first car show and won first place (by accident, need advice) story & pics

[Old Moparz]

The last time I saw a full sized Bronco that wasn't all rotted out was...... 

[bill440rt]

Don't let the car show judge get under your skin, it's no big deal. Look at all the criticism that flies around this forum as well as others when someone posts photos of a car that's rough, not stock or whatever it is. People get too caught up in the details of things & forget to have a good time. I'm not saying a judged car show is bad, some want to compete, it's human nature. Just go & do what you intended to do, hang out with your uncles & have fun.

Car clubs are no different than any other organization or group that has members. There will be differences of opinion of how it should be run, how the classes & awards are set up, etc., so there will always be some kind of conflict. I was part of two Mopar clubs in the early 80's, one a local club, & the other an international. I hadn't planned on joining but "needed to" because of all the Chebbies & Ferds that surrounded me. I could never find any Mopars until I found these clubs & went to some of their shows & meets.

Both had their share of problems, but just going to a show & seeing a bunch of Mopars gathered in one spot instead of being outnumbered by 284 Mustangs & Camaros & five 90 year old guys with a Model T's was great.  

Looks like a nice gathering & everyone had a good time.
I agree with what Bob & others have posted. I don't go expecting too much regarding these local small shows. Most times, just get out, have fun, drive the car & socialize. Many "judges" at these small events don't really judge cars anyway, they just pick who they like or who they are friends with. Their opinions don't really hold too much weight then in my book.
What Bob described above is also a prime example why I haven't joined any car clubs. There are multiple clubs in my area to pick from as well, ranging from general clubs to brand-specific. Too many politics, too many expectations, etc. I attended a smaller judged show this year run by a club while although it was a very good show, it could have been organized better & especially by class. Modified cars in the stock class & vice-versa. Cars being moved around class to class, etc. Politics surrounding the club, etc. No thanks.
Just go, have fun. If it really bothers you about the trophy then talk to someone. Otherwise, keep it as a remembrance of the day hanging out with your uncles.  
 

[JB400]

One still having paint is rare enough, let alone one that's not rusted.

[Ghoste]

Which must be why it has all of those trophies. 

[RJS]

I was in one car club in my life and although it is not really my thing it was run very well. All club cars weren't judged at any show we put on. That is the only fair way to run a show. It didn't stop some members from bitching but people always find fault in any set of rules.
Car shows can be a fun day and at times a not so fun day when you meet up with self proclaimed know it all's.
Make the best of it and don't worry about trophies, they are just pieces of plastic anyway.
Ron

[myk]

The real trophy, the real prize is the car itself and the people and the times you share it with.  Anything else is just for the sake of stroking a man's ego and quite frankly I'm too old and tired to worry about that high school stuff anymore...

[Moparman01]

I can relate to your story Luke. Years ago I took General Lee to a local show, fairly big show with 200 or so cars, and the General won Best of Show! Now let me explain, other than the General Lee paint scheme my car is FAR from a show car and very far from a best of show winner. I've done a lot of work to the car but have not done any body work to yet, there are plenty of rust bubbles here and there and quarters were replaced on the car at some point in its life and done very poorly, she's got some waves. It's a 50 footer driver car with a healthy 440. When they called my name for best of show I was so embarrassed I almost didn't go up to accept the trophy. At the same time, one of my good buddies had just finished a beautiful candy apple red total resto mod build of his 56 Ford with a Corbra Jet and a 4-speed, his car was much more deserving of the Best of Show award, I tried to give trophy to him but he wouldn't take it lol. I asked some of the people running the show how i won and they simply said "cuz it's the General Lee!". Unfortunately I've won other shows with the General too for the same reason, so I've pretty much stopped taking General Lee to any judged shows anymore. I guess the moral of the story is like every one else is saying, don't put much stock in the small local shows , not to put anybody's car down by any means but the trophies just don't mean much. The local shows are just about getting out and hanging with buddies and maybe seeing some different cars than usual in the area. I prefer cruise nights much more over judged car shows myself, no trophies or judging, come and go as you please and run what ya brung!

[wingcar]

Don't worry about it; as long as you had a good time at the show....that's all that really mattered.   If all you do is chase trophies at car shows you will never really enjoy them...and then what's the point in attending?  I have a collection of trophies and while it is always great to be recognized for all your hard work...I have found that talking to other owners and making friends is way better than any trophy.  Plus, no madder how hard the show organizers try, someone will leave with hurt feeling because they didn't win.  My Challenger has just enough mods, that I am always put into the modified class with guys that have thousands of dollars worth of paint, and engine work (superchargers, etc.).  Is it fair...I don't think so, but on the other hand would it be fair to those in the stock class to allow my car to compete with them?  See what I mean....no matter which way they go, someone would be unhappy.   I just go to enjoy the show and never expect a trophy...that way when I place it makes it that much better.... 
(Besides trophies just collect dust....go to shows to collect memories...)