First car show -- advice??

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Righty Tighty

Righty Tighty

Blame it on the dog
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Hey FABO, I'm signing up for my first car show this month. I'm not looking to win anything, really just want to help raise some money for charity and have a good time.

I really have two general questions: what class should I enter my car in? And 2) is there any sort of "car show etiquette?"

My car is a '68 Barracuda fastback, slant, 7-1/4" rear with a manual 3 speed. So, obviously the car isn't anything special. She looks pretty, but she's not a hot rod or collectible. The three categories I think might apply are American Muscle, American Collectible, and Open. I'm leaning towards Open. What do you guys think? Should I just ask the people running the show?

Appreciate any input. Hope everyone has a happy New Year!
 
American collectible sounds about right and it is collectible. The people at the show gate may class your car. Meet new friends and have fun
 
Righty Tighty said:
Hey FABO, I'm signing up for my first car show this month. I'm not looking to win anything, really just want to help raise some money for charity and have a good time.

I really have two general questions: what class should I enter my car in? And 2) is there any sort of "car show etiquette?"

My car is a '68 Barracuda fastback, slant, 7-1/4" rear with a manual 3 speed. So, obviously the car isn't anything special. She looks pretty, but she's not a hot rod or collectible. The three categories I think might apply are American Muscle, American Collectible, and Open. I'm leaning towards Open. What do you guys think? Should I just ask the people running the show?

Appreciate any input. Hope everyone has a happy New Year!
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My car is a '68 Barracuda fastback, slant, 7-1/4" rear with a manual 3 speed. So, obviously the car isn't anything special.


My Friend!!! If you have a car from the 50S, 60s 70s and it is still around, They are all Special. It sounds like a pretty cool car you have. You don't have to have a big block to be cool. On your car show, Clean it up, Find a Nice spot to show it and wondering what Class you will be in, Check with the Organizers. But the Big thing is to Show up and be Proud of your Ride and have FUN!!!!!!
 
Be patient.

Lot’s of people will probably tell you they (or their brother’s girlfriend’s cousins dad) had something similar except his had a Hemi or some other special, rare option that it likely didn’t have. Just roll with it and let them continue to think they are right.
 
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Question:
What size motor: 383 or hemi (if anyone asks)
 
Collectable sounds right, double check with the organizers.
Formal car show, or casual "cruise-in" style?
If formal, load up all your cleaning/detailing supplies and be prepared to spend time prettying it up when you get there.
If casual, wash it down and dry it before you leave, throw some lawn chairs and beer cozies in the trunk, wear comfortable shoes and try to get a spot in the shade!
Either way, have fun!
 
hemifiedbird said:
I know your Joking but not good advice to a young guy starting out. You should be proud of what you bring and meet new friends and have Fun!!!!
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After the twenty person says "is that a big block" you may try and find some humor!
 
Based on the shows I've been to with Bazza and his car, two things I can add:

* Keep your expectations low. Bazza always wants his car to win some sort of award, but, A) He doesn't get there early enough to grab the "early" votes, and B) As rare as his car may be, here in the States it's still a "one off", and people here can't relate to it as much as they would if the car (show) was in Oz or NZ. Perhaps what I'm really trying to say is, don't get emotional about it.

Which leads to...

* Have fun with it!

Good luck, have fun, and post some pics!

Jim

(Your new profile pic kinda threw me there for a second!)
 
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Just have fun! Don't be a dick.....which I don't think you're capable of, and don't let anybody be a dick to you.
 
Righty Tighty said:
I'm not looking to win anything, really just want to help raise some money for charity and have a good time.
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^^^This.
Clean up the car, go to the show, support a good cause, and enjoy yourself.
After you see what's winning awards at a few shows you'll have a better idea what you're up against if you decide to go for an award. Cruise-Ins are a fun gathering, formal shows might bring out trailer queens.
American Muscle might put you with Hellcat Challengers and blown Hemis.
Open is usually for your over-the-top mods, low riders, slammed rat rods etc...
 
H22A4 said:
Be patient.

Lot’s of people will probably tell you they (or their brother’s girlfriend’s cousins dad) had something similar except his had a Hemi or some other special, rare option that it likely didn’t have. Just roll with it and let them continue to think they are right.
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Oh, yeah!

Bazza's car is a "1971 Chrysler Valiant VG 700 Regal Mexicana" (I think I got all of that in the right order!), and I gave up trying to correct the Know It All's who read his placard and say, "Oh. It's a Mexican car" (they have RH drive cars in Mexico? :BangHead: )...or, "It's a Mexican Buick" ( :realcrazy:), or some such stupid stuff.

