Car show rant

[NYJets77]

Originally Posted by TheHorse13

I've been going to shows for more than 20 years now. Sorry to say that most are rigged anyway. Yep, I have seen it first hand from the judges side of the table. It's one of the reasons I will never join a car club or enter a club sponsored car show.

Before those who run clubs jump on me, this is my experience and I'm sure that all of you are above board.

Go to the show for the love of cars and to appreciate all of the vehicles there. If you're going for a meaningless trophy, you've already set yourself up for FAIL.

I have seen this also, but with other types of clubs other than cars: club members win, not people who just happen by. Usually its so they can then enter a regional contest at the next level.

[2010SLVRBULIT]

Same sad story different day, club name said it all.

[AlohaBR]

If your chasing trophies then maybe pick shows that offer modern era car awards. You said 75 awards for over 200 cars, so should the other 125 cars not pay? It is probably a fund raiser for the club and there are usually more expenses than you can think of attached to putting on a show.
I have been to shows where my older Camaro did not win an award but have DRIVEN it to California and won! Figure that one out!
I am not in it for awards, I want to see everyones cars and hear their story about why they did what they did, that is the best part of a show!

[BowtieBelle]

I know what you mean. I've won a couple of trophies with my Camaro but she usually places last among the winners in her class in favor of older vehicles. Many of those vehicles have major issues such as rust, but I've been told by multiple people that they get mad when a basically new car enters and wins over older ones because, no matter how many mods are on it, it's still new and just gives the impression (I guess) that the owner hasn't spent that much time on it compared with the owner of an older car.

I don't like it either but it is what it is.

But at the same time there are people with old cars who just get them to get trophies. For example, there was a guy at the Bristow show last week with a beautiful '70 split bumper-- one of the rarer Camaros, there are probably less than 2000 still around in good shape. He bought it for $80,000 (30k of which was paint) and can't even change the oil. Knows nothing about the car, but from what I understand he takes it to every show he can and is rude to everyone at shows, not wanting them to get too close to it and asserting his superiority even though he did NOTHING to the car himself. People are just wacko sometimes I guess.

[alini]

You spent $15 to show off your car, did people admire it. Did you enjoy showing it off. Did people appreciate your car. Thats the whole point.

[nferno]

Originally Posted by AlohaBR

If your chasing trophies then maybe pick shows that offer modern era car awards. You said 75 awards for over 200 cars, so should the other 125 cars not pay? It is probably a fund raiser for the club and there are usually more expenses than you can think of attached to putting on a show.
I have been to shows where my older Camaro did not win an award but have DRIVEN it to California and won! Figure that one out!
I am not in it for awards, I want to see everyones cars and hear their story about why they did what they did, that is the best part of a show!

I see your point, But I would know were to get the parts and fix it if needed. that dose not qulifiy me as the restorer. There are not comparable I agree, but if it is a ALL car show as advertised then one would need to keep a open mind about what they are looking at. I would never enter mine in a classic show. I do not care about the trophy just people saying crap to you when there is no need is ignorant. But I would not buy one of your restored cars and lie and say I did the work either thats my point. Alot of them lie and say they restored it. By the way that is why I did not go that route again. I wanted to have fun and drive it this time. not spend my time in the garage (last car olds 70 442 got wrecked) I also want my 8yr old son to work on it with me and maybe pass it one to him as a classic by then , There is a place for all these cars. I got many people who restored theres and said If I was to do it again I would by a new one so I could just drive it. Including my brother, who talked me into not buying the 69. I respect the classics and the modern just the same.

[myold88]

Originally Posted by AlohaBR

If your chasing trophies then maybe pick shows that offer modern era car awards. You said 75 awards for over 200 cars, so should the other 125 cars not pay? It is probably a fund raiser for the club and there are usually more expenses than you can think of attached to putting on a show.
I have been to shows where my older Camaro did not win an award but have DRIVEN it to California and won! Figure that one out!
I am not in it for awards, I want to see everyones cars and hear their story about why they did what they did, that is the best part of a show!

You hit the nail on the head. I see so many 5th Gen members at shows that never venture more than 5 feet from their car, and spend every minute cleaning and polishing their new Camaro. All for a possible trophy.
So sad imo.

[nferno]

Originally Posted by myold88

You hit the nail on the head. I see so many 5th Gen members at shows that never venture more than 5 feet from their car, and spend every minute cleaning and polishing their new Camaro. All for a possible trophy.
So sad imo.

I do not see that as sad it is ok to be proud of what you have. I do more walking around and talking then hanging out at my car. but I also see alot of classic car owners doing the same thing hanging around and just polishing it also. Just pride in my eyes

[nferno]

I let the kids sit in it and get there picture takin the kids love the car, there faces drop when I say you can sit in it and take a picture. my son is very proud of this car it is cool to watch him at the shows and talk to the kids about it . that is why i mainly go he loves it and it is a great time. trophy or other wise

[Dr Jkel]

Car Shows..........hmmmmmmmm Where to start?

