What makes a show car?

[braumab]

In your opinion, what makes a legit show car? Paint? Engine? Wheels? How clean does it have to be? What kind of cleaner is preferred? Let's discuss it. Mainly because I want to put my car in shows, and I'm just stealing everyones ideas...:] Just kidding.

[lowflyn]

A show car can really be anything...it just has to do with how the car is maintained and cared for. Personally...I like to think of my current car and my old car as show cars, I try to take the best care I can of them and spend alot of time making sure they are clean of defects and debris.

So...basically..if you think of your car as a show car...then so be it. I wouldn't think a car would be much of a show car if it wasn't shown though lol.

[braumab]

hah, good point. do you clean the engines typically? if so, when? and what with? and how do you go about cleaning an engine?

[wiarumas]

show cars usually have blenders, ping pong tables, and lcd televisions... or at least thats what people at pimp my ride suggest

[Y2E0L0L5OGWT]

Quote: Originally Posted by wiarumas show cars usually have blenders, ping pong tables, and lcd televisions... or at least thats what people at pimp my ride suggest

Don't forget the required water source/river flowing through the middle...

[lowflyn]

Quote: Originally Posted by braumab hah, good point. do you clean the engines typically? if so, when? and what with? and how do you go about cleaning an engine?

If it's your first time cleaning the engine grab some sort of degreaser and spray and wipe. It will take a few hours to get the desired effect the first time but after that it doesn't take much. I just use water on a paper towel on mine now...

As far as when...whenever I get the chance to. I like to keep the engine bay just as clean as the rest of the car.

[SpectorV]

I think a show car is one that is very clean (artistically) and not all busy with a bunch of crap going here and there.

I think how clean the car actually is (dirt wise) and the condition of its paint, interior parts, etc, also play a role in how good of a show car it is. It is not easy getting a car that clean. Some have classes for DD cars while some have classes for restored non DD cars~ and so forth.

Basically just enjoy the car and make a nice clean vehicle. Unless you plan to really get into it then it doesn't matter much as all you get is a trophy thats cheap... its more fun for me to just go and hang out and such than what place I get.

Think of ways to clean your car to near brand new status. That is what I try and do when I go.

[ChrissyStang02]

cleeean is the name of the game. spec and lowflyn know ALL about this one!

[crazeflier07]

Quote: Originally Posted by Y2E0L0L5OGWT Don't forget the required water source/river flowing through the middle...

Hahaha ya dont forget the goldfish too! Clean paint and body, nice clean engine with or without tasteful mods, nice clean set of wheels, performance brakes, suspension, undercarriage, and stance, clean interior and a quality sound system, and a good theme. I hate it when nice cars would be great cars except they mix too many different themes and all the ideas don't flow right. Of course, everyone has different opinions on what makes a show car so if it is show quality to you then there you go!
~Jon~

[PureVenom]

Quote: Originally Posted by braumab hah, good point. do you clean the engines typically? if so, when? and what with? and how do you go about cleaning an engine?

This is a good place to start looking for both products and tips/tricks on detailing your car.

I really like the Zaino line of products. The wax/polish seems to last forever. Water permanantly beads up no matter how long it has been since the last waxing. Depth of paint is great in my book. However, there are several on the link that will do the same thing.

The details are what really make a show car stand out. Don't forget the little things like wheel wells, nooks and crannys on the interior around the dash trim, and just keep up with the overall cleaning of the car. As long as you keep up with it it will continue to be show ready.

The engine I like to clean whenever I wash the car. Once it gets clean, if you stay on it it will stay clean. If you let it get real dirty, then it will take a while to get it detailed again.

Anyhow...engine detailing is here Engine Detailing (Clean, Degrease, Protect) | How-to Guide ... if you go to the detailing tips, they have a bunch of other tips/tricks to doing various parts of your car.

[lowflyn]

I'm starting to get into the poorboy's line of products...seem to be doing very well.

