First car show(s) for my Camaro this weekend. Advise? - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Sean_W · 07-16-2009, 11:00 AM

Hello,

I finally have a chance to show her off in a car show setting this weekend. Just looking for any pointers that might help out. The biggest question I've been ponding is do I leave the door open and let people sit in it? Is it normal to do this, or would I be better to leave the door closed with the window down. What about leaving the door open, but have a string tied in front of the seat to avoid sitters? Just not sure.

Is there anything else that can come up during a show that I may not know about? I'll take any suggestions or comments you might have.

2010SLVRBULIT · 07-16-2009, 11:02 AM

chain/rope off around the car, leaving windows down, hood/trunk open for on-lookers..

rolnslo · 07-16-2009, 11:05 AM

Most people will not sit in cars at shows unless they ask the owner first. This isn't a car dealership.

From experiences with my '56 Chevy, leave the windows down and the doors closed. If you want to prop the door open, then use something like a metal rod that is firmly attached. This will work better than a string and will keep the door from being closed by a passer-by. If you don't mind people sitting in your car, stay nearby and offer to let only the really interested people sit in it.

topgun1 · 07-16-2009, 11:06 AM

nope, do not let anyone sit in it, leave the doors closed. Car shows do not usually have people sitting in the owners' cars. Put a sign on it that says "please do not touch or I will kill you", well at least "please do not touch". Yes, windows down, hood (and trunk optional) open.

rolnslo · 07-16-2009, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2010SLVRBULIT

chain/rope off around the car, leaving windows down, hood/trunk open for on-lookers..

If you go this route, make sure you leave enough space around the vehicle for the poles to fall over without hitting the car. I watched a careless person at a show once as he wasn't paying attention and tripped. For support, he grabbed a nearby pole that was holding up a rope around a really nice '32 Ford. Pole tipped over and both he and the pole slammed into the fender. I've never seen a car owner get so pissed so quick in my life. Felt kind of bad for the guy that tripped but it was going to cost quite a bit to fix the fender and paint on the Ford....

Treadstone · 07-16-2009, 11:22 AM

Yea, do not let anyone sit in your car. Speaking on experience, you don't know what people have in their pockets. I've seen a dude sit in a ferrari who had his keys in his back pants pockets. He sat in it, the keys went through his jeans and punctured the ferrari leather

Just don't take that chance, b/c I doubt they would be interested in paying for a new seat.

JJ#48Racing · 07-16-2009, 11:24 AM

Doors closed, windows open, hood open. Don't use ropes around the car. Don't let just anyone sit in it. When you get there, just follow suit with what the other owners are doing.

Treadstone · 07-16-2009, 11:25 AM

Don't let other sit in it. They could have their keys in their pant pockets, sit in it and puncture your leather. I've seen it. And I doubt they have the $$ or are willing to pay for the new seat.

I wouldn't fence it off, it's just a Camaro. It's not like an unveiling or anything. Just wash and wax your car, and get a chair and a drink and chill sitting next to it.

Tell us how it turns out.

oldag92 · 07-16-2009, 11:27 AM

I'm putting mine in its first show this weekend as well. Any thoughts on how to "dress up" the engine compartment (I have a 2LT/RS) temporarily for this show? I want to get my engine cover painted, and add a fusebox cover, etc later, but no time to get all that stuff by Saturday.

nards444 · 07-16-2009, 11:30 AM

fencing it off would be over the top. Just leave windows down and doors closed. if you want put a sign somewhere saying please dont touch. most people that goes to these are pretty good, but you will still have some kids and that guy that are jacks. if you leave lock doors and close windows. I would bring a rag and detailer for that guy that decides to touch it

caverman · 07-16-2009, 11:34 AM

I personally wouldn't leave my doors open. You'll have every teenager/small kid with sticky hands and a coke trying to sit in your car when you aren't looking. Even with the door shut and windows down you take a chance and having some kid try to sit in it. I've actually witnessed someone sitting in my friends car at a large indoor car show (Dallas Autorama). Grant it he didn't have it roped off but still you would think people would be smart enough to know it's not a dealership and you shouldn't just open up a car and sit in it.

