You’ve finally completed your first car restoration and are ready to show it off, but what do you need to do to make your first car show go smoothly? The Motor Bookstore is here to help make prepping for your first car show go smoothly so everyone can see your handiwork at its best.

Cleaning the Exterior

Everyone will see your car’s body first, so be sure to make a good impression. Begin by cleaning the engine and undercarriage with a good degreaser. Next, do tires and wheels using a commercial cleaner spray and scrub brush. Finally, hose the car down and clean it with an automotive cleaner and sponge, working your way from the roof down. Rinse the car and dry with a microfiber towel.

Waxing

A good waxing will really make your car shine. Apply wax in thin coats, working in small sections around the car. Make sure to do this in the shade or other cool environments – if the paint gets hot, the wax will dry too quickly and cause hazing.

Interior

People will be peeking inside your car at the show, and you want them to like what they see. Scrub the door jams and hinges, then vacuum and clean the carpet with carpet cleaner. Wipe down vinyl and plastic upholstery with warm water and mild soap. Clean the glass using an automotive glass cleaner (household glass cleaners will cause streaking).

Detailing

Your new NGK spark plugs and satellite radio may be great for modern driving, but car show visitors and judges will be less impressed. Have as many factory original parts as possible – filters, wheels, plugs, radios, etc. You should also make sure your tires don’t have abnormal wear. If you plan on being a show regular, it might be worth investing in a display-only set of tires and wheels.

At the Show

Make sure to bring some cleaning supplies and touch-up tools for standing dust and dirt, especially if it’s an outdoor show. A car cover to protect it at night is also a good idea. You can draw additional interest by putting together a display with original sales brochures, owner and shop manuals, and maybe a photo album of the restoration process.

Working on a restoration for a car show? Check out our blogs on restoration budgeting and prep for handy DIY restoration tips.