[sledgehammer]

If a car looks good and is maintained with a give-a-damn attitude it is worthy. For cleaner. I really poorboy it. Go to costco and look for there Oil Eater Cleaner Degreaser (all one name). It come with a jug of product and a spraybotlle of product. I tell you what, that stuff is like magic. I sware by it. unless the grease on the engine is real thick, then a shovel will do. It doesnt matter what surface is it will clean it to original. Beware: for external use only, dont swallow it.

[JROC]

See sig.

03 Cobra + SB + chrome 18" replica's + drop = show car... I think?

Now I just need take it to some shows. :smoke:

[SpectorV]

what ever cleaner you use just do it often and dont use cheap stuff. Everyone has their own stuff they like to use so just use what you like and keep the car protected.

Most neglect the black trim, headlights, tail lights, engine bay, window seals, door seals, and other little stuff. Also wiper arms and blades. All of that tends to fade and look bad. I keep all of mine looking like new and that really helps.

[braumab]

lol..

[fear1]

I am not sure about Mustang only car shows, but when I showed my Vette, I always entered it into the show and shine catagory. That category is set up for the daily driven cars.

Make sure to bring a bottle of the spray car washing stuff with you with plenty of rags. As for the engine, I always spray it down with silicone spray after each car wash and then wipe it down so you don't leave an oily residue. Make sure to clean around the doors, trunk hood edges. Spray the inner fenders with the spray tire cleaning foam. Make sure all the lights work too.

It used to take me about 6-8 hours the night before preparing for the shows. With all the different cleaners that I used, by showtime I had no fingerprints left. I would have made a perfect thief. :o)

[SpectorV]

every show is different in terms of categorys they offer so you will just have to see where your car fits best. Dont enter in moded cat's if you only have a couple things.

[braumab]

right... that brings me to the next question. Car detailing. It isn't my thing if you know what I mean... People love different things, I hear Sonus and Ultima are great brands... But what do you focus on? What order to you wash things? Do you really take the tires off to detail them? Anyone gotta step-by-step web site?

[fear1]

With disc brakes on all four corners, it does make sense to remove the wheels so you can clean the back side of the wheels, as for spraying the inner fenders, I always spray them after the car is wash and dried.

[braumab]

so that's the last thing you do?

[PureVenom]

Quote: Originally Posted by braumab right... that brings me to the next question. Car detailing. It isn't my thing if you know what I mean... People love different things, I hear Sonus and Ultima are great brands... But what do you focus on? What order to you wash things? Do you really take the tires off to detail them? Anyone gotta step-by-step web site?

Go to the link I posted up higher...they have a lot of how tos on there...and what not.

[braumab]

oh yeah. I've torn that site apart. Have you used their stuff Venom?

[SpectorV]

I generally don't use Armoral or other greasy crap. I like it looking fresh like it rolled off the assembly line. Shinny greasy messes are not something I like and it gets everywhere.

[crazeflier07]

Hey Spec what do you use to clean the black window trim stuff? I have tried different things but it gives it an oily look and then discolors pretty quick instead of staying black.
~Jon~

[PureVenom]

Quote: Originally Posted by braumab oh yeah. I've torn that site apart. Have you used their stuff Venom?

No, I use Zaino Brothers (Zaino Store ) exclusively.

However, I am about to order some of their detailing supplies...the Sonus stuff for the motor that is a high temp spray on hard wax/silocone type stuff, the interior detailer which dries matt instead of shiny, some wheel cleaner (forgot the brand), and the Sonus ultimate detailer orbital, and misc applicators and washes.

As for waxing the car, I strictly use Zaino like I said. And now that they have a cutting polish, I will definitely stay with them. However, I hear the Sonus, stuff is good...and that the Ultima stuff is even better than Zaino...but it better be as it is about 4 times the price. lol

[SpectorV]

DWG International� - Manufacturer of Dri Wash 'n Guard� its what i use on my paint, rims, trim, windows, etc.

[braumab]

awesome, very good ideas. i'd almost prefer a shiny look in the engine..wouldn't i? I know it's a preference...I've never really had a clean engine so I'm not sure.

[PureVenom]

^^^ The stuff I refered to does make all the hoses and paint shiny....the stuff that is matte is for the interior only so you don't get the glare off the windshield.