I'm assuming this is probably a local outdoor car show at some Sonic or something. In that case most people don't rope off their cars (not to say that you can't). I would plan on bringing a couple of chairs and parking your butt in front of your car so you can keep and eye on it and keep peoples sticky hands off. You'll probaby be there talking to people all night anyway. Then you'll be able to make the decision if you feel like the person you are talking to is competent enough to sit in it. Just remember, if someone scratches it or hurts it you'll probably have to pay for the damage yourself. Also, if you let one person sit in it you'll probaby have to let multiple people sit in it.

I would bring a couple chairs, a baseball bat, and a trunk monkey.

For the average person it's "Look but don't touch".

RAdams · 07-16-2009, 11:36 AM

Rule #1 at Car Shows: Look with your eyes, not with your hands!

Keep it locked.

DDustiNN · 07-16-2009, 11:40 AM

I know there are people that always want you to "pop the hood" but honestly, this drives me nuts. Maybe because I'm not really a "car guy" or something, I dunno, but staring at an engine just doesn't do anything for me. I hate when cars are just sitting there with the hood open, because you can't see the car as a whole. I like to absorb the beauty of the exterior. Opening the hood, IMO, takes away from the completeness and the clean, stylish look of the car. But I guess that's why I've never been too into car shows

ffrcobra_65 · 07-16-2009, 11:45 AM

Rope around the car is overkill and will get you more unpleasant looks that anything. It is just a Camaro after-all, no offense. Bring a few micro-fiber wipes, quick detailer, armor all, etc. In warm weather, wear a hat or bring an umbrella. Bring a folding chair, plenty of water, snack, etc.

I go to a lot of car shows. I never leave the doors or trunk open and I don't leave my car unattended at any time! Too many ignorant people out there.

One thing you do not want to do is leave the car unattended. You do want to put several signs that say "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH". If this is a car enthusiasts car show, most people there know the un-written rules and will respect and watch out for your car. Otherwise, pay specially alert when kids are around, some will come running up to your car! Kids are kids. Some will touch, lean, poke at their reflection on the car, etc. Some parents are no better since they don't understand the "car" and "pride and joy" stuff we have in us.

If there are tourist type people, pay close attention to them. They think it is ok to touch, lean, sit in the car while posing for a picture.

Have fun! Don't let anyone's negative remarks or opinions upset you. Trust me, there will be at least a couple of morons who will say or whisper something stupid about your car, GM, Chevy, etc. On the flip-side, don't act a fool or aloof either. Smile and be ready to answer questions, and thank people for asking them etc. Don't expect to win. If you win something, great. Go to have fun, show your car, meet people and fellow car guys.

07-16-2009, 11:05 AM	#3
rolnslo Rolling along... Drives: 2011 2SS/RS SGM Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 4,380 View My Garage	Most people will not sit in cars at shows unless they ask the owner first. This isn't a car dealership. From experiences with my '56 Chevy, leave the windows down and the doors closed. If you want to prop the door open, then use something like a metal rod that is firmly attached. This will work better than a string and will keep the door from being closed by a passer-by. If you don't mind people sitting in your car, stay nearby and offer to let only the really interested people sit in it. __________________ 2011 2SS/RS Synergy Green A6

07-16-2009, 11:30 AM	#10
nards444 Drives: 1SS/RS Black Join Date: May 2009 Location: New york Posts: 2,123 View My Garage	fencing it off would be over the top. Just leave windows down and doors closed. if you want put a sign somewhere saying please dont touch. most people that goes to these are pretty good, but you will still have some kids and that guy that are jacks. if you leave lock doors and close windows. I would bring a rag and detailer for that guy that decides to touch it __________________ 2010 1SS/RS Black, CGM stripes, polished Rims, Tinted windows, Hurst shifter

