home for the same reason. Keep conversation with judges to a minimum.
Do not assume you are a shoe-in for a trophy. Your competition is working just as hard to win as are you. Win or not, request your judging sheets (if available) and be objective when reviewing them.
If you have a negative experience at a show, contact the host club by mail or email. Be sure to explain the situation objectively and try to offer reasonable suggestions for improvement. If you are so inclined, volunteer to work the show-it will give you an amazing perspective of the effort required to put on a large event. Conversely, if you had a great time, contact the host club and tell them. Your comments will likely be printed in its newsletter.
Remember that this is your hobby, which you do for fun and relaxation, so relax and have fun!