"Roll with it" indeed!

 
If your there just for fun and to hang out and help charity just roll with it. Karrin and I go to quite a few local car shows but we never enter a car. We just like to drive them and enjoy them as a hobby. Car shows can be very Clickie and homer in nature. I can't sit still for that long to show a car but we would for a charity. A slant 3 speed manual is a great fish...don't sell her short. She has 3 pedals correct? LOL Enjoy the show! Stock, Original, American collectible would all seem to apply.
 
Enjoy the show, leave your car and checkout the rest of the show.

When at your car have a chair, that will let people know you are with the car.
Let them approach you, not everybody wants to talk about your car.
If they ask question, keep the answer simple and short, if they want more build from there.


Alan
 
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I all my years in the hobby I have never taken a car to a show. Just ain't me.
But I can attend a local show, I can donate a few $ to their chartity if I wish. I can walk and look and see some nice cars, I can meet some nice people, I can see some real turd people also. But that is just everyday in life isn't it?

You will hear how Uncle Joe had the same slant car with 6 carbs and could run top speed uphill at 140 mph, got 50 mpg, and how Joe called it a Slant HEMI!!! and he was offered $100,000 for it back in '92. I would just agree and smile.
 
Everyone is giving sound advice, go in there with the plan of having fun and being proud of your car. Lots of people will be wanting to talk to you about your car, be friendly and not arrogant or rude, regardless of the comments you hear. A cooler with drinks/snacks will definitely be a good idea, a chair or chairs if you wont be alone, and bring some cleaners in case you find a spot on your car that you overlooked when cleaning, and a Swiffer duster for obvious reasons.
Like @ProjectBazza said, if the show doesnt have assigned stalls, be early so you can grab a good spot.
And if you dont expect to win best of show, you wont be disappointed :)
 
Bring a clean car, check out all the other cars, and have fun. Tell other owners when you like their car — they will appreciate it and you might make a friend. When you are hanging around your car, be open to people asking questions, and be tolerant if they ask stupid ones like "Is that a Camaro?". Hey, how will they learn if nobody tells 'em?

I agree — your class is American Collectible. "Open" is for wild rides, not stock Barracudas.

A folding chair is a great idea — you will get tired of being on your feet, and sitting in the car discourages viewers.

I always find something to enjoy at shows — seeing some rare rides, or getting into an interesting conversation. But I only do 2 or 3 shows a year.
 
Cold water a decent fold up chair , sun screen bug dope and some cash . Find some shade to park under .
 
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For my wife and I, car shows or cruises are both the same: social outings. Sit around in lawn chairs and spend a leisurely time with the friends you've made through the cars. If we get an award at a show, we consider it a bonus.
 
I went to my first car show in my then recently passed dad's 67 Dart convertible.

It had a bent front bumper, white left front fender (blue car), missing trim, 25 year old bad paint job. when the show was over and they were handing out the awards I went home.

A week later I got a call to come pickup my award, "Best A Body", there were so many more cars way better then mine.

But... They did not have my back story.


Moral to the story...
  1. Dont expect to win, in fact what does it matter!
  2. Develope your car's back story, even if it's short.
  3. Get a popup tent
  4. Some fold up chairs
  5. A cooler with some beverages
  6. Talk to anyone who will listen, even if you have to chase them down
  7. Make some new friends
  8. Have fun
 
I'd say put it in American Collectable. Don't stress out over trying to win a $3 plastic trophy, but instead just enjoy the cars and any nice people who may be in attendance. EZ Up canopies are kind of a no-no at car shows. Wind gets up and them things go flying and wipe out a dozen paint jobs. I don't hang around my car a lot if I put it in a show, because of the 'correctness' crowd. I'd rather just walk around and find a hot rodded type car and get the owner to tell me about it if they are around. Have fun!

:thumbsup:
 
Like many others have said, go with the expectation of having some fun and meeting new people. I don't usually enter my car into the shows any more, I have won a few awards, nice to win but not much interest in it these days. I like cruise nights where it's a very casual atmosphere and no awards, just like minded people hanging out and swapping stories. When I do go to shows I park my car on the street and take a walk around, take pictures of the ones that catch my eye and I leave.
The suggestion of a pop up tent is an excellent idea, I have one and can say it has kept me from getting sunburn more than once.
 
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