Ok, so after a nice discussion with Tim (Scion Sniper) I have decided to register for HIN. This will be my first show and I have no idea what to expect.

First off, let me tell you that I'm not in it to win any trophy or anything, I'm just:
1. Happy to be a part of HIN
2. Happy to be showing with the NorCal Scion Group
3. Happy to have the exposure
4. Gonna have a sh*t load of fun!!

Does anyone have any advice or tips for a "show newbie"? Just curious about your experiences and thoughts about shows.

Thanks so much!

 

just have fun, and to make judges happy, detail the hell out of your car... they really like clean cars..

 

yea detailing the car plays a huge part of showing off your ride. also you might add some props for fun if you have some kind of theme going on.

 

MAN i wish i asked the question you did before my first show:

1. make a list and check it twice (no kidding, dont foget anything at home
2. stay with your ride! 2 seconds away from it and you might miss judging (and then all your friends will be mad at you 'cause they had to do your job.... you see i speak from experience)
3. take comfy clothes, but try to be a part of your 'display' ..it gets hot, cold, you never know....
4. know your car well so you can talk about it confidently. confidence is KEY.

HAVE FUN! ... wish id' registrd... dont know if i can go tho

 

Get a backpack and stuff it full of cleaning supplies. Keep the smaller area of your pack for personal belongings. People are thieves and you dont want to leave ANYTHING in your ride. Get there as early as possible beause no matter how big your list, and checking it twice, you WILL forget something and extra time will give you area to improvise, or ask around for help. IE forget a detailing product, find someone who can help you out. The biggest thing IMO....bring a dgital camera with the largest capacity of pictures available. I have only been in one show and took pictures until my batteries died and still wish i took more.

 

Bring a chair!

(Hey Tammie, I was the guy at Gabe's just before the stuft pizza meet Nice meeting you, you're 19s look awesome!)

 

be sure to bring a chair. i always do. make sure you have plenty of detailing supplies like towels because your car will get dusty over the day. keep valuables out of the car and provide a mod list so that the judges know what they're looking at and when they're judging point hidden or subtle things out to them.

and always find out the judges names so you can be like, "Hey john, I didn't know you were judging today! ... even if you don't know them....

 

I think they have all given you the best info you need. I wish I knew all of this way back when.

But, I think the bigest part is....HAVE FUN!!!!!

 

For HIN, since it's going to be indoors, you'll have to make sure you have less than a 1/4 tank of gas when you get there AND you'll have to disconnect your battery.

Detail your engine if you'll have your hood up.

 

And wash. Not just the surface, or the major areas, but take the day before and wash the vehicle. Crusty engine bay? Dirty wheel wells? Cruddy rims, with only the spokes wiped clean? Blackened exhaust tip? Vaccuum and dusted interior? Fingerprints on the windows/wax?

Take two days before the show and pay attention to the most minute and mundane details, the judges do.

Hmmm, the "Fun" idea would be a great goal. And a worthwhile one if you don't get corrupted by the thoughts of who placed over you, and if you didn't even get a nod. Trophies are great, spending time with folks is better, and ultimately more rewarding. Not having a chair to sit in as you baby-sit your vehicle, and having a bad person w/ sticky fingaz climb into your ride could ruin your day.

(Actually, that reminds me of the time some person climbed into either Roger's or Bill's box and commenced to play video games as if it were their own car!)

 

Find a good place to eat and go with the crew. Best time of the show!

 

Sushi Boats!!!

 

 

Wow!! What a great response! You guys ROCK!!!

I will take all your advice and tips and use them cuz I need all the help I can get. I'm so excited and I have the biggest smile on my face since I decided to do it.

I won't be lifting the hood to show the engine cuz I'm not ready for that part yet, just the exterior and interior.

I hope to see you all there!!

Thanks again you guys!

 

During outdoor meets - suntan lotion or at least a hat.

Summer's just around the corner.