07-16-2009, 11:34 AM	#11
caverman Drives: '69 SS Convertible Join Date: May 2009 Location: DFW, TX Posts: 7,111	I personally wouldn't leave my doors open. You'll have every teenager/small kid with sticky hands and a coke trying to sit in your car when you aren't looking. Even with the door shut and windows down you take a chance and having some kid try to sit in it. I've actually witnessed someone sitting in my friends car at a large indoor car show (Dallas Autorama). Grant it he didn't have it roped off but still you would think people would be smart enough to know it's not a dealership and you shouldn't just open up a car and sit in it. I'm assuming this is probably a local outdoor car show at some Sonic or something. In that case most people don't rope off their cars (not to say that you can't). I would plan on bringing a couple of chairs and parking your butt in front of your car so you can keep and eye on it and keep peoples sticky hands off. You'll probaby be there talking to people all night anyway. Then you'll be able to make the decision if you feel like the person you are talking to is competent enough to sit in it. Just remember, if someone scratches it or hurts it you'll probably have to pay for the damage yourself. Also, if you let one person sit in it you'll probaby have to let multiple people sit in it. I would bring a couple chairs, a baseball bat, and a trunk monkey. For the average person it's "Look but don't touch". __________________ *-2010 Camaro* 2SS \| M6 \| VR w/White Stripes \| 1 3/4" KOOKS - 3" Magnaflow \| LPE 3.91 gears \| ADM tuned \| Halltech w/ADM Scoop \| Spohn/BMR Trailing Arm/Toe Rod \| BC Coilovers\| Pedders FE4 ZL1 swaybars \| Cradle/Diff/Radius Rod bushings \| VMax TB \| Morimoto Projectors \| MGW shifter \| Red Calipers Build Journal

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07-16-2009, 11:00 AM	#1
Sean_W Drives: 2010 IOM SS/RS Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: St. Louis, MO Posts: 659	First car show(s) for my Camaro this weekend. Advise? Hello, I finally have a chance to show her off in a car show setting this weekend. Just looking for any pointers that might help out. The biggest question I've been ponding is do I leave the door open and let people sit in it? Is it normal to do this, or would I be better to leave the door closed with the window down. What about leaving the door open, but have a string tied in front of the seat to avoid sitters? Just not sure. Is there anything else that can come up during a show that I may not know about? I'll take any suggestions or comments you might have. __________________ Sean W 2SS/RS Inferno Orange Metalic & Cyber Grey Stripes My Homepage http://titanic-model.com

07-16-2009, 11:02 AM	#2
2010SLVRBULIT Drives: G5(LLT) & C6(LS3) Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: MARS Posts: 7,527 View My Garage	chain/rope off around the car, leaving windows down, hood/trunk open for on-lookers..

07-16-2009, 11:06 AM	#4
topgun1 Drives: 10 SIM 2SS/RS LS3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: Winston-Salem, NC Posts: 1,940 View My Garage	nope, do not let anyone sit in it, leave the doors closed. Car shows do not usually have people sitting in the owners' cars. Put a sign on it that says "please do not touch or I will kill you", well at least "please do not touch". Yes, windows down, hood (and trunk optional) open. __________________ 5th Gen Camaros of the Carolinas SIM, 2SS/RS LS3 5/7/11 453.9 RWHP 427.5 RWTQ VMS Stage 2.5 Comp Cams kit, Cold Air Inductions intake, ADM race scoop, DT 1 3/4" headers, Solo cats, 3" Magnaflow catback, Pypes cutouts, HP tune, H&R SuperSport springs, Eibach sways/spacers, TexasSpeed UD pulley, LSR tensioner pulley, Barton shifter, skip shift eliminator, powder-coated calipers, R1 concept rotors, StopTech pads, Granatelli wires, Lloyds mats, tint, AAC afterburner taillamps, AAC scanner/sidemarkers, SRP pedals, custom engine cover, black bowties, Ridergraphix hood spears....

