Hey Guys, I'm just throwing out here looking for tips, I am going to enter my first show at the end of the month providing I can get my interior done, I was just wondering what I can expect to look for in judging, I know Cleanliness is a big factor as well as over all paint, what else could I expect the judges to look for? I don't plan on opening my hood just yet it's far from complete, so they won't see that. based on my Sig Pic what do you think?
Your hood stays closed = you lose. Your better off with an engine that's clean but far from complete then a no points for it at all. Clean everything, inside of the rims, underbody of the car, etc.
most important thing.... quality > quantity
Your better off with a very clean car with a few quality mods then raiding the shelves of autozone and rattle canning every random piece that comes off (not saying your do that, I know nothing about your car except your sig pic)
Hey I appreciate the info, my engine bay isn't that dirty we just havent painted the firewall or strut towers they are still factory red, the only thing I'm doing inside is a paint match with some carbon fiber accents, new carpet, headliner, and seats, I am also in the process of deleting my center vents to make room for my XM radio and passive EQ. We still have alot of trim painting to do, no biggie. I am particular when I clean my car too even the inside and rear of my rims to polishing my fart can(which will be changed later)
If you think its clean, keep going. Depending on how big of a show it is your going to, alot of times if the car is already clean, and judges see you cleaning it more at the show they will be drawn towards it because youre making an effort. Make sure there are no water spots, smudges, or streaks on ANYTHING. And as Ryan said, even if your engine isnt complete, show what you have...whats the worst that could happen? If they see a mismatched firewall they will either notice your custom paint, or think it was done half assed...either way its your first show.
Thanks for the additional info, polishing up my valve cover tonight that's the extent of my under hood along with the cold air intake, I'll post some pics later of what I have done so far. Thanks agian guys.
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If you think its clean, keep going. Depending on how big of a show it is your going to, alot of times if the car is already clean, and judges see you cleaning it more at the show they will be drawn towards it because youre making an effort. Make sure there are no water spots, smudges, or streaks on ANYTHING. And as Ryan said, even if your engine isnt complete, show what you have...whats the worst that could happen? If they see a mismatched firewall they will either notice your custom paint, or think it was done half assed...either way its your first show.
Keeping your hood closed doesn't draw any attention to your car...from spectators or judges. Keep it propped up, don't open it all the way.
Keeping it propped up 1/4 way or 1/2 way draws in curiosity and interest.
Like said above...cleanliness is key. Even places you haven't cleaned before...get to it.
Under your skirts
wheel wells (use tire shine on the fender liners)
mufflers and tips
streak free glass.
Vacuum your carpet.
Make those tires shine! Get a good tire shine that keeps them wet looking.
A good trick I do is using the tire shine to go over your weather stripping and black plastic parts in the engine bay. It makes them clean and new looking again.
I even use Q-tips to clean dirt out from those hard to reach places.
Once you start going to shows more, you'll learn and pick up new ways to clean the car. Bringing a spray bottle with water helps out as well.
Good luck at the show
It all depends on how you present yourself and your car. Out of 6 shows I went to last year I won trophies as 5 of them out of 120 cars each, and I had a rusted quarter panel and vandalism damage to my passenger side. Even if everythings not perfect, make an effort. Judges do notice the little details that spectators dont, thats their job.
as said, having a clean car is the most important part. if im judging and u didnt clean the car your gonna lose. also if a judge can't see it you dont get points for it, a closed engine hood 0 points, closed doors and windows 0 points, closed trunk 0 points, even if your trunk is empty. clean it up, take any supplies etc out of it and have it open. allot of times when i get to a show if its walk around judging i'll clean from when i get there to when the judges are judging me.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sndsgood/ https://www.facebook.com/#!/Square1Photography
^^ me too...if its participant judging usually I dont get around to doing so until the last minute because I'm cleaning most of the itme.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edited Tuesday, April 14, 2009 9:05 AM
