Well now that I have acquired a nicer/newer Monte Carlo, I was wondering about car shows, meets, competitions. I'm Leaving it pretty much bone stock. Are there any special things I need to do before I take it to shows? Am I even eligible to get into any? I see all the MCF members with all those trophies and plaques... I feel left out... Like I was saying. There is just one blemish that I need to fix, the rear quarter panel window molding. What can I say.. I'm just an anxious young-in...

 

Yeah u can get into shows! Just make sure your monte is as spotless as it can be to a cleaning standpoint. First & only show (so far) I entered with my monte was in April last year & I won best in show & 2nd in stock 1980 & newer (behind a challenger r/t) so ur monte would most def get attention if u take it to shows. idk any in iowa unfortunately though =[ lots in missouri this year though so i'm sure you could find something especially since u live in des moines, jsut google it

 

You should come to a few out here

 

If I were you, I would look for shows that have stock classes. It makes it insanely hard to compete (especially in the newer car classes where all the kids mod their cars) with a stock car against a bunch of modified stuff.

Also, don't go to shows expecting to win money, trophies, etc. Go there with the intention to show off your car, talk to other owners, and have a good time. Honestly, with even a clean stock car, it can be difficult to win shows (where I used to live Corvettes, Vipers- and then the newer Camaros and various Shelby Mustangs would usually dominate the stock classes). Many shows do give plaques for attendance though. I just don't want you to go in with the idea that you're going to take best in show, and be upset.

Honestly, that is why I usually only brought my car to cruise-ins and such (same thing except you don't pay to get in, and there are no trophies- its just a bunch of people hanging out with their shined up cars), I don't like having to play the politics game to see what category I could win easiest based on show turnout, and other stuff like that.

 

Well I googled "car shows in Iowa" and there turns out to be quite a few actually.. I just never really thought about entering without an awesome juiced up car. And no, I wasn't planning on winning a Best in Show or anything like that. I just want to get more involved in the auto world!

 

And would painting the engine cover to match the color scheme of my car exclude me from the stock competitions?

 

It depends on the show - if it's participant judging a little bit of dress up might give you the upper hand, if it is being judged and you have it in a stock class make sure EVERYTHING is clean, door jambs even the under carriage. Make sure you have your trunk and hood opened and everything out of the trunk you will get points taken off for not having your trunk and hood opened. You want to make it look like your car just rolled off the assembly line.

 

Go for the good times and meeting other car enthusiasts.

If you get lucky and go to a show where judges love Montes, you will be set. But I just go to car shows to enjoy myself

 

.....Having just been in a car show ( using the 100pt system ) just get your MC clean beyond clean and take some buffing towels with you so you can touch it up when you get there.
HINT : Clean your tires before you go and shine them up when
you get there.
Bring a black Sharpie and a pen with you so you can fill out
your entry card and other info.
I got 2nd in the 2000-present class but I had the Only MC. There were several Vettes & Stangs out there. So they had a " Best Of" with those two classes.
The most important thing is JUST HAVE FUN. Don't worry about winning stuff. Talk to the other car guys & gals. Learn things and read up on your car because people will ask questions. You would be surprised. Take a camera with you, lawn chair, water, sunscreen.....etc.
Check out this web site and this will give you an idea.
www.bar-b-cruise.com

 

I would assume it would, because where would they draw the line on minor mods like that- 1 small mod, 2, 10? If you want to be 100% sure you'll be able to get into every stock class, I'd leave it totally stock. I've seen shows that allow a few minor mods, but you don't want to get caught by a technicality if you're after a trophy. I suppose you could always take it off though if they don't allow it?

X2- I think the underhood area loses the most points for cleanliness just because there is so much under there that its hard to get clean (especially on a daily driver). Then I'd say undercarriage would be second biggest- but thats hard to do anything about on a daily driver unless you wash it just before you go to the show.


One other thing I'd like to add too- is I'd check ahead of time to see what kind of show it is (ie email them, or ask local people)- because some shows are exclusively for older cars (even though the name of the show may not imply that). They may still let you park at the show, but they may not have any classes for you to compete in, and if people go to the show expecting all muscle cars, or all pre-war stuff- then your car probably won't get any attention. This is obviously more important if the show requires you to drive a good distance.