Most car shows are put on by a particular group of people.....The events have sponsors and the sponsors want to win as bad as the actual people because it generates revenue for their businesses. SO there may be some bias in judging.

With the release of the Challanger and Camaro plus an updated Mustang....MANY PEOPLE, and I mean MANY have bought the newer version muscle car. WHY? Some of the reasons are safety, modern upgrades, coolness etc...... but I think one of the main reasons is availability. There are not alot of older classics available anymore, PLUS the EXTREME cost of having one retored.

From a person who is having a street rod built I KNOW BOTH SIDES. It has taken 9 yrs and over 100k to get my street rod built and it is FLAWLESS. Will it be after driving? Who Knows? I have spent a ton of money on my Camaro as well trying to make it as flawless as it can be. My street rod will be done with in a couple of weeks and I will be real interested to go to shows with both and see how they do.

The issue of Modern Muscle is a great debate, but remember most shows indicate the classes they are judging and trust me it HELPS when modern muscle arrives at these shows, Why you ask? Revenue. These trophies cost what. 30.00 ea so it behooves them to make a class because if 20 show up then they are money ahead, IMO.

The best way to do it is simply ask before you register, if they don't offer a different class for the modern cars then you know what you are up against.

I personally won the Camaro Super Modified Class at the Fbodygathering in Atlanta this past may, the trophy was nice and made me feel good especially after all the work I put into my car getting it clean.......BUT what was more important to me was the people I met and the friendships I made during the show.....and really ain't that what it is all about...meeting people who share the same passion? JHMO

[MLL67RSSS]

Keep in mind there are many classic car auctions, ebay sales etc., etc. Many people pay someone else to restore all or part of their car. So many classic cars are NOT lovingly restored by their owner, usually the vast minority. Buy a new car or an old one, no real difference. Tough call giving an owner restored car that has some issues over a perfectly restored car that wasn't owner restored. They did work and earn the money that paid for it and may not have the time or skills to do it themselves.
I've worked many a car show as a member of the Central Indiana Camaro Club and try not to have to do any judging since I tend to get a bit stressed doing it. Seems most all think their car deserves and award. If it is a big show with lots of fantastic cars it can be rather daunting. Sometimes you run out of time and have to make some quick decisions as well. One thing we do as a club is if we're putting on the show and doing judging all club cars are exempt, (we don't have to pay to get in). Most shows we do anymore we just do a "participant judging" show. Some think that is a bit of a cop out. However, should the trophy hounds or others give us grief we just say "you guys did the judging, sorry." We did an open show last year where a new Boss Mustang won "Best of Show", did I mention we're a Camaro club? Certainly no bias there!

So if you take pride in your car and like showing it off and talking to people about it. If you like being around other like minded people, then pony up a few bucks and go and have some fun. Don't worry about winning $3 or $4 worth of gold looking plastic or an inexpensive plaque, just be happy if you should happen to. Also remember that at a lot of shows the proceeds go to a ggod causebe it a charity or other type of relief fund. Our club is a not-for-profit so we can't keep the money, (other than expenses of course).

[INTIMIDAT3R]

Having been to numerous car shows this summer, there is definitely a stigma attached to the late model muscle cars.

The old guys think we shouldn't win crap and that late models shouldn't even be allowed in a car show.

Having put my 5th Gen up against cars from the Gistapo-like Blackhawk County Street Machines Club and beating their sorry asses just makes me proud.

Especially when most of them have trailer-queens and the first sign of rain they run their cars for cover.
I love the classics, but I think the new generation of muscle cars are better looking.

In my view, ALL cars have a place at a car show. Most car shows are just that, car shows and not a "Classics Only" car show.

In the future, DO NOT be surprised to see my Cruze LT/RS at a car show parked next to my 5th Gen.

[HDRDTD]

I think the thing to do is if you're going to a car show hoping to win a trophy, first check to see (if you can), just what catagories will be judged.
If you think one of the catagories is appropriate for your car whatever it may be, then go for it.
If on the other hand it appears that none of the catagories will fit your car, then just go and enjoy the good times, good cars, and make new friends.

[hot_rod]

big sigh....add infinitum to car show rants....

Many years ago was involved with setting up a multi-club car show, ...now in it's 28th year.

One award - People's choice - voted with their entry ticket. Everybody else gets a dash plaque showing you participated.

Only cars shows I participate in are where ALL proceeds go to a legit charity - in the show sited above, Make a Wish Foundation.

IMO - rest of this "stuff" just isn't worth the hassle and getting PO about.

Not to say the OP does not have a legitimate reason to be PO-ed!