Thoughts on showing an "unfinished" car?

[69bronzeT5]

Has anybody here ever taken an unfinished or project car to a show before and what kind of response did you get? I'm thinking about entering my Duster into some shows this summer but it's less than perfect. It has some bubble rust on the quarters and you can see some of the original gold paint around the emblems and taillights. It has some chrome peel on the bottom part of the front bumper. Another question, I can clean up my engine and make it nice but the engine compartment is still gold. Any thoughts? Should I open my hood up at shows?

[captnsim]

I'd show it...  What do you have to lose. Just don't get mad at the boneheads that will put their  in. Paint under the hood black. 

[69bronzeT5]

I'd show it...  What do you have to lose. Just don't get mad at the boneheads that will put their  in. Paint under the hood black. 

Well, I was talking to the show organizer (since I'm also joining the Vancouver Mopar Club) and he said they added a Young Gun class last year for Young Gun's and their cars. Only one person entered into the class and ended up being disqualified because they tried to pass off their dad's car as their own. So I'll probally be the only person entered into that class. I was thinking about painting the engine compartment black but I sure would get a lot of slack for it.

[captnsim]

Just repaint it when you paint the car...

[mauve66]

1. you'll enjoy going more
2. might find someone interesting doing things similar to you
3. most shows have a non-judged catagory
4. you get an entry ticket with the fee to show the car anyway
5. you don't have to walk from the parking lot 1 mile away
6. i always though a car show was about getting the car out there, not exactly seeing perfect cars (i used to think that and it kept me from enjoying the car i had, now that i've spent so many years trying to get it"perfect" i wish i had just done it a piece at a time and enjoyed it for the past 16 years)

i can't even find a pic of the 1 show i did take her too 4 years ago or so, then 2-3 years ago i took her to the car corral but wasn't even running then

[BigBlockSam]

i like seeing cars " under construction"  at shows .  sometimes there's a catergory for that at the show . Rene

[A383Wing]

Quit spending all your time on here and finish the car! You would be surprised at how much you can get done without yer ass sitting in front of the computer all the time. 

[mauve66]

yadda yadda yadda Bryan

i still haven't put the turn signals back in yet

[69bronzeT5]

Quit spending all your time on here and finish the car! You would be surprised at how much you can get done without yer ass sitting in front of the computer all the time. 

The Charger isn't even close....the Duster is though

[skip68]

Hell ya Cody.  Take that bad boy.  I felt the same way until lately.  I just say it's a toy and I don't care what it looks like now.  It's just a toy to me.  So have some fun with it. 

[FLG]

I would cody 

I plan on showing my charger this year...weather it has primer on it or even an interior for that matter i dont care. I love seeing cars under construction...as long as there doing the thing correctly and not making some abomination like BK did. It really shows some peoples talents.

[histoy]

I'd take it and show it.  You may get some expert tips on how to complete some of the projects.   I've been to several shows where they have a class for project, or unfinished cars.  In fact some shows have awarded the unfinished class winner with a trophy that is in pieces, so that the winner will have to assemble it when he gets time...lol

[ac_knight]

I say do it.  I did this past year.  I labled it a work in progress.  I got a great response, but I was the only 2nd Gen Charger there.  You wouldn't believe how many people wanted to just sit and chat about my plans for the car.  I met alot of interesting people, and got a great response.  Trust me people love seeing cars that are drivers or works in progress.  Leaves a little to the imagination.  

[WingCharger]

Take it dude!
Mount a hitch on it and tow your Charger too.

A black engine compartment was a Chevy thing I thought.

[Troy]

Take it - I've never had a "finished car" in a show (including Carlisle and Monster Mopar). Hmmmm, I've never actually had a "finished car" so I wouldn't know what that's like any way. Maybe this year?

Troy

[squeakfinder]

I'd go. There's aways something to be done to a car no matter how "finished" they look. And now that I think of it, most car gatherings that I've been to have had some vehicles that were pretty rough. I like looking at those just as much as the trailer queens. You'll no doubt learn a thing or two talking to the other car owners. 

[69bronzeT5]

I'm going to clean it up as much as possible before summer. New carpet, new headliner, new wheels, get the missing fender trim, paint the primer spot etc.

[squeakfinder]

This reminds me, about two years ago I went to a swap meet in Canby,OR. There were cars for sale but not many Mopars. Within 15 minute's of the gate opening a Hang 10 Duster sold.

[Red Ram]

Clean it up, drive it until the wheels fall off while you're devoting your time and cash to the Charger. 

[Chad L. Magee]

Cody- I agree you should show the car for the fun of it.   You really have nothing to lose except the entrance fee and a few hours that it is in the show.  It will give you a chance to talk with more gearheads about cars, projects and etc., so it will be a learning experience at least.  Just ignore the people who try to dog you about the condition/type of car, as they always show up at shows.  Sometimes, the best place to find another project car is to bring one to a show and talk shop with other owners.....

[mikesbbody]

Cody, is there such thing as a "finished" car? there's always something to do  i agree with the guy's take it I have seen much rougher car's than your duster at show's  remember everyone there is a car guy (or gal) only the a....s will comment on things i.e non numbers matching radiator hose's etc take it and have some fun 

[mauve66]

only the a....s will comment on things i.e non numbers matching radiator hose's etc:2thumbs:

then you can do this

[Rallye]

Show it... Here's a picture from one of last year's shows.  I took my "unfinished" Rallye.  There were actually a lot of entries in the "under construction / unfinished" class.  Everyone seemed very interested in each other's cars and what they were working on.  Go ahead, take it to the show and have some fun...

[bull]

I've seen hundreds of perfect show cars. I'm must more interested when I see something that's a little beat up or a work in progress.

[BigBlockSam]

I've seen hundreds of perfect show cars. I'm must more interested when I see something that's a little beat up or a work in progress.

      well said Bull