07-16-2009, 11:22 AM	#6
Treadstone Drives: Z51 BABY! Join Date: May 2009 Location: LSFREE~!!!!! Posts: 787	Yea, do not let anyone sit in your car. Speaking on experience, you don't know what people have in their pockets. I've seen a dude sit in a ferrari who had his keys in his back pants pockets. He sat in it, the keys went through his jeans and punctured the ferrari leather Just don't take that chance, b/c I doubt they would be interested in paying for a new seat.

07-16-2009, 11:24 AM	#7
JJ#48Racing Drives: 1998 Camaro SS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Lancaster, CA Posts: 1,115	Doors closed, windows open, hood open. Don't use ropes around the car. Don't let just anyone sit in it. When you get there, just follow suit with what the other owners are doing.

07-16-2009, 11:25 AM	#8
Treadstone Drives: Z51 BABY! Join Date: May 2009 Location: LSFREE~!!!!! Posts: 787	Don't let other sit in it. They could have their keys in their pant pockets, sit in it and puncture your leather. I've seen it. And I doubt they have the $$ or are willing to pay for the new seat. I wouldn't fence it off, it's just a Camaro. It's not like an unveiling or anything. Just wash and wax your car, and get a chair and a drink and chill sitting next to it. Tell us how it turns out.

07-16-2009, 11:27 AM	#9
oldag92 Drives: 2010 2LT/RS - SIM Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Hurst, Tx Posts: 60 View My Garage	I'm putting mine in its first show this weekend as well. Any thoughts on how to "dress up" the engine compartment (I have a 2LT/RS) temporarily for this show? I want to get my engine cover painted, and add a fusebox cover, etc later, but no time to get all that stuff by Saturday.

07-16-2009, 11:36 AM	#12
RAdams Car Guy Drives: '08 Mustang GT, '01 Isuzu VehiCROSS Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Oklahoma City Posts: 441	Rule #1 at Car Shows: Look with your eyes, not with your hands! Keep it locked.

07-16-2009, 11:40 AM	#13
DDustiNN Drives: Cars Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 1,986	I know there are people that always want you to "pop the hood" but honestly, this drives me nuts. Maybe because I'm not really a "car guy" or something, I dunno, but staring at an engine just doesn't do anything for me. I hate when cars are just sitting there with the hood open, because you can't see the car as a whole. I like to absorb the beauty of the exterior. Opening the hood, IMO, takes away from the completeness and the clean, stylish look of the car. But I guess that's why I've never been too into car shows

07-16-2009, 11:45 AM	#14
ffrcobra_65 Account Suspended Drives: SuperCharged 2SS/RS IOM MN6 Join Date: May 2009 Location: CA Posts: 5,094	Rope around the car is overkill and will get you more unpleasant looks that anything. It is just a Camaro after-all, no offense. Bring a few micro-fiber wipes, quick detailer, armor all, etc. In warm weather, wear a hat or bring an umbrella. Bring a folding chair, plenty of water, snack, etc. I go to a lot of car shows. I never leave the doors or trunk open and I don't leave my car unattended at any time! Too many ignorant people out there. One thing you do not want to do is leave the car unattended. You do want to put several signs that say "PLEASE DO NOT TOUCH". If this is a car enthusiasts car show, most people there know the un-written rules and will respect and watch out for your car. Otherwise, pay specially alert when kids are around, some will come running up to your car! Kids are kids. Some will touch, lean, poke at their reflection on the car, etc. Some parents are no better since they don't understand the "car" and "pride and joy" stuff we have in us. If there are tourist type people, pay close attention to them. They think it is ok to touch, lean, sit in the car while posing for a picture. Have fun! Don't let anyone's negative remarks or opinions upset you. Trust me, there will be at least a couple of morons who will say or whisper something stupid about your car, GM, Chevy, etc. On the flip-side, don't act a fool or aloof either. Smile and be ready to answer questions, and thank people for asking them etc. Don't expect to win. If you win something, great. Go to have fun, show your car, meet people and fellow car guys.