Show'n'shine?

Just for the sake of discussion -- our local show'n'shine is approaching and I was thinking of entering the TC. it's mostly for the classics -- but there is a section for 'newer' model cars.

Anyone ever done one of these shows with their TC? I thought it would be fun -- there isn't another TC in our town here, so it's kind of a rare car that way.

I don't know the first thing about how show'n'shine's work.. so if anyone has any insight/advice, do let me know. It's not a competitive thing.. but it'd be cool to know the 'etiquette' of these kinds of gatherings. And to hear other people's experiences at them.

I've always liked the idea of going to other types of shows too.. how fancy do you have to get with the state of your car's repair to not get laughed out of those ones? My car is in great shape for a TC (117,000km, perfect body, "ok" paint). Not concours though.

Anyway, I thought this local show would be fun to start. People often ask me 'what that is'.

Me and my buddy used to bring our TC's to the car shows all the time.You would be surprised the attention they get and talking to all the "know it all" guys that swear TC's were the fastest cars on the road back then,I usally never disagree with that even though I know the evil truth

Hey, Unc,
The car shows that I have seen are for the local car clubs and they seem to be run by gearheads that have cars in various stages of rebuild. I do not think you would be embarrased in any way. If they do treat you bad then you did not want to associate with them any way.

There should be a local club that sponsors it and you should get in contact with them and try to meet them before hand if possible. If not, they should provide a set of rules, etc.

I went to one in Bartlesville, OK and there was a 86 with an 87 hood. This was the first one I have seen at a show and it looked nice setting with the older and some newer cars.

I vote for going and having fun. You have a car to be proud of and most people will see the passion and understand and give you the respect that every gearhead deserves.

My TC has been used almost exclusively as a show car for the last 4 years so I can possibly shed some light on the subject. First off, when you enter shows, whether it be an "Open" show or a Ford orienated show you will probably be the only TC in the show unless you live in an area that is populated by TC's or it's a Thunderbird Show. Don't ever be worried about being embarassed at a show. From your description of your car you should do quite well. I did a show two weeks ago (All Ford Show) where a guy rolled up in a 2001 Ford pick up with mud on the rear quarters and nothing unique about it and he just wiped it off and was content. Just do the usual cleaning that you would normally do and put it in the show (or any other show for that matter). As a rule, they have a standard procedure where they assess the interior, the exterior, trunk, engine compartment, and sometimes the chassis. I think you will be amazed at how well you do and how much more confidence you will have after the first one.
Gary S