Entering your Mustang in a car show can be a lot of fun. If you want to have a chance at winning, make sure your car is looking its best. Just remember, it's the fun of the show, and not winning, that counts. To prepare your Mustang for a car show, we present some helpful tips to help increase your chances of driving home with a trophy.

 

1. Pre-register for the show. A package will be waiting for you when you arrive and it will save a lot of time and confusion.

2. Wash, dry, wax, vacuum and dust your Mustang the night before. Pay particular attention to areas of the car that aren't usually cleaned, such as inside door jambs, the back of your wheels, etc.

3. Assemble a "Show Box" of cleaning products you will need to take to the show to touch up your Mustang -- tire cleaner, wax, window cleaner, duster, etc. Bring a spray bottle full of water for general cleaning.

4. You will be showing your Mustang with the hood and trunk open so make sure the entire car is clean. Again, spending more time on the underside of the hood, the firewall, trunk padding, etc.

5. Bring a folding chair, sunglasses, a hat and a cooler of ice with cold beverages. You are going to be at the show for many hours, and probably in the sun.

6. Arrive at the show slightly early. This will give you more time to make those final cleaning touches to your Mustang. Park in the area for your class. There will be members of the Host Club to direct you.

7. Clean off any dirt and dust your Mustang has picked up along the way. Shine tires, chrome and dust the interior, and place your "Please Don't Touch" signs.

8. When finished, place your Show Box of cleaners under the rear end of the car, not back in the trunk.

9. If you brought a chair, set it up behind your Mustang.

10. Feel free to wander and look at other cars in the show, but don't leave your car for too long.

11. Trophies are awarded at the end of the show, so do not leave before the show is over.

12. If you win a trophy, congratulations. If not, take a look at the the Mustangs that did win to see what you can do differently next time.

13. Most importantly, just have a good time. Fun is what this hobby is all about!

 

While at the event, the main objective is to show off your Mustang and have fun doing it. Since you're going to spend nearly 6 hours at any given show, you can use the following suggections to make the show a pleasurable and memorable event.

 

1. Car shows are long. Try not bring small children or pets with you. Dogs and clean cars are not a good mix, and small children get bored quickly and have a tendancy to touch things.

2. Be prepared to answer lots of questions about your Mustang.

3. Wear comfortable shoes. You will be doing a lot of walking looking at other cars.

5. Wear your hat and/or sunglasses to avoid over-exposure to the sun. Remember, car shows take place outside.

6. Feel free to compliment owners on their Mustang but never criticize any car no matter how bad it looks. This car is someone's pride and joy, and it's a safe bet your Mustang looked just as bad or worse some time in the past.

8. Bring your camera and take lots of photos. Remember to bring batteries and film (or memory, if your camera is digital).

9. Never touch anyone else's car. That "Please Don't Touch" sign means you as well as everyone else at the show.

10. Buy some over-priced food and a tee-shirts or a hat. Most car shows are fund raisers for a worthy cause.

11. Pay attention to what's going on around you. Cars will be moving in and out of tight spots.

12. A car show can be a nice family outing, but please pay attention to your children at all times.