This is the motor stuff: Sonus Trim & Motor Kote

And this is the interior stuff: Car Interior Detailer, Cleaner & Protectant - Sonus Cockpit Detailer or Vinyl Rubber Plastic Protectant & Dressing with UV Protection

[Herbstang]

Trust Me !!!!! When it comes to car care Listen to Spec

[fear1]

After spraying the tires and inner fenders, unfortunately you always get overspray all over the car, so you have to re-wipe the areas that have overspray. It is always better to spray them the night before since it is supposed to set for a minimum of 2 hours to avoid spatter while driving. Like I said, I normally spent 6 to 8 hours cleaning and polishing. I learned to wax the car about a week ahead of time so you will have time to get all the wax from around trim, emblems and from around body seems. Bring plenty of soft rags and about all of your cleaning supplies with you to the show for the last minute touch-ups.

[PureVenom]

I use gel on the tires that doesn't splatter, even when driving right afterwards.

As for the fenderwells, some careful spraying should fix that....and if you are still concerned, a simple piece of cardboard makes for a great spray sheild.

[braumab]

very good ideas. I'm going to go broke buying stuff...

[PureVenom]

Quote: Originally Posted by braumab very good ideas. I'm going to go broke buying stuff...

I know what you mean...I spent a couple hours last week at work creating a shopping list....

Quote: OXO Detailers Caddy: OXO Detailers Caddy - 7.99 OXO Wash Bucket: OXO Automotive Wash Bucket - 11.99 Vac 'N Blo Car Vaccuum: Portable Car Vacuum - Vac N'Blo by MetroVac - 179.99 Sonus Ultimate Detailing Machine: Ultimate Detailing Machine Car Polisher Kit -- Porter Cable 7424 Alternative - 199.99 Paint Safe INsect Scrubber: Paint Safe Insect Scrubber - 2.99 Car Wash Brush: OXO Car Wash Brush - 9.99 Wheel Brush: OXO Spoke Brush - 7.99 Sonus Total Eclipse Plastic Dressing: Vinyl Rubber Plastic Protectant & Dressing with UV Protection - 14.00 OXO Car Duster: OXO Good Grips Car Duster - 24.99 Sonus Trim and Motor Kote: Sonus Trim & Motor Kote - 10.00 P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner: P21S Gel Wheel Cleaner - 16.99 RaggTopp Convertible Top Cleaner: RAGGTOPP Fabric/Vinyl Cleaner - 11.99 RaggTopp Convertible Top Protectant: RAGGTOPP Canvas Top Protectant - 21.99 Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner/Swirl Remover: Z-PC Fusion Dual Action Paint Cleaner Swirl Remover: Zaino Store - 12.95 Zaino Maintenance Pack (2 Z-6 detaliers, 4 Z-7 Car Wash): Zaino Maintenance Pack (Qty:2 Z-6 & Qty:4 Z-7): Zaino Store - 45.95 Zaino Bucket w/Grit Guard: Zaino Bucket, Screw Seal Lid, & Grit Guard: Zaino Store - 29.99 Z-2 Showcar Polish: Z-2 PRO Show Car Polish for Clear Coated Car Finishes: Zaino Store - 14.95 Z-12 Glass polish: Z-12 Clear-View Glass Polish: Zaino Store - 12.95 Z-16 Tire Gloss: Z-16 Perfect Tire Gloss: Zaino Store - 12.95 Z-18 Clay Bar: Z-18 ClayBar: Zaino Store - 16.95 Z-9 Leather Cleaner: Z-9 Leather Soft Spray Cleaner: Zaino Store - 8.95 z-10 Leather in a Bottle: Z-10 Leather in a Bottle: Zaino Store - 10.95

[braumab]

where in the world are you going to keep all that stuff?

[PureVenom]

In my massive walkin closet.

I already have most of it...all of the zaino stuff and several brushes/sponges/applicators/etc. I keep it all in a box in my bedroom. I just need to pickup some of the power tools now and the detailing supplies.