Fixing up a classic car and making it drivable is only half the battle; you’re going it to pop if it’s going to stand out among the rest. Apply some different ways to prepare your car for show to get it the attention it deserves without spoiling its look. Drive up with a car ready for presentation and know how to maintain its look throughout the day.
Get Your Car Detailed
Before anything, classic car owners need to take their vehicle in for a thorough detailing; any old local car wash won’t do—especially not a gas station. Be aware of what to expect from a detailing. It’s a very involved process, and the professional cleaner will need time to get the ideal results.
Beyond the aesthetic benefits, detailing serves to protect your car from minor knicks and scratches. Detailers apply a special coat of wax to absorb the impact of anything too blunt or sharp, maintaining its look without the need for inconvenient, last-minute repairs.
Bring Some Cleaning Supplies With You
You’ll also need to prepare for minor cleaning work. Driving your car from home to the presentation lot can kick up a lot of dust which will cling to the body of your vehicle. This is nothing a quick five-minute wash won’t fix, but you need to bring the right equipment with you.
Don’t forget your cleaning supplies at home; whether it’s rags, soap, or clean water, you need to be able to do quick touch-ups. Aside from the potential for dirt to gather on the drive over, your car will be on display for hours; there’s no telling what can happen in that time. Don’t ruin your car’s look because of some grime you didn’t prepare for.
Find Some Shade If You Can
The sun helps your car shine, but too much of it can wash out the paint and degrade the interior. While it’s not always possible depending on the venue, you’ll need to find a little shade to park your car under. This will benefit your car, you, and observers. The shade will shield you and any viewers from the sun, creating a comfortable viewing experience while they check out your vehicle and encourage others to join them.
If there’s no natural shade available, bring your own canopy. Check with the organizers of the event to see if they allow any coverage; they might have rules against it, and you don’t want to cause any problems.
Give Your Car the Chance To Shine
Implementing some ways to make your car stand out at a show can generate interest as well as protect it. Do what you can to safeguard your vehicle, whether that means shading it from direct sunlight or detailing it for an added layer of protection.
Van Rundell is a writer and author who specializes in transportation, travel, guidance, health & fitness. With over 10 years of experience in the industry as a driver and an entrepreneur, he has seen it all. His tone is professional but friendly with a dash of humor thrown in for good measure. In past, he has been advising, educating and writing about transport for the public and professionals alike.
A qualified fitness instructor with over 5 years’ experience as a personal trainer and group fitness instructor, Van brings his deep knowledge of health and exercise science to his articles on health & fitness.
