Show bugs

[Tesla]

There is a big Bug show next weekend and I'll be there!!!!
So, to get the car ready for the show what are the best things to do or use ( eg cleaners, wax...)? How to use them? What will the judge look for? Mods? If possible, post your "show ready bug" and @ show photos.
Thanks

[GINA]

That isn't really a question someone can answer in one post. There are so many products and so much to use, and it's extremely dependant on the current condition of your car. When I had my VW, before every show I would wash and wax. Sometimes I would use a paint cleaner, sometimes I'd pull out the buffer and get some swirls out. It just really depends. Got any pics so I can help more specifically?

Judges look for cleanliness. Clean EVERYTHING. Get all the crap out of your car. Make it look like you didn't even drive it to the show. Make sure your mods are clean and not just thrown together. More mods doesn't equal more points. Just remember, quality > quantity.

Here's the last show my car was at before it was sold:

[Tesla]

Thanks Gina!
That's what I am looking for. Lovely photos!
I have original (10 years old) paint on my yellow bug and it is showing age. Rock chips, scrapes, dents... front end looks like I was driving through a send storm for days, all the shine is gone. I used paint touch up marker from VW dealer and it did the job but I want to know is there a way to buff it all up and bring that old shine back, fast .
What to use to have my tires sparkling black?

Cheers

[miffmole]

Pepper sure was pretty...Hope he/she stills is. Ever seen the car again?

[christinagray2003]

How do you know if your car is one that should be in a show? There is a show out here (not vw, but all cars and trucks) and my husband wants me to enter my car. I probably will just because it's a charity event and a very good cause, but what are they judged on? Does your car have to have something special on it to qualify? This show isn't until Sept 11th so plenty of time to prepare, but I wouldn't even begin to know what they look for!!

[GINA]

Originally Posted by Tesla

Thanks Gina!
That's what I am looking for. Lovely photos!
I have original (10 years old) paint on my yellow bug and it is showing age. Rock chips, scrapes, dents... front end looks like I was driving through a send storm for days, all the shine is gone. I used paint touch up marker from VW dealer and it did the job but I want to know is there a way to buff it all up and bring that old shine back, fast .
What to use to have my tires sparkling black?

Cheers

Thank you! My car was a 2000 and my DD, so I understand the paint thing. Once you correct it, it's all about maintenance. I filled in rock chips every few months (the big ones, mainly) and was able to polish out most of the small ones with my buffer (buffer is a G100, totally idiot proof). To get a lot of swirls out, I typically used Meguiars M83. I occasionally polished to get a real nice shine, and liked NXT for my wax. I had pretty good luck with Yellow Wax also, it just didn't last as long. The tire gel I use is Meguiars Hot Shine Gel. I applied it with a application sponge, and never had a problem with it flinging off.

Originally Posted by miffmole

Pepper sure was pretty...Hope he/she stills is. Ever seen the car again?

Thanks, I hope so too! I haven't seen the car since it was sold, but the new owner did send me a couple pics a few months ago and hooked up with me on LinkedIn.

Originally Posted by christinagray2003

How do you know if your car is one that should be in a show? There is a show out here (not vw, but all cars and trucks) and my husband wants me to enter my car. I probably will just because it's a charity event and a very good cause, but what are they judged on? Does your car have to have something special on it to qualify? This show isn't until Sept 11th so plenty of time to prepare, but I wouldn't even begin to know what they look for!!

I think it depends on the show, really. If they break classes down into stock/mild/wild, then anyone can go and have a shot as long as the car is nice and clean. I was looking at entering my current car at Import Face Off, but I just don't think it's ready (modification wise). I just haven't put as much money into the Speed yet.

As I mentioned earlier, judging typically seems to be on cleanliness and the quality of modifications. Take a look at these show rules for an example of how points are broken down: Show Rules

[pdoel]

Another factor is who is doing the judging.

If it's actually a show with judges, they are going to look more at things like condition, installation of mods, stuff like that.

So if your car has an awesome body kit, but was installed poorly, or if you have a ton of chips, it's going to take a hit.

If you have a car with no mods, but the car is absolutely pristine, then it's going to do quite well.

If the show is judged by the attendees (meaning everyone who shows their car gets a form to fill out voting for their favorites), then it can be a bit more random. Some of those people may vote more for how bad ass a car looks, and not really car if it has some chips.

The key, however, is to go into it not expecting to win. You never know how it will all turn out.

[Tesla]

Thanks guys!
I am not going for first place, that's for sure. Just want to show my car and be proud

[VW Lady Bug]

Good luck at the show!

If they have a website, frequently they'll mention judging criteria online, like they do for Waterfest.

Cleanliness and the quality of modifications are the main things. Most of the VW shows in my area recognize that the majority of these cars are or recently were daily drivers, and the chips are almost expected, as long as you appear to be putting effort into taking care of them.

Anything can happen - I took a first over a brand new car with less than 2500 miles on it at one event, and the owner (who was also trying to sell the car on the showfield) started complaining about it.

The judges respected that I (at the time) had cleaned up and maintained a 2002 car, while his was essentially driven off the showroom floor.

[Tesla]

I see. Well, I think I might have to print out the list of mods since they are not so obvious. Is that something I should do?

[VW Lady Bug]

Originally Posted by Tesla

I see. Well, I think I might have to print out the list of mods since they are not so obvious. Is that something I should do?

It's helpful for sure. And if you're still light on the mods, expand it to a "spec" sheet, listing mileage, engine type, paint color, etc.

Most of us who are constantly working on the cars simply print our own on the computer and place it in a document frame, which keeps it cheap and easy to update. Those whose projects are finished and have more money have had full sized posters printed.

[GINA]

Here was one that I used. I was always adding things, so I just printed out a sheet and put it in a frame, then mounted it on a music stand of all things. Worked for me

[Tesla]

I got the first place!! Thanks for the tips, I'll include more tips and photos as soon as I get some rest.
Cheers

[windie809]

Originally Posted by Tesla

I got the first place!! Thanks for the tips, I'll include more tips and photos as soon as I get some rest.
Cheers

congrats!

[Tesla]

Here is Speedle yesterday at 2010 June Jitter Bug Car Show at Niagara Falls. Class champion

[hyakugojyuuichi]

Congratulations, Speedle looks amazing! I wish mine looked that good.

[Tesla]

Originally Posted by hyakugojyuuichi

Congratulations, Speedle looks amazing! I wish mine looked that good.

Thanks hyakugojyuuichi. After over 20 hours of hand buffing, polishing and washing even the worst paint can look amazing. My hands are polished too

[nighttrain1974]

See my latest pic on this section for my routine.

[Critter]

Speedie looks amazing! I'm facing the same problems you had. Critter is a '99 so he's starting to show his wear and tear. Hopefully I'll be able to bring some of his old shine back.

[iluvmyVersa08]

Your Bug turned out great! It looks like new!!!

When I detail a car I start out by washing it. I then let it dry on it's own while I start detailing the interior. Once that is done, I'll park the car inside the garage and start claying it. If things need to be buffed out (scratches or swirls) then I'll use either Meguair's Rubbing Compound or Swirl-X. Once the claying is done, I finish off with Meguair's Wax. I use the one that you put on the entire car and let it dry. There is no need to do one section at a time. Once it's dry I wipe it all off. Then I use Invisible Glass on all the windows (inside and out). Each wheel gets dried properly by hand if they are still wet, and I spray "Wet n Black" on the rubber of each tire.

Check out my Versa photo thread for pics of some of the details I've done.

Spending some quality time with the car, can produce some nice results

Plus it's fun to clean them up!